Using Forgetful Memory

Forgetful is a semantic memory system using Zettelkasten (atomic note) principles. This skill guides effective memory usage.

When to Query Memory

Query memory proactively when:

• Starting work on a project (check for existing context)
• User references past work, decisions, or discussions
• Encountering a problem that may have been solved before
• Implementing patterns that may already be documented
• Needing context about preferences or approaches

Use execute_forgetful_tool("query_memory", {...}) with:

• query: Natural language search terms
• query_context: Why you're searching (improves ranking)
• include_links: true (to see connected knowledge)

Getting Recent Memories for a Project

To see what's been recorded recently for a specific project:

execute_forgetful_tool("get_recent_memories", {
  "limit": 10,
  "project_ids": [PROJECT_ID]
})

This is useful when:

• Starting a session on a project you haven't worked on recently
• Reviewing what was captured in previous conversations
• Getting a quick overview of project knowledge

When to Create Memory

Create memories for knowledge worth preserving:

• Important decisions with rationale (importance 8-9)
• Technical patterns or approaches (importance 7-8)
• Architectural choices (importance 9-10)
• Preferences and workflows (importance 8-9)
• Project milestones (importance 6-7)
• Solutions to non-trivial problems (importance 7-8)

Do NOT create memories for:

• Temporary context (current file paths, transient issues)
• Common knowledge available elsewhere
• Trivial or throwaway information
• Content that changes frequently

Atomic Memory Principles

Each memory must pass the atomicity test:

1. Can you understand it at first glance?
2. Can you title it in 5-50 words?
3. Does it represent ONE concept/fact/decision?

Constraints

Importance Scoring

Project Discovery

Before creating memories, find the correct project:

1. Get current repo - Check the git remote:

   bashCopy

   git remote get-url origin
   

   Extract the repo identifier (e.g., ScottRBK/forgetful-plugin)

2. Search by repo - Filter projects directly:

   javascriptCopy

   execute_forgetful_tool("list_projects", {"repo_name": "owner/repo"})
   

3. Use the project_id - Never assume project 1 - always discover first

If no project exists for the current repo:

• Ask user if they want to create one (with repo_name set)
• Or scope the memory without a project_id (global memory)

Query Before Create

Always check for existing memories before creating:

execute_forgetful_tool("query_memory", {
  "query": "<topic of potential new memory>",
  "query_context": "Checking for existing memories before creating",
  "k": 5
})

If similar memory exists:

• Update it instead of creating duplicate
• Or mark it obsolete if superseded
• Or link new memory to existing one

Announcing Memory Operations

When creating a memory (importance >= 7), announce:

Saved to memory: "[title]"
   Tags: [tags]
   Related: [auto-linked memory titles]

When querying, summarize:

Found X memories about [topic]:
- [Memory 1]: [brief insight]
- [Memory 2]: [brief insight]

Content That's Too Long

If content exceeds 2000 chars:

1. Use create_document for full content
2. Extract 3-5 atomic memories as entry points
3. Link memories to document via document_ids

Example: Architecture overview (document) → separate memories for each layer/decision.

Triggers

When to Use

Use this skill when:

• Deciding whether to query or create a memory
• Structuring memory content for atomicity
• Choosing importance scores for new memories
• Understanding Forgetful tool parameters

Use curating-memories instead when:

• Updating or marking existing memories obsolete
• Building links between existing memories

Use exploring-knowledge-graph instead when:

• Traversing entity relationships across projects
• Answering "what do you know about X" questions

Process

1. Query existing memories before creating new ones
2. Follow atomic memory principles (one concept per memory)
3. Set appropriate importance scores based on longevity and impact
4. Link related memories for knowledge graph connectivity

Anti-Patterns

Verification

After memory operations:

• query_memory returns the new memory in results
• Memory has title under 200 chars
• Content is atomic (one concept per memory)
• Importance score matches scoring guide
• Project ID is correct for current repository

Tool Quick Reference

Common tools you can call directly via execute_forgetful_tool(tool_name, args):

Memory Tools

Project Tools

Entity Tools

Document & Code Artifact Tools

Full schemas: See TOOL_REFERENCE.md for complete parameter details and examples.