AGENTS.ctx: Memory Files Detail#
Level 3 (Detail) — Roles and boundaries of each memory root file.
Concept#
Each file in AGENTS.ctx/memory/ has a single, enforced purpose. The file boundary hardening ensures that chronicle contains only chronology, system-state contains only current state, etc.
File Roles#
chronicle.md#
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Purpose | Active-cycle chronology only |
| Append-only | Yes — never rewritten in normal operation |
| Size limit | 3,000 words (archive trigger) |
| Forbidden | Historical compressed summary, archive metadata, decision-history tables |
Each entry must include:
- Date and project identifier
- Context-rich wording (project/scope, trigger, action, consequence)
- Report decision (extend existing, create new, or no report)
system-state.md#
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Purpose | Current verified state / doctrine |
| Append-only | No — surgical edits only |
| Forbidden | Decision-history table, archive bookkeeping |
| Rule | When docs conflict with code, code is truth |
debts.md#
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Purpose | Active structured debt register |
| Fields | ID, Area, Debt, Impact, Status, Opened, Closed, Resolution, Next Action |
| Archive | Full file preserved in history; regenerated root keeps only non-closed debts |
| Close semantics | Closed date + Resolution must be filled |
past-summary.md#
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Purpose | Compressed historical memory for active root use |
| Regenerated after archive | Yes — from past/past-summary.md + past/chronicle.md |
| Sections | Historical Arc (deep past) → Mid Evolution → Recent Convergence → Latest Archived Cycle |
reports-index.md#
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Purpose | Stable human index for report artifacts |
Never moved to past/ | Yes — excluded from archive rotation |
| Columns | Date, Scope/Project, Chronicle, Report, Summary |
See Also#