Storing Memories

Use the 2-of-3 rule. Store if at least TWO are true:

1. Future sessions - Will this matter when returning to this project?
2. Project-specific - Is this unique to this codebase?
3. Costly to rediscover - Would finding this again waste time or tokens?

Memory Types

Before Storing

1. Search First

ec_search:
  query: [what you want to store]

Avoid duplicates. If similar exists, consider updating instead.

2. Evaluate Worth

Store:

• Architectural decisions with rationale
• Non-obvious gotchas that cost time
• Project-specific conventions
• Integration quirks with external services

Skip:

• Obvious things (syntax, common patterns)
• Temporary fixes or WIP
• Things easily found in docs
• Generic programming knowledge

Storing

Use ec_add with required fields:

ec_add:
  type: decision|learning|pattern
  area: [component like "auth", "api", "database"]
  content: [1-2 sentences, specific and actionable]
  rationale: [Why this matters, optional but recommended]

Good vs Bad Examples

Decisions

GOOD:
  type: decision
  area: auth
  content: Using JWT with short-lived access tokens (15min) and refresh tokens (7d) for session management
  rationale: Balance between security (short access) and UX (don't require frequent re-login)

BAD:
  type: decision
  area: auth
  content: Using JWT for authentication
  rationale: It's popular

Learnings

GOOD:
  type: learning
  area: api
  content: External payment API returns 200 with error in body for validation failures. Must check response.success field, not just HTTP status.
  rationale: Discovered during integration - caused silent failures initially

BAD:
  type: learning
  area: api
  content: API sometimes fails

Patterns

GOOD:
  type: pattern
  area: components
  content: All form components use react-hook-form with zod validation. Schema defined in same file as component.
  rationale: Established convention for consistency

BAD:
  type: pattern
  area: components
  content: We use React

When to Store

Store immediately after:

• Making an architectural decision
• Discovering a non-obvious issue
• Establishing a new convention
• Solving a tricky bug (store the root cause)
• Learning something project-specific

Updating Memories

If a memory is outdated:

1. Create new memory with current information
2. Invalidate old one:

ec_invalidate:
  id: <old_memory_id>
  superseded_by: <new_memory_id>

Quick Reference

The area field should match component/domain names used in your codebase:

• auth, api, database, ui, config, testing, deployment
• Use consistent naming across memories for better search results