orient
one call returns the current cycle, what's in flight, and the recommended next action. Run it at the start of every session.
How to use it
orient is exposed by the Papi MCP server. Add the server to your MCP client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf and others), and the orient tool becomes available to the model automatically. See the full listing for setup details and every tool this server provides.
Install Papi
claude mcp add --transport http papi https://mcp.getpapi.ai/mcpOther tools in Papi (15)
record quick work done outside the cycle so it shows in project history.
change a task's status, cycle, priority, or notes.
read the project board and any task.
file a bug against the board.
start a task (creates a branch and handoff) and complete it (records the build report).
list the current cycle's tasks and their handoffs.
/ docsearch — register and find project reference docs.
capture a feature, bug, or research note into the backlog.
break goals into a cycle of right-sized tasks, each with a build handoff your assistant can execute directly.
/ projectswitch / projectcreate — manage multiple PAPI projects.
merge completed work and roll the cycle forward.
/ reviewsubmit — surface finished builds and record accept / request-changes / reject verdicts.
record an Active Decision, with supersede history.
step back every few cycles to check direction, not just velocity.
a periodic retrospective across many cycles.