Self-Improving Agent
Captures learnings, errors, and corrections to enable continuous improvement. This skill creates a feedback loop where the agent learns from mistakes, user corrections, and discoveries.
When to Use
- •A command or operation fails unexpectedly → Log to ERRORS.md
- •User corrects Claude ("No, that's wrong...", "Actually...") → Log to LEARNINGS.md
- •User requests a capability that doesn't exist → Log to FEATURE_REQUESTS.md
- •An external API or tool fails → Log to ERRORS.md
- •Claude realizes knowledge is outdated/incorrect → Log to LEARNINGS.md
- •A better approach is discovered → Log to LEARNINGS.md
Log Files
All logs are stored in .learnings/:
| File | Purpose |
|---|---|
LEARNINGS.md | Corrections, discoveries, better approaches |
ERRORS.md | Command failures, exceptions, unexpected behaviors |
FEATURE_REQUESTS.md | Requested capabilities that don't exist |
Workflow
1. Capture a Learning
When you learn something new or are corrected:
code
1. Read the appropriate log file 2. Append the new learning with timestamp 3. Save the file
2. Review Before Major Tasks
Before starting significant work:
code
1. Read LEARNINGS.md for relevant past discoveries 2. Read ERRORS.md to avoid repeating mistakes 3. Apply lessons learned to current task
3. Periodic Consolidation
Weekly or monthly:
code
1. Review all logs 2. Extract high-value learnings to MEMORY.md 3. Clear or archive processed entries
Log Format
LEARNINGS.md
markdown
## 2026-02-20 - Docker Compose Network Issue **Context:** User needed to connect containers **Discovery:** Use `docker network create` + `external: true` in compose **Correction:** Previously suggested deprecated `--link` flag **Apply to:** All Docker networking tasks
ERRORS.md
markdown
## 2026-02-20 - Git Clone Permission Denied **Command:** `git clone git@github.com:...` **Error:** Permission denied (publickey) **Cause:** SSH key not added to GitHub **Fix:** Use HTTPS instead, or add SSH key **Prevention:** Check auth before suggesting SSH
FEATURE_REQUESTS.md
markdown
## 2026-02-20 - Notion Database Query **Request:** Query Notion database with filters **Status:** Not implemented **Priority:** High **Notes:** Would need Notion integration skill
Integration with MEMORY.md
High-value learnings should be promoted to MEMORY.md:
- •Critical fixes that prevent repeat mistakes
- •User preferences discovered through corrections
- •Tool-specific quirks and workarounds
- •Security or safety lessons
Example Session
User: "Actually, use gh auth login not gh auth status"
Agent:
code
1. Read ~/.openclaw/workspace/skills/self-improving-agent/.learnings/LEARNINGS.md 2. Append: ## 2026-02-20 - GitHub CLI Auth Correction **User correction:** Use `gh auth login` not `gh auth status` **Context:** When authenticating GitHub CLI **Lesson:** `gh auth login` is the interactive flow; `gh auth status` only checks **Apply to:** All GitHub CLI auth tasks 3. Write file 4. Respond: "Noted — I'll use `gh auth login` for GitHub CLI authentication going forward."
Best Practices
- •Be specific — Include full context, not just the correction
- •Tag with dates — Helps identify stale learnings
- •Link to tasks — Reference what you were working on
- •Review regularly — Don't let learnings go to waste
- •Promote to MEMORY.md — Important ones become long-term memory
Related Skills
- •agent-autonomy-kit — Proactive behavior patterns
- •triple-memory-skill — Persistent memory system
- •flowmind — Task and goal management