For an LLM agent to perform tasks that require awareness of previous interactions or sustained context, it needs a way to remember information. Without memory, each interaction is isolated, limiting the agent's ability to engage in coherent, multi-turn dialogues or follow complex instructions over time.
This chapter examines the function of memory in LLM agents. We will discuss why agents benefit from memory, look at different types of memory systems, and concentrate on short-term memory for maintaining conversational context. You will see how to implement a basic form of short-term memory, observe its effect on agent behavior, and understand its limitations. The chapter includes a practical exercise on adding contextual memory to your agent.
6.1 Why Agents Need to Remember
6.2 A Look at Different Memory Systems
6.3 Focusing on Conversational Context
6.4 A Simple Implementation of Short-Term Memory
6.5 The Influence of Memory on Agent Behavior
6.6 Understanding Short-Term Memory Boundaries
6.7 Hands-on Practical: Adding Contextual Memory to Your Agent