Features › Core Features
Context Limits
Info
TLDR: Context = Everything the AI remembers about your project and conversation. More context = Better understanding = Better results!
Context in Emergent refers to the conversation memory and project knowledge that the AI agent maintains throughout your development session. Think of it as the agent's "working memory" - it includes everything from your conversation history, the code that's been written, architectural decisions made, bugs fixed, features added, and your project requirements.
Emergent uses a structured memory architecture that allows agents to maintain long sessions, preserve technical decisions, and coordinate work across sub-agents. This guide explains how that memory is stored, prioritized, and passed through the system.
Standard Context Window
All Emergent agents operate with a 200,000 token context limit as the primary context window.
What This Means:
- Sufficient for most full-stack MVP development
- Handles complex conversations with multiple features
- Supports extensive debugging and iteration
Tip
Emergent may reach limits on very complex, long-running projects - which is where Forking comes into play. Read about it here.
Main Agent Context Architecture
Emergent provides three types of main agents. Each one manages memory differently based on its purpose and workload.
| Agent | Specialization | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| E1 | Stable, comprehensive testing (production-ready) | Standard full-stack development with thorough testing |
| E1.5 | Focused, complex long-running tasks | Extended development sessions requiring sustained focus |
| E2 | Thorough and relentless problem-solving | Complex architectural challenges and difficult bugs |
| Mobile | Expo/React Native development | Mobile app development (paid users only) |
| Pro Mode | Custom agent creation | Specialized workflows and custom configurations |
E1 Agent (Standard)
Context Window: About 200,000 tokens
Memory Management: Keeps the complete conversation history until the context limit is near
Context Retention: Holds all code changes, architectural decisions, and requirements throughout the session
Info
This agent is best for standard full-stack development with thorough testing
E1.5 Agent (Focused)
Specialized Context: Tuned for complex sessions that run for long periods
Enhanced Memory: Better at maintaining continuity across extended development cycles
Context Prioritization: Organizes memory to support deep problem solving
Info
Best agent for extended development sessions requiring sustained focus
E2 Agent (Comprehensive - Currently in Beta)
Production Readiness: Thorough and relentless problem-solving
Memory Allocation: Balances historical data with the need for ongoing quality checks
Best Suited For: Complex architectural challenges and difficult bugs
Tip
For starting out, E1 is the standard agent - it should be comfortably able to handle most starter to intermediate projects.
Sub-Agent Context Handling
Sub-agents receive a filtered snapshot of the main agent’s memory so they can operate with a narrow focus.
Testing Sub-Agents (Backend and Frontend)
Context Inheritance: Receive structured summaries from the main agent
Focused Memory: Store only testing criteria and conditions
Limited Scope: Ignore unrelated parts of the project
Integration Agent
API Context: Holds details about third-party services and configuration
Service Memory: Remembers authentication flows and integration patterns
Specialized Knowledge: Uses domain-specific context for external systems
Image Sub-Agent
Visual Context: Tracks image requirements and generation parameters
Asset Memory: Holds style preferences, sizing rules, and usage patterns
Context Window Management
Emergent organizes memory to support long sessions while protecting key project details.
Token Limits
Main agents have about 200,000 tokens available. Sub-agents work within smaller windows that fit their responsibilities.
Tip
A warning appears when sessions approach their limit. You can periodically push data to GitHub, or fork the session and continue. More on that later!
Memory Retention Strategies
Full conversation history is maintained until space runs low. When memory must be compressed, only the essential information is preserved. The current codebase is always retained.
Context Passing Between Agents
Agents cooperate by sharing memory in a structured and predictable way.
For Main to Sub-Agents:
- Summarized project context
- Task-specific details
- The current project state when required
From Sub-Agents to Main
- Test results, generated assets, or integration output
- Memory updates that become part of the main context
- Full synchronization so the project remains aligned
Chat Forking for Context Management
Emergent creates new forks when the context approaches its maximum size. Forking preserves essential information and compresses older details. Here's an overview of the parts of your project this feature touches:
Info
For more details about Forking, including when to fork and when to start fresh instead, visit the Forking Section.
