# How memory works

Source: https://docs.getdeeprecall.com/about/how-memory-works/

> Understand extraction, reconciliation, memory types, dates, and source links.

Deep Recall turns useful information into memories, then makes those memories available to your connected assistants.

## Save, process, recall

A save starts a processing job. Deep Recall extracts useful statements, identifies related context, and reconciles them with existing memories. It can add a memory, update an existing unpinned memory, or decide that nothing new needs to be stored.

A queued acknowledgement confirms that processing started. It does not confirm that a memory is ready for recall. See [save and verify](/agents/save-and-verify/) for the agent contract.

## Three kinds of memory

| Kind      | Meaning                                        | Example                                        |
| --------- | ---------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Fact      | A current state, preference, or durable belief | “I prefer quiet restaurants.”                  |
| Episode   | Something that happened                        | “We reviewed the launch plan last Tuesday.”    |
| Foresight | A future plan, commitment, or open action      | “I still need to book the venue for November.” |

A tentative plan stays tentative. Named people, places, projects, and other subjects can connect memories in [Explore](/use/explore/).

## Dates have different jobs

**Learned date** records when Deep Recall received the information. **Event dates** describe when something happens. A future event can be recalled immediately; its start date is not a delay on visibility.

An **expiration date** describes when a memory stops being current. Include real dates and temporary scope in your message, such as “For the October trip…” rather than asking your assistant to invent timestamp fields.

## Updates and pins

Related information may reconcile into an updated memory. Pinning protects a memory from automatic replacement by agent ingestion. It does not prevent you from archiving or deleting it, and it does not turn uncertain information into a fact.

To correct something, state the accurate replacement clearly and [review the result](/use/manage-memories/#correct-a-memory). Check that related older context is no longer being used.

## Sources and answers

A memory can carry saver attribution, learning time, and links to documents or email. Inspect those sources when accuracy matters.

**Find** retrieves memories. **Ask** produces an answer grounded in retrieved memories with citations. Neither should be treated as proof that a missing fact was never saved. Try a more specific query and check the app.