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Checkpoints and /rollback

Checkpoints and /rollback

Beginner to advanced12 minutes3 questions2026-08-09
The idea in one minute

Start with meaning, then move to detail.

This lesson explains Checkpoints and /rollback as part of using Hermes and understanding its behavior. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.

If you are new

If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?

For hands-on use

For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.

For specialists

For advanced readers, inspect What Triggers a Checkpoint, Quick Reference, How Checkpoints Work, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.

What do you need first?

Start with installation if you have not run Hermes yet.

What will you know?

A clear outcome before you read.

  • Understand Checkpoints and /rollback without assumed prior knowledge.
  • Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
  • Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Official page description

Filesystem safety nets for destructive operations using shadow git repos and automatic snapshots

Topic map

What does the source say, and in what order?

  1. 01
    What Triggers a Checkpoint

    Start here to understand the core idea or structure.

  2. 02
    Quick Reference

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  3. 03
    How Checkpoints Work

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  4. 04
    Configuration

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  5. 05
    Listing Checkpoints

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  6. 06
    Inspecting the Store from the Shell

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  7. 07
    Previewing Changes with /rollback diff

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  8. 08
    Restoring with /rollback

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  9. 09
    Single-File Restore

    Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.

  10. 10
    Safety and Performance Guards

    Finish here to verify the result and special cases.

Examples from the official page

Copy only after you understand the effect.

hermes chat --checkpoints
checkpoints: enabled: true
## Configuration Configure in `~/.hermes/config.yaml`:
Try it now

Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.

Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.

Knowledge check

Three decisions before completion.

1. What is the source of truth when “Checkpoints and /rollback” changes?
2. What is the best way to apply this lesson?
3. What should happen before a step can modify files or an external account?