/recall — Retrieve from Memory

Retrieval Process

Step 1: Read the index

Read .claude/memory/index.md to see all stored pointers. This is Tier 1 — always small.

Step 2: Load relevant topics

For each pointer that matches the current need, read the full topic file from .claude/memory/topics/<slug>.md. This is Tier 2 — loaded on demand.

Step 3: Search transcripts (rare)

If Tier 1 and Tier 2 don't have what you need, search session transcripts with grep:

grep -r "keyword" ~/.claude/projects/*/

This is Tier 3 — never load whole files, only grep for specific terms.

Staleness Protocol

Every topic file has a Last verified: date. When recalling:

• < 7 days old: Present as current knowledge
• 7-30 days old: Present as "Previously noted (may be outdated)"
• > 30 days old: Present as "Noted on <date> — verify before acting on this"

Before recommending from memory:

• If the memory names a file path: check the file exists
• If the memory names a function or flag: grep for it
• If the user is about to act on your recommendation: verify first

"The memory says X exists" is not the same as "X exists now."

Output Format

When presenting recalled memories:

Previously noted (<date>):
- <memory content>
- <memory content>

⚠ Verify before acting — memory may be stale.