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memory ebbinghaus
by
subcoldzhang
· GitHub ↗
· v1.0.0
· MIT-0
129
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Install in OpenClaw
/install memory-ebbinghaus
Description
Ebbinghaus forgetting curve memory lifecycle manager for AI agents. Automatically calculates memory strength decay, supports review reinforcement, archiving,...
README (SKILL.md)
Memory Ebbinghaus
Ebbinghaus forgetting curve-based memory lifecycle manager. Tracks memory items with strength decay, review reinforcement, and archiving.
Setup
First run — initialize the database:
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py status
# Auto-creates memory_db.json in current directory if not found
To use a custom path:
EBBINGHAUS_DB=/path/to/memory_db.json \
EBBINGHAUS_ARCHIVE=/path/to/MEMORY.md \
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py status
Environment variables:
| Variable | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
EBBINGHAUS_DB |
./memory_db.json |
Path to the JSON database |
EBBINGHAUS_ARCHIVE |
./MEMORY.md |
File to append archived memories |
Core Concept
Strength formula: strength = e^(-days_elapsed / stability)
| Status | Strength | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Active | ≥ 0.7 | Recently used, clear memory |
| 🟡 Decaying | 0.3–0.7 | Not used for a while |
| 🔴 Fading | \x3C 0.3 | Needs review or cleanup |
Stability: starts at 1.0, multiplied by 1.5 on each review (the more you review, the slower it fades).
Commands
# View all memory items and their current strength
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py status
# Recalculate all strength values (run daily)
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py decay
# Add a new memory item
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py add "content description" --category \x3Ccat> --source \x3Corigin>
# Review and reinforce (resets strength to 1.0, stability ×1.5)
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py review \x3Cid>
# Delete a memory item
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py forget \x3Cid>
# Archive to MEMORY.md (removes from active list, appends to archive file)
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py archive \x3Cid>
# Heartbeat mode — print items needing attention
python3 scripts/ebbinghaus.py heartbeat
Heartbeat Integration
Add to your heartbeat config:
- Memory decay check: python3 /path/to/scripts/ebbinghaus.py heartbeat
Heartbeat output rules:
- 🔴 items exist → alert user, ask "review or forget?"
- Only 🟡 items → log silently, no interruption
- All 🟢 → output
HEARTBEAT_OK
Categories
| category | Meaning |
|---|---|
project |
Project/task completion |
tech |
Technical findings/solutions |
person |
Memory about someone |
event |
Important events |
general |
Other |
Typical Workflows
"Clean up old memories":
- Run
decaythenstatus - List 🔴 items, ask user: review / forget / archive?
- Execute chosen action
"Remember this: XXX":
- Run
add "XXX" - Confirm added
"Which memories are fading?":
- Run
decayto update strengths - Run
status, highlight 🔴 items
Usage Guidance
This skill is internally coherent and implements a local memory manager. Before installing or running it: (1) review and keep a copy of the included scripts (you already have them); (2) run it in a safe directory (don't set EBBINGHAUS_DB or EBBINGHAUS_ARCHIVE to system or sensitive file paths); (3) back up any existing memory_db.json or MEMORY.md you care about; (4) if you plan to add this to an automated heartbeat, ensure the process runs with appropriate user permissions so it cannot write to protected system locations; (5) if you need the script to use the current working directory, update the environment-variable guidance or edit the DB_PATH default in the script to match your expectations.
Capability Analysis
Type: OpenClaw Skill
Name: memory-ebbinghaus
Version: 1.0.0
The skill bundle provides a legitimate utility for managing an AI agent's memory using the Ebbinghaus forgetting curve. The Python script (ebbinghaus.py) performs local file operations to track, decay, and archive memory items in a JSON database and a Markdown file. There is no evidence of network activity, data exfiltration, or malicious command execution; the logic is transparent and strictly follows the functionality described in SKILL.md.
Capability Assessment
Purpose & Capability
Name, description, SKILL.md, and the included Python script are consistent: the tool manages memory items with a forgetting-curve formula and supports add/review/decay/archive/forget/heartbeat. Minor documentation mismatch: SKILL.md lists the default DB path as './memory_db.json' (current dir) while the script's default is the repository root (parent of scripts/). This is an implementation/documentation divergence but not a functional mismatch.
Instruction Scope
Runtime instructions and commands are narrowly scoped to local file operations and memory workflows. SKILL.md does not ask the agent to read unrelated system files, credentials, or contact external endpoints. Heartbeat integration simply runs the script and expects textual output.
Install Mechanism
No install spec; this is instruction + included script. The script is plain Python, uses only stdlib, and requires no external downloads or package installs.
Credentials
The skill declares no required credentials and uses two optional environment variables (EBBINGHAUS_DB, EBBINGHAUS_ARCHIVE) to pick file paths. This is proportional to the purpose. Note: because these env vars accept arbitrary paths, a user (or misconfigured agent) could point them to sensitive or system files, causing accidental overwrite/appends; that is a usage risk rather than a hidden requirement.
Persistence & Privilege
The skill does not request permanent 'always' inclusion, does not modify other skills, and does not alter agent-wide config. It writes only its own DB and archive files (paths configurable).
How to Use
- Make sure OpenClaw is installed (local or Docker)
- Run the install command in chat:
/install memory-ebbinghaus - After installation, invoke the skill by name or use
/memory-ebbinghaus - Provide required inputs per the skill's parameter spec and get structured output
Version History
v1.0.0
- Initial release of memory-ebbinghaus: an Ebbinghaus forgetting curve memory lifecycle manager for AI agents.
- Tracks memory items with automatic strength decay, review reinforcement, archiving, and deletion.
- Integrates spaced repetition by recalculating memory strength and adjusting stability on review.
- Supports heartbeat mode to alert on fading (🔴) memory items.
- Command-line interface provided for adding, reviewing, forgetting, archiving, and status checking.
- Triggers on memory management and forgetting curve-related tasks in both English and Chinese.
Metadata
Frequently Asked Questions
What is memory ebbinghaus?
Ebbinghaus forgetting curve memory lifecycle manager for AI agents. Automatically calculates memory strength decay, supports review reinforcement, archiving,... It is an AI Agent Skill for Claude Code / OpenClaw, with 129 downloads so far.
How do I install memory ebbinghaus?
Run "/install memory-ebbinghaus" in the OpenClaw or Claude Code chat to install it in one step — no extra setup required.
Is memory ebbinghaus free?
Yes, memory ebbinghaus is completely free, licensed under MIT-0. You can download, install and use it at no cost.
Which platforms does memory ebbinghaus support?
memory ebbinghaus is cross-platform and runs anywhere OpenClaw / Claude Code is available (cross-platform).
Who created memory ebbinghaus?
It is built and maintained by subcoldzhang (@subcoldzhang); the current version is v1.0.0.
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