---
status: resolved
claimed-by: "019fba91-eabf-76ae-b086-a37ac061d6e8"
claimed-at: "2026-08-01T00:07:30-04:00"
resolved-at: "2026-08-01T00:24:40-04:00"
parent: "[[057-pi-ui-customization-map]]"
blocked-by:
  - "[[058-pi-ui-tui-layout-research]]"
  - "[[059-pi-ui-context-token-data-research]]"
tags:
  - ticket/prototype/hitl
---

# Compact prompt status prototype

## Question

Build a throwaway Pi extension prototype that consolidates directory, branch, context-window usage, model, and thinking level into a compact status bar near the text prompt, then let the user judge whether the layout actually reduces dead space and feels better.

## Prototype

Throwaway extension path:

```text
~/.pi/agent/extensions/compact-status-prototype.ts
```

Run instructions:

1. Run `/reload` in Pi.
2. Inspect the one-line status widget above the prompt.
3. Run `/compact-status` to cycle modes:
   - above prompt with hidden footer
   - above prompt with tiny footer
   - off, restoring the built-in footer

Verdict: promising enough to carry forward the compact status style, especially `above-and-hidden-footer`, the colors, the thin bar, and the visual directory/branch treatment.
The remaining dead-space problem belongs to Pi's editor layout rather than this status widget prototype.

## Iteration notes

First feedback: the preferred mode is `above-and-hidden-footer`.
The `~/dotfiles:main` indicator felt boring.
The context bar felt too thick, and numeric token text beside it was unnecessary.
Second draft changes: the widget now uses a two-line above-prompt layout with a more visual cwd/branch indicator, a thin full-width context bar, no context numbers, and the footer hidden by default.
Second feedback: the visual style and colors are promising, but the remaining dead space below the prompt is the main problem.
The prompt box appears to move vertically, while the desired behavior is bottom anchoring with the editor growing upward.
Autocomplete suggestions should appear above the editor and may cover the status bar if needed.
This surfaced [[082-pi-ui-bottom-anchored-editor-research]].
That follow-up resolved that clean bottom anchoring needs a Pi TUI layout change rather than a durable extension-only status-widget trick.
