The latest articles on DEV Community by shipra (@butterfly_strength). https://dev.to/butterfly_strength https://media2.dev.to/dynamic/image/width=90,height=90,fit=cover,gravity=auto,format=auto/https:%2F%2Fdev-to-uploads.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com%2Fuploads%2Fuser%2Fprofile_image%2F4167994%2F0a19b755-4fd2-4ed9-b2d9-91f309c1f023.png https://dev.to/butterfly_strength en shipra Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:49:04 +0000 https://dev.to/butterfly_strength/what-is-a-context-window-and-why-does-a-chatbot-forget-39ge https://dev.to/butterfly_strength/what-is-a-context-window-and-why-does-a-chatbot-forget-39ge <blockquote> <p>This guide explains why chatbots forget things and how to fix it.</p> </blockquote> <h2> What is a context window? </h2> <p>A context window is like a textarea: how much text the AI has at its disposal at one time. It's not counted in words but in tokens(small chunks of text, roughly three-quarters of a word each).The limit covers the whole chat, both user's messages and the AI's replies. When the conversation gets too long, the old messages no longer fit in the window, so the AI can't remember them. For example, after a long chat a chatbot can forget your name, even though you mentioned it at the start. To avoid this, start a new conversation, or repeat the important details.</p> <h2> Why Chatbot forgets? </h2> <p>You can check a model's context window size in the official docs of the chatbot, and plan your chats around it. If a chat gets too long, the signs are that it's forgetting earlier details or giving weird responses. To prevent this, you can use memory tools. They store key facts outside the chat, so the AI can bring them back when needed.</p> <h2> How to fix it. </h2> <p>A memory tool automatically saves the important pieces of a chat, like your name or preferences, and brings them back when they're needed later. Mem0 is an example of such a tool.</p> <p>Quick checklist:</p> <ul> <li>Check the limit in the official docs.</li> <li>Watch for signs, like the chatbot acting weird or forgetting earlier details.</li> <li>Start a new conversation with a short summary.</li> <li>Use a memory tool like Mem0.</li> </ul> ai beginners chatgpt llm