feature-request-context-tracking.mdā¢4.33 kB
# Feature Request: Context Usage Tracking for Claude Desktop
**Date**: June 27, 2025
**Requestor**: User via EuConquisto Composer MCP project
**Category**: Session Management Enhancement
## Problem Statement
During complex research and analysis sessions, Claude Desktop lacks visibility into context/token usage, leading to:
- **Mid-session interruptions** during critical research phases
- **Inefficient session planning** without usage awareness
- **Suboptimal task distribution** between Claude Desktop and Claude Code
- **Lost momentum** when context limits are reached unexpectedly
## Proposed Feature
### **Context Usage Indicator**
Similar to Claude Code's feature: `"Context left until auto-compact: 22%"`
**Display Format Options**:
```
Option 1: "Context remaining: 78% (estimated 15-20 more exchanges)"
Option 2: "š¢ Context: 78% available"
Option 3: "Tokens used: 22% | Remaining: ~2,500 tokens"
```
### **Strategic Benefits**
#### **Session Planning**
- **Pre-research assessment**: "Can I complete Phase 1 research in this session?"
- **Task prioritization**: Focus on high-value analysis when context is abundant
- **Natural break points**: Plan session transitions at optimal moments
#### **Claude Desktop + Claude Code Coordination**
- **Handoff timing**: Transfer complex implementation when Desktop context is low
- **Work distribution**: Desktop focuses on analysis, Code handles token-heavy implementation
- **Project continuity**: Better context preservation across coordinated sessions
#### **Quality Improvement**
- **Deep analysis enablement**: Confidence to pursue thorough research
- **Resource allocation**: Spend context on highest-impact activities
- **Interruption prevention**: Avoid mid-analysis context exhaustion
## Use Case Example: EuConquisto Project
**Without Context Tracking** (Current):
- Started comprehensive Phase 1 research
- Uncertain if enough context remains for API endpoint testing
- Risk of interruption during critical JWT analysis
- Forced to migrate to new session preemptively
**With Context Tracking** (Proposed):
```
Context remaining: 45% (estimated 8-12 exchanges)
ā
Sufficient for: JWT analysis completion + API endpoint discovery
ā Insufficient for: Full implementation task creation
š Plan: Complete research, create handoff documentation
```
## Implementation Considerations
### **User Experience**
- **Non-intrusive display**: Subtle indicator, not overwhelming
- **Contextual visibility**: Show when relevant (research phases, complex tasks)
- **Threshold warnings**: Alert at 25%, 15%, 5% remaining
### **Accuracy Challenges**
- **Variable token usage**: Different tasks consume different amounts
- **Model uncertainty**: Exact token counting may be complex
- **Estimation approach**: Provide ranges rather than precise numbers
## Business Value
### **For Individual Users**
- **Improved productivity**: Better session planning and task completion
- **Reduced frustration**: Fewer unexpected interruptions
- **Enhanced planning**: Strategic approach to complex projects
### **For Claude Desktop Ecosystem**
- **Better resource utilization**: More efficient context usage
- **Improved coordination**: Enhanced Claude Desktop + Claude Code workflows
- **User satisfaction**: More predictable and manageable sessions
## Priority Assessment
**High Priority** for users engaged in:
- **Complex research projects** (like EuConquisto analysis)
- **Multi-phase implementations** requiring session coordination
- **Technical analysis** with unpredictable token consumption
- **Documentation-heavy workflows** with many file operations
## Alternative Solutions
If full context tracking is technically challenging:
1. **Rough indicators**: "Early session" | "Mid session" | "Late session"
2. **Warning system**: Alert only when approaching limits
3. **Manual estimation**: User-initiated context check command
4. **Session analytics**: Post-session usage reports for planning
## Conclusion
Context usage tracking would significantly improve Claude Desktop's utility for complex, multi-session projects. The EuConquisto Composer MCP project exemplifies the need for better session planning tools.
**Recommendation**: Implement basic context remaining percentage with threshold warnings as a high-value user experience enhancement.