setup-memory

Setup JSON Memory

Initialize a structured JSON memory system for persistent agent state.

Step 1: Ask Configuration

Use AskUserQuestion:

Question 1: "What type of agent is this memory for?"

• Options:
  • "Business assistant" - Profile, entities, tasks focus
  • "Personal assistant" - Preferences, reminders focus
  • "Technical agent" - Context, project tracking focus
  • "General purpose (Recommended)" - All sections

Question 2: "Should the memory track action history?"

• Options:
  • "Yes (Recommended)" - Creates action_log.txt
  • "No" - Memory only, no action log

Step 2: Create Directory Structure

mkdir -p memory

Step 3: Create Memory Index

Write memory/memory_index.json:

{
  "metadata": {
    "schema_version": "1.0",
    "created": "[ISO timestamp]",
    "last_updated": "[ISO timestamp]",
    "total_interactions": 0
  },
  "profile": {
    "name": null,
    "role": null,
    "context": null
  },
  "preferences": {
    "communication_style": null,
    "tools": []
  },
  "memory": {
    "key_facts": [],
    "decisions": [],
    "project_overviews": []
  },
  "context": {
    "active_topics": [],
    "recent_work": [],
    "scratchpad": null
  },
  "entities": [],
  "tasks": {
    "active": [],
    "completed": []
  },
  "custom": {}
}

Step 4: Create Action Log (if enabled)

Write memory/action_log.txt:

# Action Log
# Format: YYYY-MM-DD HH:MM:SS - Action description
# Newest entries at top

[ISO timestamp] - Memory system initialized

Step 5: Create Memory Map

Write memory/memory_map.yaml:

# Memory System Map
# High-signal index of memory components

memory_index:
  path: memory/memory_index.json
  load: selective  # Use jq queries, not full load
  sections:
    - profile
    - preferences
    - context
    - entities

action_log:
  path: memory/action_log.txt
  load_lines: 50  # Most recent entries

custom_files: []

Step 6: Update CLAUDE.md

Add memory configuration:

## Memory System

JSON-based persistent memory in `memory/` folder.

### Loading Memory
Use `/load-memory` to load context at session start.
Load selectively - don't read entire memory_index.json.

### Updating Memory
Use `/memory-jq` for efficient field updates.
Use `/update-memory` after significant changes.

### Memory Sections
- `profile` - User/agent identity
- `preferences` - Settings and styles
- `memory.key_facts` - Important facts to remember
- `context` - Current work state
- `entities` - People, projects, orgs
- `tasks` - Active and completed items

### Action Log
`memory/action_log.txt` - Reverse chronological action history.
Newest entries at top. Load last 50 lines for context.