dont-trust-your-memory-check-the-docs-first

Training memory drifts. Wrong assumptions compound across turns. This is a quick source check, not full deep research.

When this applies

External systems: CLIs, install flows, API behavior, registry or publish claims, version-specific flags, third-party tool behavior.

Skip for: code already in the workspace, pure opinion, or conversation recap macros.

Process

1. Name the claim — one sentence you were about to assert.
2. Verify — Read in-repo docs or WebFetch / search official source once. Do not chain guesses.
3. Answer with a label:
   • verified — cite URL or file path (one line)
   • unverified — say what you tried; do not state as fact
   • memory — not checked — only if the user explicitly asked to skip lookup

Output shape