[FEATURE] Per-query effort level with auto-revert

Resolved 💬 3 comments Opened Mar 19, 2026 by avetisk Closed May 24, 2026

Preflight Checklist

  • [x] I have searched existing requests and this feature hasn't been requested yet
  • [x] This is a single feature request (not multiple features)

Problem Statement

Summary

Add the ability to set effort level for a single query, automatically reverting to the previous level afterward.

Use case

When working in interactive mode at medium effort, occasionally a complex question needs high or max effort. Currently you must manually /effort high, ask the question, then
/effort medium — easy to forget the revert.

Proposed Solution

A syntax like:

  • /effort high --once — apply to next query only
  • claude --effort-once high — in -p mode
  • Or a keyboard shortcut that temporarily boosts effort for one turn

Alternative Solutions

  • Skills can't modify session settings
  • Hooks can't change effort programmatically
  • Manual toggle works but is error-prone

Priority

High - Significant impact on productivity

Feature Category

Interactive mode (TUI)

Use Case Example

  1. I have a question which requires high effort
  2. Then I move to lots of simple questions.
  3. I will waste a lot of time and tokens because I would have forgetten to switch back to low effort.

Additional Context

_No response_

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