Glossary term

External memory

The practice of storing decisions in repository artifacts instead of in your head.

Definition

This refers to keeping decisions inside repository artifacts such as error logs, update logs, checklists, and document-style posts so they can be reused in the next round. Good external memory stores the reason, not just the result.

Working notes

Externalizing memory reduces both repeated mistakes and explanation cost.
Reasons usually outlast results as a reusable reference layer.