Add "lessons/sprints/cache-clearing-breaks-mcp-tools-mid-session"

2026-01-24 17:59:24 +00:00
parent 24bd1c8073
commit 1da32547e1

@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
## Context
During plugin development, following CLAUDE.md instructions to clear the plugin cache mid-session caused all MCP tools to fail with TLS certificate errors.
- Command attempted: `rm -rf ~/.claude/plugins/cache/leo-claude-mktplace/`
- Error: `Could not find a suitable TLS CA certificate bundle, invalid path: .../certifi/cacert.pem`
## Problem
The CLAUDE.md mandatory rule instructed clearing the cache after plugin updates, but this is destructive mid-session because:
1. MCP tools load with **absolute paths** to the venv at session start
2. Cache contains the venv with TLS certificates (certifi package)
3. Deleting the cache removes the venv, but the session still references the old paths
4. Any HTTP-based MCP tool fails with certificate errors
## Solution
Updated documentation to prevent this scenario:
- **CLAUDE.md**: Replaced "ALWAYS CLEAR CACHE" rule with "VERIFY AND RESTART"
- **verify-hooks.sh**: Changed cache existence from error to informational message
- **DEBUGGING-CHECKLIST.md**: Added section "Cache Clearing: When It's Safe vs Destructive"
Key insight: Session restart is required for plugin changes, not cache clearing.
## Prevention
1. **Never clear plugin cache during an active session**
2. Cache clearing is only safe **before** starting a new session
3. For plugin changes mid-session: inform user to restart Claude Code
4. verify-hooks.sh no longer treats cache existence as a failure
## Related
- Issues: #145, #144
- Branch: `fix/issue-145-cache-clear-instructions`
- Files modified: CLAUDE.md, scripts/verify-hooks.sh, docs/DEBUGGING-CHECKLIST.md
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**Tags:** mcp, cache, session, bug-fix, documentation, venv, tls