added notes about reducing context window by referencing external files (#3895)

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w. ian douglas
2025-08-06 13:11:06 -06:00
committed by GitHub
parent 1bd4298e69
commit bb26521471
2 changed files with 10 additions and 2 deletions
@@ -78,6 +78,8 @@ The `.goosehints` file can include any instructions or contextual details releva
A good time to consider adding a `.goosehints` file is when you find yourself repeating prompts, or providing the same kind of instructions multiple times. It's also a great way to provide a lot of context which might be better suited in a file.
Goosehints are loaded at the start of your session and become part of the system prompt sent with every request. This means the content of `.goosehints` contributes to token usage, so keeping it concise can save both cost and processing time.
## Setting up hints
The `.goosehints` file supports natural language.
@@ -124,4 +126,4 @@ Like prompts, this is not an extensive list to shape your `.goosehints` file. Yo
- **Keep file updated**: Regularly update the `.goosehints` file to reflect any changes in project protocols or priorities.
- **Be concise**: Make sure the content is straightforward and to the point, ensuring Goose can quickly parse and act on the information.
- **Start small**: Create a small set of clear, specific hints and gradually expand them based on your needs. This makes it easier to understand how Goose interprets and applies your instructions.
**Reference other files**: Point Goose to relevant files like /docs/style.md or /scripts/validation.js to reduce repetition and keep instructions lightweight.
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@@ -123,6 +123,11 @@ Later, you can ask:
Goose will recall everything youve saved as long as you instruct it to remember. This makes it easier to have consistent results when working with Goose.
Goose loads all saved memories at the start of a session and includes them in every prompt sent to the LLM. For large or detailed instructions, store them in files and instruct Goose to reference those files:
> _Remember that if I ask for help writing JavaScript, I want you to refer to "/path/to/javascript_notes.txt" and follow the instructions in that file._
## Trigger Words and When to Use Them
Goose also recognizes certain trigger words that signal when to store, retrieve, or remove memory.
@@ -243,4 +248,5 @@ If you frequently work with API standards or other structured knowledge, Goose m
}
Would you like me to implement the full endpoint logic?
```
```