# Clear Memory

> Archives or clears old memory session files to manage storage. Use when memory files accumulate and need cleanup, compression, or archival. Invoke with /clear-memory.

- Skill: `zipperbagcoffee/clear-memory` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add zipperbagcoffee/clear-memory`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/zipperbagcoffee/clear-memory/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: ZipperBagCoffee (https://skillmd.com/u/zipperbagcoffee)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/zipperbagcoffee/clear-memory

---


## Node.js Path
Use the Node.js absolute path from your context's "Node.js Path" section (injected by the plugin on every prompt).
If not available in context, fall back to `node`.

## Script Path Resolution

**IMPORTANT:** The `scripts/` folder is in the plugin directory, NOT the current project.

From "Base directory for this skill:" above, derive the scripts path:
- Remove `/skills/clear-memory` from the end
- Add `/scripts/` to get the scripts directory

Example: if Base directory is `~/.claude/plugins/cache/.../skills/clear-memory`, then Scripts path is derived by removing `/skills/clear-memory` and appending `/scripts/`.

Use this full path when running node commands below.

## Project Root Resolution

**IMPORTANT:** Get the project root from your context's "Project Root Anchor" section.
Look for: `Your ACTUAL project root is: <path>`

Use this value as `{PROJECT_DIR}` in all commands below.
If not available in context, use your current working directory.

# Clear Memory

Clean up old session files.

## Usage

```
/crabshell:clear-memory [all|old]
```

## Actions

### Archive old files (recommended):
Use full path from above:
```bash
"{NODE_PATH}" "{SCRIPTS_PATH}/counter.js" compress --project-dir="{PROJECT_DIR}"
```

This archives session files older than 30 days into monthly archives:
```
sessions/2025-10-15_0300.md -> sessions/archive/2025-10.md
```

### Clear everything (manual):

**WARNING: Destructive operation**

```bash
# Remove all session files (use Node to avoid sensitive file permission prompts)
"{NODE_PATH}" -e "const fs=require('fs'),p=require('path'),d='{PROJECT_DIR}/.crabshell/memory/sessions';fs.readdirSync(d).filter(f=>f.endsWith('.md')||f.endsWith('.jsonl')).forEach(f=>fs.unlinkSync(p.join(d,f)));console.log('sessions cleared')"

# Optionally clear logbook.md
"{NODE_PATH}" -e "try{require('fs').unlinkSync('{PROJECT_DIR}/.crabshell/memory/logbook.md');console.log('logbook.md deleted')}catch(e){console.log('not found')}"
```

## Recommendations

1. **Regular maintenance**: Run `compress` monthly
2. **Before major changes**: Create backup first

## Notes

- `compress` is non-destructive (archives, doesn't delete)
- Archived files can be manually reviewed in `sessions/archive/`