How do memory systems work in LLM applications?

Memory systems store and retrieve contextual information so LLM applications can maintain continuity across interactions.

LLMs do not possess persistent memory between sessions by default. Memory systems simulate continuity by storing conversation history, summaries, embeddings, and user-specific state.

Common memory types include:

Stores recent conversation context inside the active context window.

Stores persistent information externally using databases or vector stores.

Tracks previous interactions and events.

Stores facts and learned relationships.…