L5: Context collapse via read-time projection

Replaces the value field of all ContentToolResult objects in the conversation with a short summary, collapsing large tool outputs without dropping turns. Unlike L1 (which uses a fixed placeholder), this uses the first max_chars characters plus a token estimate notice.

Usage

context_collapse(chat, max_chars = 200L)

Arguments

chat

An ellmer::Chat object.

max_chars

Integer. Max characters to retain per tool result.

Value

Invisibly NULL.

Details

Called when token count is critically high and L3 full compaction has already been attempted (or failed). This is the lightest non-destructive option before L4 drop.