Coldstart & End Session Scripts: Better Agent Memory for OpenClaw

An OpenClaw user, Competitive_Swan_755, shared their setup for helping agents handle session transitions and recurring problems. The approach borrows from Hermes and involves two key components: coldstart and end-session scripts, plus a /SOP directory.

Key Details

• Coldstart script: Written before a session begins, it gives the agent context about what to expect, likely including project state, goals, and any relevant background.
• End-session script: Written before the session ends, it captures what was accomplished, what remains, and any important notes for the next session.
• /SOP directory: A standard operating procedure folder. The agent can reference this to quickly solve common or odd problems, avoiding the need to figure out the same solution repeatedly.

The idea is simple: enforce a discipline of documenting state and solutions so that each session starts with a clear picture and ends with a memorable summary. This practice is particularly useful for developers who run multiple agents or long-running projects where context loss is a frequent pain point.

Why This Matters

OpenClaw agents (and similar AI coding assistants) often operate without persistent memory. Coldstart scripts give them the necessary runway; end-session scripts ensure a clean handoff. The /SOP directory acts as a lightweight knowledge base, reducing repetitive problem-solving and improving consistency across sessions.

If you are hitting context limits or find your agent re-deriving solutions, this pattern is worth adopting. It is a low-cost, high-impact practice.

This tip comes from a community post—check the full discussion for details and any follow-up commentary.