mem_get_observation

Get the full content of a specific observation by ID

Overview

Retrieve the complete, untruncated content of a specific observation. Use this tool after mem_search or mem_timeline when you need to see the full details of a memory entry.

This tool is part of the agent profile and uses deferred loading to optimize performance.

Parameters

id · number · required

The observation ID to retrieve (from mem_search or mem_timeline results)

Response

result · string

Formatted observation with complete content and metadata

The response includes:

• Observation ID, type, and title
• Full content (untruncated)
• Session ID and project
• Scope (project or personal)
• Topic key (if set)
• Tool name (if captured automatically)
• Duplicate count and revision count
• Last seen timestamp
• Created timestamp

Usage Example

Get Full Observation After Search

{
  "id": 42
}

Response:

#42 [bugfix] Fixed FTS5 syntax error on special chars
**What**: Wrapped each search term in quotes before passing to FTS5 MATCH
**Why**: Users typing queries like 'fix auth bug' would crash because FTS5 interprets special chars as operators
**Where**: internal/store/store.go — sanitizeFTS() function
**Learned**: FTS5 MATCH syntax is NOT the same as LIKE — always sanitize user input
Session: session-abc-123
Project: engram
Scope: project
Topic: bug/fts5-sanitization
Duplicates: 0
Revisions: 2
Created: 2026-03-01T14:23:45Z

When to Use

• After search: When mem_search returns truncated results and you need the full content
• Timeline drilling: After mem_timeline to see complete details of a specific entry
• Content review: When you need to read the full observation including all fields

Progressive Disclosure Pattern

1. Start with mem_search to find relevant memories (returns truncated content)
2. Review search results to identify the observation you need
3. Use mem_get_observation to retrieve the full content
4. Optionally use mem_timeline to see chronological context around that observation

The observation ID is shown in square brackets in mem_search and mem_timeline results: [42]

Related Tools

• mem_search - Search for observations (returns truncated content)
• mem_timeline - View chronological context around an observation
• mem_update - Update an observation after retrieving it