Semantic Memory

Semantic memory is meaning-based recall. It helps a familiar find related past work even when the exact words differ.

What it is good for

• Similar debugging patterns.
• Related architecture decisions.
• Past docs sections about the same concept.
• Project conventions expressed in different language.
• Research notes and long-running themes.

What it is not

Semantic memory is not an authority source by itself. It returns likely relevant material. The familiar should still read the underlying note, event, or document before acting on it.

Backend posture

Coven does not require one embedding database or hosted vector store. A client can use SQLite extensions, local vector indexes, or a hosted backend. The important contract is that memory search returns bounded, attributable context instead of dumping unrestricted private history.

For model-provider credential boundaries, see Provider boundary.