Academyacademy / hermes-101 / tools-memory-skills
Tools, Memory, Skills
Station 10 - Agent basics. Time: 15-20 min. You learn what makes Hermes agent-like. Pass when you can give one example of a tool, memory, and skill.
What this is
Tools, memory, and skills are the parts that make Hermes feel different from a normal chat session.
Why it matters
An agent can do more than answer. It can act, remember durable context, and reuse workflows. That power needs careful boundaries.
What to do
Use this map:
| Part | What it means | Good example |
|---|---|---|
| Tools | Actions Hermes can take | Read a file, write a file, run a check |
| Memory | Durable context Hermes can keep | Your preferred explanation style |
| Skills | Reusable playbooks | A troubleshooting routine for your VPS |
If the facilitator says it is safe, ask Hermes to inspect a harmless file or explain the current folder. That shows the difference between just answering and using a tool.
Ask Hermes:
Copy prompt
Explain the difference between tools, memory, and skills like I am 16. Then give me one example of how each could help me in my daily life.Never save these as memory:
Reference
Passwords, API keys, private documents, payment details, one-time mistakes, or temporary workshop confusion.Common mistakes
- Saving secrets as memory.
- Approving tool actions without reading them.
- Thinking every useful note deserves durable memory.
- Treating skills as magic instead of reusable procedures.
Next step
Go to Agent Proof Task.