AI engineering glossary · Agents tools MCP
What is scratchpad memory?
Scratchpad memory: A working area, often a text file or note field, where an agent jots intermediate results, plans and to-dos while working. Because the notes can live outside the prompt, they let the agent track long tasks and reload progress later.
Scratchpad memory: an example
The agent keeps notes.md with a checklist: '[x] gather data, [ ] draw chart, [ ] write summary'.
Related terms
More Agents tools MCP terms
- Self-critique
- Semantic memory
- Shared state
- Short-term memory
- Side effect
- Skill library
- State graph
- stdio transport
Where you learn it
Scratchpad memory is part of the AI Engineering Program, which teaches it with notes, a hands-on lab and an exam. The first lesson is free.