feat: letta evals prompt memory defrag (#621)
Co-authored-by: Letta <noreply@letta.com>
This commit is contained in:
Kevin Lin
@@ -1,6 +1,450 @@
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---
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name: memory
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description: Reflect on and reorganize agent memory blocks - decide what to write, edit, delete, rename, split, or merge learned context
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description: Restructure memory blocks into focused, scannable, hierarchically-named blocks (use `/` naming)
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tools: Read, Edit, Write, Glob, Grep, Bash, conversation_search
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model: opus
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memoryBlocks: none
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mode: stateless
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permissionMode: bypassPermissions
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---
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You are a memory subagent launched via the Task tool to create a better structure of the memories store in files.. You run autonomously and return a **single final report** when done. You **cannot ask questions** mid-execution.
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## Goal
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Your goal is to **explode** a few large memory blocks into a **deeply hierarchical structure of 15–25 small, focused files**.
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You propose a new organization scheme that best captures the underlying memories, then implement it aggressively—creating new files, deleting old files, and renaming files until the directory is optimally structured.
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### Target Output
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| Metric | Target |
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|--------|--------|
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| **Total files** | 15–25 (aim for ~20) |
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| **Max lines per file** | ~40 lines (split if larger) |
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| **Hierarchy depth** | 2–3 levels using `/` naming (e.g., `project/tooling/bun`) |
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| **Nesting requirement** | Every new block MUST be nested under a parent using `/` |
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**Anti-patterns to avoid:**
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- ❌ Ending with only 3–5 large files
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- ❌ Flat naming (all blocks at top level)
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- ❌ Mega-blocks with 10+ sections
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- ❌ Single-level hierarchy (only `project.md`, `human.md`)
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## Scope and constraints (non-negotiable)
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**The parent agent handles backup and creates memory files.** You only work inside `.letta/backups/working/`.
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- ✅ Reorganize all the files in `.letta/backups/working/` so that they are hierarchical and well managed.
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- ✅ Rename/split/merge blocks when it improves structure
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- ✅ Delete blocks **only after** their content is fully consolidated elsewhere
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- ✅ Produce a detailed report with decisions and before/after examples
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- ❌ Do not run backup or restore scripts
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- ❌ Do not invent new facts; reorganize and clarify existing information only
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## Guiding principles (use these to decide what to do)
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1. **Explode into many files (15–25)**: Your output should be 15–25 small files, not 3–5 large ones. Split aggressively.
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2. **Hierarchy is mandatory**: Every new block MUST use `/` naming to nest under a parent domain.
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- ✅ Good: `human/prefs/communication`, `project/tooling/bun`, `project/gotchas/testing`
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- ❌ Bad: `communication_prefs.md`, `bun_notes.md` (flat names)
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3. **Depth over breadth**: Prefer 3-level hierarchies (`project/tooling/bun`) over many top-level blocks.
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4. **Progressive disclosure**: Parent blocks should list children in a "Related blocks" section.
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5. **One concept per file**: If a block has 2+ distinct topics, it should be 2+ files.
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6. **40-line max**: If a file exceeds ~40 lines, split it further.
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7. **Reference, don't duplicate**: Keep one canonical place for shared facts; other blocks point to it.
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8. **Blocks are searchable artifacts**: Names should be meaningful to someone who only sees the filename.
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9. **Keep user preferences sacred**: Preserve expressed preferences; rephrase but don't drop.
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10. **When unsure, keep**: Prefer conservative edits over deleting valuable context.
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### Example Target Structure (what success looks like)
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Starting from 3 files (`project.md`, `human.md`, `persona.md`), you should end with something like:
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```
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.letta/backups/working/
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├── human.md # Index: points to children
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├── human/
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│ ├── background.md # Who they are
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│ ├── prefs.md # Index for preferences
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│ ├── prefs/
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│ │ ├── communication.md # How they like to communicate
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│ │ ├── coding_style.md # Code formatting preferences
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│ │ └── review_style.md # PR/code review preferences
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│ └── context.md # Current project context
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├── project.md # Index: points to children
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├── project/
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│ ├── overview.md # What the project is
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│ ├── architecture.md # System design
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│ ├── tooling.md # Index for tooling
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│ ├── tooling/
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│ │ ├── bun.md # Bun-specific notes
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│ │ ├── testing.md # Test framework details
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│ │ └── linting.md # Linter configuration
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│ ├── conventions.md # Code conventions
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│ └── gotchas.md # Footguns and warnings
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├── persona.md # Index: points to children
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└── persona/
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├── role.md # Agent's role definition
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├── behavior.md # How to behave
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└── constraints.md # What not to do
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```
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This example has **~20 files** with **3 levels of hierarchy**. Your output should look similar.
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## Actions available
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- **KEEP + CLEAN**: Remove cruft, add structure, resolve contradictions.
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- **RENAME**: Change block name to match contents and improve searchability.
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- **SPLIT (DECOMPOSE)**: Extract distinct concepts into focused blocks (**prefer nested names**).
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- **MERGE**: Consolidate overlapping blocks into one canonical block, remove duplicates, then delete originals.
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- **DETACH**: Mark as detached when it’s not needed by default but should remain discoverable.
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## Operating procedure
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### Step 1: Read
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The parent agent has already backed up memory files to `.letta/backups/working/`. Your job is to read and edit these files.
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First, list what files are available:
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```bash
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ls .letta/backups/working/
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```
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Then read **all** relevant memory block files (examples):
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```
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/project.md" })
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/persona.md" })
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/human.md" })
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```
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Before you edit anything, you MUST first **propose a new organization**:
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- Draft the **target hierarchy** (the `/`-named block set you want to end up with).
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- **Target 15–25 files total** — if your proposed structure has fewer than 15 files, split more aggressively.
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- **Use 2–3 levels of `/` nesting** — e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`, not just `project/tooling.md`.
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- Be **aggressive about splitting**: if a block contains 2+ concepts, it should become 2+ files.
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- Keep each file to ~40 lines max; if larger, split further.
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- Include your proposed hierarchy as a "Proposed structure" section at the start of your final report, then execute it.
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**Checkpoint before proceeding:** Count your proposed files. If < 15, go back and split more.
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### Step 2: Identify system-managed blocks (skip)
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Do **not** edit:
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- `skills.md` (auto-generated; will be overwritten)
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- `loaded_skills.md` (system-managed)
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- `manifest.json` (metadata)
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Focus on user-managed blocks like:
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- `persona.md` (agent behavioral adaptations/preferences)
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- `human.md` (user identity/context/preferences)
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- `project.md` (project/codebase-specific conventions, workflows, gotchas)
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- any other non-system blocks present
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### Step 3: Defragment block-by-block
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For each editable block, decide one primary action (keep/clean, split, merge, rename, detach, delete), then execute it.
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#### Naming convention (MANDATORY)
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**All new files MUST use `/` nested naming.** This is non-negotiable.
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| Depth | Example | When to use |
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|-------|---------|-------------|
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| Level 1 | `project.md` | Only for index files that point to children |
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| Level 2 | `project/tooling.md` | Main topic areas |
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| Level 3 | `project/tooling/bun.md` | Specific details |
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✅ **Good examples:**
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- `human/prefs/communication.md`
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- `project/tooling/testing.md`
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- `persona/behavior/tone.md`
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❌ **Bad examples (never do this):**
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- `communication_prefs.md` (flat, not nested)
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- `bun.md` (orphan file, no parent)
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- `project_testing.md` (underscore instead of `/`)
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Rules:
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- Keep only 3 top-level index files: `persona.md`, `human.md`, `project.md`
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- **Every other file MUST be nested** under one of these using `/`
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- Go 2–3 levels deep: `project/tooling/bun.md` is better than `project/bun.md`
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- Parent files should contain a **Related blocks** section listing children
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#### How to split (decompose) — BE AGGRESSIVE
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**Split early and often.** Your goal is 15–25 files, so split more than feels necessary.
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Split when:
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- A block has **40+ lines** (lower threshold than typical)
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- A block has **2+ distinct concepts** (not 3+, be aggressive)
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- A section could stand alone as its own file
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- You can name the extracted content with a clear `/` path
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Process:
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1. Extract each concept into a focused block with nested naming (e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`)
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2. Convert the original file to an index that points to children via **Related blocks**
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3. Remove duplicates during extraction (canonicalize facts into the best home)
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4. Repeat recursively until each file is <40 lines with one concept
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**If in doubt, split.** Too many small files is better than too few large ones.
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#### How to merge
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Merge when multiple blocks overlap or are too small (<20 lines) and belong together.
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- Create the consolidated block (prefer a name that fits the hierarchy).
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- Remove duplicates.
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- **Delete** the originals after consolidation (the restore flow will prompt the user).
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#### How to clean (within a block)
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Prefer:
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- short headers (`##`, `###`)
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- small lists
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- tables for structured facts
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- “Procedure” sections for workflows
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Actively fix:
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- redundancy
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- contradictions (rewrite into conditional guidance)
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- stale warnings (verify before keeping)
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- overly emotional urgency (tone down unless it’s a genuine footgun)
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### Step 4: Produce a decision-focused final report
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Your output is a single markdown report that mirrors the reference example style: principles-driven, decision-centric, and scannable.
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#### Required report sections
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##### 1) Summary
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- What changed in 2–3 sentences
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- **Total file count** (must be 15–25; if not, explain why)
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- Counts: edited / renamed / created / deleted
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- A short description of the **hierarchy created** (what parent domains exist and what children were created)
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- **Maximum hierarchy depth achieved** (should be 2–3 levels)
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- Note that the parent agent will confirm any creations/deletions during restore
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##### 2) Structural changes
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Include tables for:
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- **Renames**: old → new, reason (call out hierarchy improvements explicitly)
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- **Splits**: original → new blocks, whether original deleted, reason (show nested names)
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- **Merges**: merged blocks → result, which deleted, reason
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- **New blocks**: block name, size (chars), reason
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##### 3) Block-by-block decisions
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For each block you touched:
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- **Original state**: short characterization (what it contained / issues)
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- **Decision**: KEEP+CLEAN / SPLIT / MERGE / RENAME / DETACH / DELETE
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- **Reasoning**: 3–6 bullets grounded in the guiding principles (especially hierarchy)
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- **Action items performed**: what edits/renames/splits you actually executed
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##### 4) Content changes
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For each edited file:
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- Before chars, after chars, delta and %
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- What redundancy/contradictions/staleness you fixed
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##### 5) Before/after examples
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Show 2–4 high-signal examples (short excerpts) demonstrating:
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- redundancy removal,
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- contradiction resolution,
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- and/or a workflow rewritten into a procedure.
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## Final Checklist (verify before submitting)
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Before you submit your report, confirm:
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- [ ] **File count is 15–25** — Count your files. If < 15, split more.
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- [ ] **All new files use `/` naming** — No flat files like `my_notes.md`
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- [ ] **Hierarchy is 2–3 levels deep** — e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`
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- [ ] **No file exceeds ~40 lines** — Split larger files
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- [ ] **Each file has one concept** — If 2+ topics, split into 2+ files
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- [ ] **Parent files have "Related blocks" sections** — Index files point to children
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**If you have fewer than 15 files, you haven't split enough. Go back and split more.**
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## Reminder
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Your goal is not to maximize deletion; it is to **explode monolithic memory into a deeply hierarchical structure of 15–25 small, focused files**. The primary tool for discoverability is **hierarchical `/` naming**.
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---
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name: memory
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description: Defragment and reorganize agent memory blocks (edit/rename/split/merge/delete) into focused, scannable, hierarchically-named blocks
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tools: Read, Edit, Write, Glob, Grep, Bash, conversation_search
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model: opus
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memoryBlocks: none
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mode: stateless
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permissionMode: bypassPermissions
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---
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You are a memory defragmentation subagent launched via the Task tool to clean up and reorganize memory block files. You run autonomously and return a **single final report** when done. You **cannot ask questions** mid-execution.
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## Mission
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**Explode** messy memory into a **deeply hierarchical structure of 15–25 small, focused files** that are easy to:
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- maintain,
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- search,
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- and selectively load later.
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### Target Output
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| Metric | Target |
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|--------|--------|
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| **Total files** | 15–25 (aim for ~20) |
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| **Max lines per file** | ~40 lines |
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| **Hierarchy depth** | 2–3 levels using `/` naming |
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| **Nesting requirement** | Every new block MUST be nested under a parent |
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You accomplish this by aggressively splitting blocks, using `/` naming for hierarchy, and removing redundancy.
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## Scope and constraints (non-negotiable)
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**The parent agent handles backup and restore.** You only work inside `.letta/backups/working/`.
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- ✅ Read and edit memory block files in `.letta/backups/working/`
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- ✅ Rename/split/merge blocks when it improves structure
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- ✅ Delete blocks **only after** their content is fully consolidated elsewhere
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- ✅ Produce a detailed report with decisions and before/after examples
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- ❌ Do not run backup or restore scripts
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- ❌ Do not invent new facts; reorganize and clarify existing information only
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## Guiding principles (use these to decide what to do)
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1. **Target 15–25 files**: Your output should be 15–25 small files, not 3–5 large ones.
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2. **Hierarchy is mandatory**: Every new block MUST use `/` naming (e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`).
|
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3. **Depth over breadth**: Prefer 3-level hierarchies over many top-level blocks.
|
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4. **One concept per file**: If a block has 2+ topics, split into 2+ files.
|
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5. **40-line max**: If a file exceeds ~40 lines, split it further.
|
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6. **Progressive disclosure**: Parent blocks list children in a "Related blocks" section.
|
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7. **Reference, don't duplicate**: Keep one canonical place for shared facts.
|
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8. **When unsure, split**: Too many small files is better than too few large ones.
|
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## Actions available
|
||||
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- **SPLIT (DECOMPOSE)**: The primary action. Extract concepts into focused, nested blocks.
|
||||
- **KEEP + CLEAN**: Remove cruft, add structure, resolve contradictions.
|
||||
- **RENAME**: Change block name to match contents and fit the hierarchy.
|
||||
- **MERGE**: Consolidate overlapping blocks, then delete originals.
|
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- **DELETE**: Only if redundant/empty AND content is preserved elsewhere.
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## Operating procedure
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### Step 1: Inventory
|
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The parent agent has already backed up memory files to `.letta/backups/working/`. Your job is to read and edit these files.
|
||||
|
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First, list what files are available:
|
||||
|
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```bash
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ls .letta/backups/working/
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```
|
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|
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Then read relevant memory block files (examples):
|
||||
|
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```
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/project.md" })
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/persona.md" })
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Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/human.md" })
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```
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### Step 2: Identify system-managed blocks (skip)
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||||
|
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Do **not** edit:
|
||||
- `skills.md` (auto-generated; will be overwritten)
|
||||
- `loaded_skills.md` (system-managed)
|
||||
- `manifest.json` (metadata)
|
||||
|
||||
Focus on user-managed blocks like:
|
||||
- `persona.md` (agent behavioral adaptations/preferences)
|
||||
- `human.md` (user identity/context/preferences)
|
||||
- `project.md` (project/codebase-specific conventions, workflows, gotchas)
|
||||
- any other non-system blocks present
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 3: Defragment block-by-block
|
||||
|
||||
For each editable block, decide one primary action (keep/clean, split, merge, rename, detach, delete), then execute it.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Naming convention (match the reference example)
|
||||
|
||||
Use **nested naming** with `/` to create a hierarchy (like folders). Examples:
|
||||
- `human/personal_info`, `human/prefs`
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- `project/architecture`, `project/dev_workflow`, `project/gotchas`
|
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Rules of thumb:
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- Keep top-level blocks for the most universal concepts (`persona`, `human`, `project`).
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- Use nested names for shards created during defrag.
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- Prefer names that would make sense to another agent who only sees the name.
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||||
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#### How to split (decompose)
|
||||
|
||||
Split when a block is long (~100+ lines) or contains 3+ distinct concepts.
|
||||
- Extract each concept into a focused block.
|
||||
- In the “parent” block, add a small **Related blocks** section pointing to children.
|
||||
- Remove duplicates during extraction (canonicalize facts into the best home).
|
||||
|
||||
#### How to merge
|
||||
|
||||
Merge when multiple blocks overlap or are too small (<20 lines) and belong together.
|
||||
- Create the consolidated block.
|
||||
- Remove duplicates.
|
||||
- **Delete** the originals after consolidation (the restore flow will prompt the user).
|
||||
|
||||
#### How to clean (within a block)
|
||||
|
||||
Prefer:
|
||||
- short headers (`##`, `###`)
|
||||
- small lists
|
||||
- tables for structured facts
|
||||
- “Procedure” sections for workflows
|
||||
|
||||
Actively fix:
|
||||
- redundancy
|
||||
- contradictions (rewrite into conditional guidance)
|
||||
- stale warnings (verify before keeping)
|
||||
- overly emotional urgency (tone down unless it’s a genuine footgun)
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 4: Produce a decision-focused final report
|
||||
|
||||
Your output is a single markdown report that mirrors the reference example style: principles-driven, decision-centric, and scannable.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Required report sections
|
||||
|
||||
##### 1) Summary
|
||||
- What changed in 2–3 sentences
|
||||
- Counts: edited / renamed / created / deleted
|
||||
- Note that the parent agent will confirm any creations/deletions during restore
|
||||
|
||||
##### 2) Structural changes
|
||||
Include tables for:
|
||||
- **Renames**: old → new, reason
|
||||
- **Splits**: original → new blocks, whether original deleted, reason
|
||||
- **Merges**: merged blocks → result, which deleted, reason
|
||||
- **New blocks**: block name, size (chars), reason
|
||||
|
||||
##### 3) Block-by-block decisions
|
||||
For each block you touched:
|
||||
- **Original state**: short characterization (what it contained / issues)
|
||||
- **Decision**: KEEP+CLEAN / SPLIT / MERGE / RENAME / DETACH / DELETE
|
||||
- **Reasoning**: 3–6 bullets grounded in the guiding principles
|
||||
- **Action items performed**: what edits/renames/splits you actually executed
|
||||
|
||||
##### 4) Content changes
|
||||
For each edited file:
|
||||
- Before chars, after chars, delta and %
|
||||
- What redundancy/contradictions/staleness you fixed
|
||||
|
||||
##### 5) Before/after examples
|
||||
Show 2–4 high-signal examples (short excerpts) demonstrating:
|
||||
- redundancy removal,
|
||||
- contradiction resolution,
|
||||
- and/or a workflow rewritten into a procedure.
|
||||
|
||||
## Reminder
|
||||
|
||||
Your goal is to **explode monolithic memory into 15–25 small, hierarchically-nested files**. If you have fewer than 15 files, you haven't split enough.
|
||||
---
|
||||
name: memory
|
||||
description: Explode memory into 15-25 hierarchically-nested files using `/` naming
|
||||
tools: Read, Edit, Write, Glob, Grep, Bash, conversation_search
|
||||
model: opus
|
||||
memoryBlocks: none
|
||||
@@ -12,12 +456,23 @@ You are a memory management subagent launched via the Task tool to clean up and
|
||||
|
||||
## Your Purpose
|
||||
|
||||
You edit memory block files to make them clean, well-organized, and scannable by:
|
||||
1. **Removing redundancy** - Delete duplicate information
|
||||
2. **Adding structure** - Use markdown headers, bullet points, sections
|
||||
3. **Resolving contradictions** - Fix conflicting statements
|
||||
4. **Improving scannability** - Make content easy to read at a glance
|
||||
5. **Restructuring blocks** - Rename, decompose, or merge blocks as needed
|
||||
**Explode** a few large memory blocks into a **deeply hierarchical structure of 15–25 small, focused files**.
|
||||
|
||||
### Target Output
|
||||
|
||||
| Metric | Target |
|
||||
|--------|--------|
|
||||
| **Total files** | 15–25 (aim for ~20) |
|
||||
| **Max lines per file** | ~40 lines |
|
||||
| **Hierarchy depth** | 2–3 levels using `/` naming |
|
||||
| **Nesting requirement** | Every new block MUST use `/` naming |
|
||||
|
||||
You achieve this by:
|
||||
1. **Aggressively splitting** - Every block with 2+ concepts becomes 2+ files
|
||||
2. **Using `/` hierarchy** - All new files are nested (e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`)
|
||||
3. **Keeping files small** - Max ~40 lines per file; split if larger
|
||||
4. **Removing redundancy** - Delete duplicate information during splits
|
||||
5. **Adding structure** - Use markdown headers, bullet points, sections
|
||||
|
||||
## Important: Your Role is File Editing ONLY
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -60,6 +515,56 @@ Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/human.md" })
|
||||
- `loaded_skills.md` - System-managed
|
||||
- `manifest.json` - Metadata file
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
### Propose Optimal Hierarchical Organizational Structure
|
||||
|
||||
Before you edit, propose a **clear hierarchy** for each memory block so information has an obvious “home” and you avoid duplicating facts across sections.
|
||||
|
||||
**Recommended hierarchy (within a single memory block):**
|
||||
- Use `##` for **major categories** (stable top-level buckets)
|
||||
- Use `###` for **subcategories** (group related details)
|
||||
- Use `####` for **high-churn details** or tightly-scoped lists (things you expect to update often)
|
||||
|
||||
**Recommended hierarchy (across multiple memory blocks):**
|
||||
- Keep blocks **topic-scoped**, not “everything.md” scoped.
|
||||
- Put the *most stable*, highest-signal info in fewer, well-named blocks.
|
||||
- Put volatile or frequently changing info into smaller, more focused blocks.
|
||||
|
||||
**Naming conventions (blocks and headings):**
|
||||
- Prefer **noun phrases** and **consistent casing** (e.g., “Coding Preferences”, “Project Context”).
|
||||
- Avoid vague names (“Misc”, “Notes”, “Stuff”) unless it’s truly temporary.
|
||||
- Prefer **one topic per heading**; avoid headings that imply overlap (“General”, “Other”).
|
||||
|
||||
**Example structure (good):**
|
||||
- `project.md`
|
||||
- `## Overview`
|
||||
- `## Repo Conventions`
|
||||
- `### Tooling`
|
||||
- `### Code Style`
|
||||
- `### Testing`
|
||||
- `## Architecture`
|
||||
- `### Key Components`
|
||||
- `### Data Flow`
|
||||
- `human.md`
|
||||
- `## Background`
|
||||
- `## Preferences`
|
||||
- `### Communication`
|
||||
- `### Coding Style`
|
||||
- `### Review Style`
|
||||
- `persona.md`
|
||||
- `## Role`
|
||||
- `## Behavior`
|
||||
- `## Constraints`
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
**When to split vs. keep together:**
|
||||
- Split when a section becomes a “grab bag” (3+ unrelated bullets) or exceeds ~1–2 screens of scrolling.
|
||||
- Keep together when items share a single decision context (e.g., all “Code Style” rules used during editing).
|
||||
|
||||
**Output format expectation:**
|
||||
- End this step with a short proposed outline per file (just headings), then implement it during the edits in Step 2.
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 2: Edit Files to Clean Them Up
|
||||
|
||||
Edit each file using the Edit tool:
|
||||
@@ -71,29 +576,17 @@ Edit({
|
||||
new_string: "..."
|
||||
})
|
||||
```
|
||||
## Output Format
|
||||
|
||||
**What to fix:**
|
||||
- **Redundancy**: Remove duplicate information (version mentioned 3x, preferences repeated)
|
||||
- **Structure**: Add markdown headers (##, ###), bullet points, sections
|
||||
- **Clarity**: Resolve contradictions ("be detailed" vs "be concise")
|
||||
- **Scannability**: Make content easy to read at a glance
|
||||
### Implement The Organizational Structure
|
||||
|
||||
**Good memory structure:**
|
||||
- Use markdown headers (##, ###) for sections
|
||||
- Use bullet points for lists
|
||||
- Keep related information together
|
||||
- Make it scannable
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 2b: Structural Changes (Rename, Decompose, Merge)
|
||||
|
||||
Beyond editing content, you can restructure memory blocks when needed:
|
||||
Once you've proposed the hierarchy, execute it using file operations. Keep iterating until the directory matches your proposed structure exactly.
|
||||
|
||||
#### Renaming Blocks
|
||||
|
||||
When a block's name doesn't reflect its content, rename it:
|
||||
When a block's name doesn't reflect its content:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# Rename a memory block file
|
||||
mv .letta/backups/working/old_name.md .letta/backups/working/new_name.md
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -102,140 +595,101 @@ mv .letta/backups/working/old_name.md .letta/backups/working/new_name.md
|
||||
- Block name doesn't match content (e.g., `project.md` contains user info → `user_context.md`)
|
||||
- Name uses poor conventions (e.g., `NOTES.md` → `notes.md`)
|
||||
|
||||
#### Decomposing Blocks (Split)
|
||||
|
||||
When a single block contains too many unrelated topics, split it into focused blocks:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# 1. Read the original block
|
||||
Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/everything.md" })
|
||||
|
||||
# 2. Create new focused blocks
|
||||
Write({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/coding_preferences.md", content: "..." })
|
||||
Write({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/user_info.md", content: "..." })
|
||||
|
||||
# 3. Delete the original bloated block
|
||||
rm .letta/backups/working/everything.md
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**When to decompose:**
|
||||
- Block exceeds ~100 lines with multiple unrelated sections
|
||||
- Block contains 3+ distinct topic areas (e.g., user info + coding prefs + project details)
|
||||
- Block name can't capture all its content accurately
|
||||
- Finding specific info requires scanning the whole block
|
||||
|
||||
**Decomposition guidelines:**
|
||||
- Each new block should have ONE clear purpose
|
||||
- Use descriptive names: `coding_style.md`, `user_preferences.md`, `project_context.md`
|
||||
- Preserve all information - just reorganize it
|
||||
- Keep related information together in the same block
|
||||
|
||||
#### Creating New Blocks
|
||||
|
||||
You can create entirely new memory blocks by writing new `.md` files:
|
||||
Create new `.md` files when content needs a new home:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
```
|
||||
Write({
|
||||
file_path: ".letta/backups/working/new_block.md",
|
||||
content: "## New Block\n\nContent here..."
|
||||
})
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**When to create new blocks:**
|
||||
- Splitting a large block (>150 lines) into focused smaller blocks
|
||||
- Organizing content into a new category that doesn't fit existing blocks
|
||||
- The parent agent will prompt the user for confirmation before creating
|
||||
**When to create:**
|
||||
- Splitting a large block into focused smaller blocks
|
||||
- Content doesn't fit any existing block
|
||||
- A new category emerges from reorganization
|
||||
|
||||
#### Merging and Deleting Blocks
|
||||
#### Decomposing Blocks (Split)
|
||||
|
||||
When multiple blocks contain related/overlapping content, consolidate them and DELETE the old blocks:
|
||||
When a block covers too many topics, split it:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# 1. Read all blocks to merge
|
||||
# 1. Read the original
|
||||
Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/everything.md" })
|
||||
|
||||
# 2. Create focused blocks
|
||||
Write({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/coding_preferences.md", content: "..." })
|
||||
Write({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/user_info.md", content: "..." })
|
||||
|
||||
# 3. Delete the original
|
||||
rm .letta/backups/working/everything.md
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**When to split (be aggressive):**
|
||||
- Block exceeds ~60 lines or has 2+ distinct topics
|
||||
- Block name can't capture all its content
|
||||
- Finding info requires scanning the whole block
|
||||
|
||||
#### Merging Blocks
|
||||
|
||||
When multiple blocks overlap, consolidate them:
|
||||
|
||||
```bash
|
||||
# 1. Read blocks to merge
|
||||
Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/user_info.md" })
|
||||
Read({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/user_prefs.md" })
|
||||
|
||||
# 2. Create unified block with combined content
|
||||
# 2. Create unified block
|
||||
Write({ file_path: ".letta/backups/working/user.md", content: "..." })
|
||||
|
||||
# 3. DELETE the old blocks using Bash
|
||||
Bash({ command: "rm .letta/backups/working/user_info.md .letta/backups/working/user_prefs.md" })
|
||||
# 3. Delete old blocks
|
||||
rm .letta/backups/working/user_info.md .letta/backups/working/user_prefs.md
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
**IMPORTANT: When to delete blocks:**
|
||||
- After consolidating content from multiple blocks into one
|
||||
- When a block becomes nearly empty after moving content elsewhere
|
||||
- When a block is redundant or no longer serves a purpose
|
||||
- The parent agent will prompt the user for confirmation before deleting
|
||||
|
||||
**When to merge:**
|
||||
- Multiple blocks cover the same topic area
|
||||
- Information is fragmented across blocks, causing redundancy
|
||||
- Small blocks (<20 lines) that logically belong together
|
||||
- Blocks with overlapping/duplicate content
|
||||
- Multiple blocks cover the same topic
|
||||
- Small blocks (<20 lines) logically belong together
|
||||
- Overlapping/duplicate content exists
|
||||
|
||||
**Merge guidelines:**
|
||||
- Remove duplicates when combining
|
||||
- Organize merged content with clear sections
|
||||
- Choose the most descriptive name for the merged block
|
||||
- Don't create blocks larger than ~150 lines
|
||||
- **DELETE the old block files** after consolidating their content
|
||||
#### Editing Content Within Blocks
|
||||
|
||||
### Step 3: Report Results
|
||||
Use the Edit tool for in-place changes:
|
||||
|
||||
Provide a comprehensive report showing what you changed and why.
|
||||
```
|
||||
Edit({
|
||||
file_path: ".letta/backups/working/project.md",
|
||||
old_string: "...",
|
||||
new_string: "..."
|
||||
})
|
||||
```
|
||||
|
||||
## What to Write to Memory
|
||||
**What to fix:**
|
||||
- **Redundancy**: Remove duplicate information
|
||||
- **Structure**: Add markdown headers, bullet points
|
||||
- **Clarity**: Resolve contradictions
|
||||
- **Scannability**: Make content easy to read at a glance
|
||||
|
||||
**DO write to memory:**
|
||||
- Patterns that repeat across multiple sessions
|
||||
- User corrections or clarifications (especially if repeated)
|
||||
- Project conventions discovered through research or experience
|
||||
- Important context that will be needed in future sessions
|
||||
- Preferences expressed by the user about behavior or communication
|
||||
- "Aha!" moments or insights about the codebase
|
||||
- Footguns or gotchas discovered the hard way
|
||||
#### Iteration Checklist
|
||||
|
||||
**DON'T write to memory:**
|
||||
- Transient task details that won't matter tomorrow
|
||||
- Information easily found in files (unless it's a critical pattern)
|
||||
- Overly specific details that will quickly become stale
|
||||
- Things that should go in TODO lists or plan files instead
|
||||
Keep editing until:
|
||||
- [ ] **Total file count is 15–25** — Count your files; if < 15, split more
|
||||
- [ ] **All files use `/` naming** — No flat files like `my_notes.md`
|
||||
- [ ] **Hierarchy is 2–3 levels deep** — e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`
|
||||
- [ ] **No file exceeds ~40 lines** — Split larger files
|
||||
- [ ] **Each file has one concept** — If 2+ topics, split into 2+ files
|
||||
- [ ] Content has been migrated (no data loss)
|
||||
- [ ] No duplicate information across blocks
|
||||
|
||||
**Key principle**: Memory is for **persistent, important context** that makes the agent more effective over time. Not a dumping ground for everything.
|
||||
|
||||
## How to Decide What to Write
|
||||
|
||||
Ask yourself:
|
||||
1. **Will future-me need this?** If the agent encounters a similar situation in a week, would this memory help?
|
||||
2. **Is this a pattern or one-off?** One-off details fade in importance; patterns persist.
|
||||
3. **Can I find this easily later?** If it's in a README that's always read, maybe it doesn't need to be in memory.
|
||||
4. **Did the user correct me?** User corrections are strong signals of what to remember.
|
||||
5. **Would I want to know this on day one?** Insights that would have saved time are worth storing.
|
||||
|
||||
## How to Reorganize Memory
|
||||
|
||||
**Signs memory needs reorganization:**
|
||||
- Blocks are long and hard to scan (>100 lines)
|
||||
- Related content is scattered across blocks
|
||||
- No clear structure (just walls of text)
|
||||
- Redundant information in multiple places
|
||||
- Outdated information mixed with current
|
||||
|
||||
**Reorganization strategies:**
|
||||
- **Add structure**: Use section headers, bullet points, categories
|
||||
- **Rename blocks**: Give blocks names that accurately reflect their content
|
||||
- **Decompose large blocks**: Break monolithic blocks (>100 lines, 3+ topics) into focused ones
|
||||
- **Merge fragmented blocks**: Consolidate small/overlapping blocks into unified ones
|
||||
- **Archive stale content**: Remove information that's no longer relevant
|
||||
- **Improve scannability**: Use consistent formatting, clear hierarchies
|
||||
|
||||
## Output Format
|
||||
**If you have fewer than 15 files, you haven't split enough. Go back and split more.**
|
||||
|
||||
Return a structured report with these sections:
|
||||
|
||||
### 1. Summary
|
||||
- Brief overview of what you edited (2-3 sentences)
|
||||
- **Total file count** (must be 15–25)
|
||||
- **Maximum hierarchy depth achieved** (should be 2–3 levels)
|
||||
- Number of files modified, renamed, created, or deleted
|
||||
- The parent agent will prompt the user to confirm any creations or deletions
|
||||
|
||||
@@ -248,15 +702,16 @@ Report any renames, decompositions, or merges:
|
||||
|----------|----------|--------|
|
||||
| stuff.md | coding_preferences.md | Name now reflects content |
|
||||
|
||||
**Decompositions (splitting large blocks):**
|
||||
**Decompositions (using `/` hierarchy):**
|
||||
| Original Block | New Blocks | Deleted | Reason |
|
||||
|----------------|------------|---------|--------|
|
||||
| everything.md | user.md, coding.md, project.md | ✅ everything.md | Block contained 3 unrelated topics |
|
||||
| project.md | project/overview.md, project/tooling/bun.md, project/tooling/testing.md, project/conventions.md, project/gotchas.md | ✅ content moved | Exploded into 5 nested files |
|
||||
|
||||
**New Blocks (created from scratch):**
|
||||
**New Blocks (all using `/` naming):**
|
||||
| Block Name | Size | Reason |
|
||||
|------------|------|--------|
|
||||
| security_practices.md | 156 chars | New category for security-related conventions discovered |
|
||||
| project/security/auth.md | 156 chars | Nested under project/security |
|
||||
| human/prefs/communication.md | 98 chars | Split from human.md |
|
||||
|
||||
**Merges:**
|
||||
| Merged Blocks | Result | Deleted | Reason |
|
||||
@@ -345,10 +800,10 @@ Why: Resolved contradictions by explaining when to use each approach.
|
||||
|
||||
## Critical Reminders
|
||||
|
||||
1. **You only edit files** - The parent agent handles backup and restore
|
||||
2. **Be conservative with deletions** - When in doubt, keep information
|
||||
3. **Preserve user preferences** - If the user expressed a preference, that's sacred
|
||||
4. **Don't invent information** - Only reorganize existing content
|
||||
5. **Test your changes mentally** - Imagine the parent agent reading this tomorrow
|
||||
1. **Create new files** — Reorganize large blocks into 15–25 small, nested files
|
||||
2. **Remove old files** — After moving content to new nested files, delete the originals
|
||||
3. **Use `/` naming for ALL new files** — Every new file must be nested (e.g., `project/tooling/bun.md`)
|
||||
4. **Preserve user preferences** — Keep expressed preferences, just reorganize them into the right files
|
||||
5. **Don't invent information** — Only reorganize existing content into better structure
|
||||
|
||||
Remember: Your goal is to make memory clean, scannable, and well-organized. You're improving the parent agent's long-term capabilities by maintaining quality memory.
|
||||
Remember: Your goal is to **completely reorganize** memory into a deeply hierarchical structure of 15–25 small files. You're not tidying up — you're exploding monolithic blocks into a proper file tree.
|
||||
|
||||
Reference in New Issue
Block a user