# Recall Usage Guide
## Three Ways to Use Recall
| Method | Who Controls | When It Runs |
|--------|--------------|--------------|
| **MCP Tools** | Claude decides | When Claude thinks it's relevant |
| **Hooks** | Automatic | Session start/end |
| **Slash Commands** | You decide | When you invoke them |
---
## Slash Commands (Explicit Control)
| Command | Purpose |
|---------|---------|
| `/remember <text>` | Store a memory you want kept |
| `/recall <query>` | Search your memories |
| `/memories` | List all stored memories |
| `/forget <query>` | Delete memories |
**Example:**
```
/remember always use pytest, never unittest
/recall testing preferences
/memories
/forget outdated preference
```
---
## Hooks (Automatic)
| Hook | What It Does |
|------|--------------|
| **SessionStart** | Loads relevant memories as context when you start a session |
| **SessionEnd** | Summarizes session, stores important decisions/preferences automatically |
You don't invoke these - they run automatically.
---
## MCP Tools (Claude's Choice)
Claude can call these when it thinks they're useful:
| Tool | Purpose |
|------|---------|
| `memory_store_tool` | Store a memory |
| `memory_recall_tool` | Search memories |
| `memory_relate_tool` | Link memories together |
| `memory_context_tool` | Get formatted context |
| `memory_forget_tool` | Delete memories |
**When Claude uses them:** If you mention preferences, make decisions, or ask about past context - Claude may proactively store/recall.
---
## When to Use What
| Situation | Use |
|-----------|-----|
| "I want this remembered for sure" | `/remember` |
| "What do I have stored?" | `/memories` |
| "Find my preferences on X" | `/recall X` |
| "Delete old/wrong memories" | `/forget` |
| "Just working normally" | Let hooks + MCP handle it |
---
## Memory Types
| Type | Example |
|------|---------|
| `preference` | "Use 2-space indent", "Prefer dark mode" |
| `decision` | "Chose FastAPI for backend", "Using PostgreSQL" |
| `pattern` | "Always run tests before commit" |
| `session` | Temporary context from conversations |
---
## Namespaces
- `global` - Applies everywhere
- `project:{name}` - Scoped to specific project
Memories are auto-scoped based on your working directory.
