Guidance for using Forgetful semantic memory effectively. Applies Zettelkasten atomic memory principles. Use when deciding whether to query or create memories, structuring memory content, or understanding memory importance scoring.
Forgetful is a semantic memory system using Zettelkasten (atomic note) principles. This skill guides effective memory usage.
Query memory proactively when:
Use execute_forgetful_tool("query_memory", {...}) with:
query: Natural language search termsquery_context: Why you're searching (improves ranking)include_links: true (to see connected knowledge)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:
Create memories for knowledge worth preserving:
Do NOT create memories for:
Each memory must pass the atomicity test:
| Field | Limit | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Title | 200 chars | Short, searchable phrase |
| Content | 2000 chars | Single concept (~300-400 words) |
| Context | 500 chars | WHY this matters |
| Keywords | 10 max | For semantic clustering |
| Tags | 10 max | For categorization |
| Score | Use For |
|---|---|
| 9-10 | Personal facts, foundational patterns |
| 8-9 | Critical solutions, major decisions |
| 7-8 | Useful patterns, preferences |
| 6-7 | Milestones, specific solutions |
| 5-6 | Minor context (use sparingly) |
Before creating memories, find the correct project:
Get current repo - Check the git remote:
git remote get-url origin
Extract the repo identifier (e.g., ScottRBK/forgetful-plugin)
Search by repo - Filter projects directly:
execute_forgetful_tool("list_projects", {"repo_name": "owner/repo"})
Use the project_id - Never assume project 1 - always discover first
If no project exists for the current repo:
repo_name set)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:
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]
If content exceeds 2000 chars:
create_document for full contentdocument_idsExample: Architecture overview (document) -> separate memories for each layer/decision.
Common tools you can call directly via execute_forgetful_tool(tool_name, args):
| Tool | Required Params | Description |
|---|---|---|
query_memory | query, query_context | Semantic search |
create_memory | title, content, context, keywords, tags, importance | Store atomic memory |
get_memory | memory_id | Get full memory details |
update_memory | memory_id | PATCH update fields |
link_memories | memory_id, related_ids | Manual bidirectional linking |
mark_memory_obsolete | memory_id, reason | Soft delete with audit |
get_recent_memories | (none) | Recent memories list |
| Tool | Required Params | Description |
|---|---|---|
list_projects | (none) | List all projects |
create_project | name, description, project_type | Create project container |
get_project | project_id | Get project details |
| Tool | Required Params | Description |
|---|---|---|
create_entity | name, entity_type | Create org/person/device |
search_entities | query | Text search by name/aka |
link_entity_to_memory | entity_id, memory_id | Link entity<->memory |
unlink_entity_from_memory | entity_id, memory_id | Remove entity-memory link |
link_entity_to_project | entity_id, project_id | Link entity<->project |
unlink_entity_from_project | entity_id, project_id | Remove entity-project link |
get_entity_memories | entity_id | All memories for entity |
create_entity_relationship | source_entity_id, target_entity_id, relationship_type | Knowledge graph edge |
| Tool | Required Params | Description |
|---|---|---|
create_document | title, description, content | Long-form content |
create_code_artifact | title, description, code, language | Reusable code |