Reference · Cheatsheet

Chat memory strategies

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1. Keep system prompt + last N turns + summary

| Strategy | When | Tradeoff |

|----------|------|----------|

| **Full history** | Short chats | Hits context limit |

| **Trim oldest** | Long threads | Loses early facts |

| **Summarize** | Medium threads | Summary may drop nuance |

| **External store** | User prefs, CRM | Extra engineering |

Quick rules

1. Keep system prompt + last N turns + summary

2. Re-embed summaries after model changes

3. Never trust memory for money/legal without source check

**Related:** `conversation-memory`, `manage-chat-memory` how-to