Claude Memory Optimizer

Structured memory system for OpenClaw with 4-type classification and automated migration.

When to Use

• Setting up memory for the first time in OpenClaw
• Migrating from unstructured memory/*.md to organized categories
• Improving memory recall with semantic frontmatter
• Implementing Claude Code-style memory architecture

Features

• 4-Type Classification: user, feedback, project, reference
• Frontmatter Metadata: structured name/description/type for semantic search
• Auto-Migration: one-command refactor of existing memory files
• Log Mode: optional append-only daily logs (KAIROS style)

Quick Start

Install

clawhub install claude-memory-optimizer

Run Migration

# Auto-detect workspace
node ~/.openclaw/skills/claude-memory-optimizer/scripts/refactor-memory.js

# Or specify explicitly
node ~/.openclaw/skills/claude-memory-optimizer/scripts/refactor-memory.js ~/.openclaw/workspace

Verify

ls -la ~/.openclaw/workspace/memory/
cat ~/.openclaw/workspace/MEMORY.md

Memory Types

Directory Structure

memory/
├── user/          # User information
├── feedback/      # Behavior guidance
├── project/       # Project context
├── reference/     # External references
└── logs/          # Append-only logs (optional)
    └── YYYY/
        └── MM/
            └── YYYY-MM-DD.md

Memory File Format

Each memory file uses frontmatter metadata:

---
name: Data Science Background
description: User is a data scientist focused on observability and LLMs
type: user
---

User studies at Beijing University of Technology & UCD, GPA 3.95/4.2.
Research: LLM, AI Agents, MCP.

**Skills:** Python, PyTorch, Transformers, NLP

**How to apply:** Use data science terminology, assume ML background.

What NOT to Save

• Code patterns, architecture, file paths (derivable from codebase)
• Git history, recent changes (use git log)
• Debugging solutions (fix is in the code)
• Content already in CLAUDE.md
• Ephemeral task details (only useful in current session)

Configuration

OpenClaw Config

{
  "agents": {
    "defaults": {
      "memorySearch": {
        "enabled": true,
        "provider": "local",
        "maxResults": 20,
        "minScore": 0.3
      },
      "compaction": {
        "memoryFlush": {
          "enabled": true,
          "softThresholdTokens": 4000
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

Usage Examples

Save User Preference

User: "Remember, I prefer concise replies without trailing summaries."

AI: Saves to memory/feedback/reply-style.md:

---
name: Reply Style Preference
description: User wants concise replies, no trailing summaries
type: feedback
---

**Rule:** Keep replies concise, no trailing summaries.

**Why:** User said "I can read the diff myself."

**How to apply:** End responses directly after completing work.

Retrieve Memory

User: "What did I say about database testing?"

AI: Runs memory_search query="database testing" → returns memory/feedback/db-testing.md

Verify Memory

User: "Is the experiment design in memory/project/dong-thesis.md still current?"

AI: Runs grep to verify → detects outdated info → updates memory file.

Migration Guide

Before

memory/
├── 2026-03-21.md
├── 2026-03-28.md
├── research-memory.md
└── video-memory.md

After

memory/
├── project/
│   ├── 2026-03-21-.md
│   ├── 2026-03-28-.md
│   └── research-memory.md
├── reference/
│   └── video-memory.md
└── logs/2026/04/2026-04-02.md

Advanced Features

Semantic Retrieval (Future)

async function findRelevantMemories(query: string, memoryDir: string) {
  const memories = await scanMemoryFiles(memoryDir);
  const selected = await selectRelevantMemories(query, memories);
  return selected.slice(0, 5); // Top 5 relevant memories
}

Verification on Recall (Future)

Before recommending from memory:

1. If memory names a file → ls to verify existence
2. If memory names a function → grep to confirm
3. If memory conflicts with current state → trust current observation, update memory

> "Memory says X exists" ≠ "X exists now"

Maintenance

Daily (Heartbeat)

• Append to memory/YYYY-MM-DD.md
• Record decisions, conversations, learnings

Weekly (Review)

• Read daily notes
• Distill important info to MEMORY.md
• Remove outdated entries

Monthly (Audit)

• Review project progress
• Update long-term goals
• Check .learnings/ records

Troubleshooting

Memory Not Loaded

• Ensure MEMORY.md exists in workspace root
• Check agents.defaults.memorySearch.enabled = true
• Restart OpenClaw gateway

Poor Recall Quality

• Add specific description in frontmatter
• Use consistent keywords
• Adjust minScore (lower = broader matches)

Migration Fails

• Backup memory/ directory first
• Run script with --dry-run (if available)
• Check file permissions

References

• Claude Code: src/memdir/ (memdir.ts, memoryTypes.ts, findRelevantMemories.ts)
• OpenClaw Docs: docs/concepts/memory.md
• Related Skills: memory-setup-openclaw, elite-longterm-memory

License

MIT-0

License

MIT-0