Basic · module 34 of 100
Context window and memory
Understand how much the model “contains” in a single conversation and what that means.
After this lesson
You know when to repeat information and when a new conversation is better.
In view · How it connects
The worksheet has an edge
Instructions, messages and provided documents take up space.
Only a limited amount of material fits in the window at one time.
Consciously re-include important agreements when the context becomes large.
Part 1 of 3 · Conversation material
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
Limited memory
The model has a context window. Everything outside that window is “forgotten”. Long conversations can lose earlier details.
What to do
Repeat important facts if you continue. Or start a new conversation for a new task.
Practical tip
Put the core data at the top or in a fixed prompt. Occasionally ask for a summary of the agreements so far.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
A conversation has limited space. Saved preferences and the current conversation context are different things.
Fictional practice situationIn a long conversation about a fictitious sports day, the location changes from hall A to hall B. The final start time has not yet been confirmed. You are starting a new conversation.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
Provide a short handover: location hall B, replaces hall A; start time unknown; goal is a participant message. Add the last confirmed note as the source and leave out old drafts.
Why this works
A new conversation does not have those agreements by default. A summary may contain errors; compare the handover with the original decisions.
Make it slightly more difficult
Add two contradictory notes about the start hour. Show how you preserve the conflict without making a choice yourself.
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
A new conversation does not have those agreements by default. A summary may contain errors; compare the handover with the original decisions.
A step further
Add two contradictory notes about the start hour. Show how you preserve the conflict without making a choice yourself.
Try & discover · no obligation
Fill the context window
Make your input longer. Then reserve more space for the answer. Where is the limit?
Blue: inputGreen: answer spaceGrey: free space
The specified input and reserved output fit together in this window.
Practice model, not a real tokenizer or product limit. Input also includes instructions and history. Fictitious rate: € 0,002 per 1.000 input tokens and € 0,006 per 1.000 output tokens. Actual rates and calculation rules differ.
This trial works locally with fictitious data and does not count towards your lesson completion. It starts anew with a new lesson or reload.
A prompt to get you started
Here are the agreements so far: [summary]. Continue with the next task: [task]. Use only these agreements.
Apply it
After a long conversation, your instruction refers to agreements from much earlier. The assistant misses an important limitation.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Assume that every old message always remains available.
- Provide a controlled summary of the relevant agreements again.
- Let the assistant reconstruct the forgotten agreement itself.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
What happens to information outside the context window?
- The model always remembers everything.
- The model no longer has that information available in that conversation.
- It is automatically saved.
Extra practice
Describe a situation in which it is better to start a new conversation instead of continuing in a long conversation.
After a long brainstorm about ideas, I start a new conversation to flesh out one chosen idea. This keeps the context clean.
