Letta self-configuration

Use the Letta API when an agent needs to change its own persistent defaults or the current conversation's temporary runtime settings.

Safety rule

Ask before changing persistent agent defaults unless the user explicitly requested the change. Persistent changes include agent model, system prompt, context window, model settings, and compaction settings. Prefer conversation-scoped changes for experiments.

Decision tree

• Need a temporary model/context experiment? Patch the current conversation.
• Need persistent model, system prompt, or compaction behavior? Patch the agent.
• Need better summaries after context eviction? Use the Compaction settings section and prompt patterns.
• Need provider keys, BYOK setup, or server deployment env vars? Use the broader Letta configuration/API skills instead.
• Need to design a new agent from scratch? Use the agent-development skill.

Environment