Quick definition
Short-term memory holds recent context for the current task.
- Category: Agents
- Focus: automation and task completion
- Used in: Automating multi-step tasks that span tools or apps.
What it means
It is usually limited to the active conversation or a single run. In agents workflows, short-term memory often shapes automation and task completion.
How it works
Agents typically run a loop of planning, tool use, and evaluation. Each step updates state so the system can decide what to do next.
Why it matters
Agents help automate multi-step work by combining reasoning, tools, and memory.
Common use cases
- Automating multi-step tasks that span tools or apps.
- Coordinating search, retrieval, and execution to reach a goal.
- Running background workflows with human-in-the-loop checkpoints.
Example
The last few user messages in a chat.
Pitfalls and tips
Agents can drift if goals are vague or tool permissions are too broad. Clear success criteria and guardrails keep them reliable.
In BoltAI
In BoltAI, this shows up when you enable tools, agents, or automation features.
