ContextSlim Agent Output Compressor

Cut the tokens coding agents spend reading tool output

Problem

Coding agents burn large amounts of tokens reading command and tool output, raising costs and crowding the context window. One Show HN specifically built a tool to cut tokens spent on tool output, showing this waste is common in agent workflows. Another project counts excess code units added by AI models, reflecting broader sensitivity to AI workflow costs.

Solution

Add a local filter between the agent and the terminal that summarizes and deduplicates long logs, test output, and directory listings, sending only key lines to the model. Support per-tool rules and show tokens and dollars saved.

Users

Individual developers and small teams who use coding agents heavily and are sensitive to API costs.

MVP

Intercept terminal output; deduplicate lines and collapse repeated stacks; preserve errors and key results; per-tool rule configuration; display saved tokens and cost estimates.

Revenue

Open-source core with a hosted tier priced on savings share or monthly subscription; enterprise tier with shared team rule libraries.

Why now

Context cost for coding agents is a daily pain, and output compression is a pure engineering gap that avoids touching models.