Checkpoint: Memory Mastery

You've completed the core module. Let's verify your understanding.

Knowledge Check

Answer these questions (to yourself or write them down):

1. What's the difference between short-term and long-term memory for an agent?

2. Why is MEMORY.md an index rather than a full knowledge base?

3. What should happen before context compaction?

4. Why is forgetting considered a feature?

5. What are the memory layers in the Cortex Model?

Practical Check

Your system should now have:

Files

• MEMORY.md (under 3KB, with pointers)
• memory/WORKING.md
• memory/daily/[today].md with real entries
• At least one detail file (person or project)
• USER.md with your information

Behavior

• Agent loads core files at session start
• Agent can find facts you've stored
• Agent knows to save before compaction
• Agent uses appropriate memory tags ([E], [L], [K])

Understanding

• You can explain the Cortex Model
• You know when to load vs when to search
• You understand why compression matters
• You have a plan for memory maintenance

The Test

Start a new session with your agent and ask:

"What did we work on yesterday?"

If your agent can answer accurately from memory, you've mastered this module.

If not, review the material and fix your memory structure.

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This is the most important module. If memory works, everything else gets easier. If it doesn't, nothing else matters.

Take your time here. Get it right.