# MasterVault: Keeping Your LLM's Context File Fresh

An innovative template to prevent LLMs from working with outdated information.

- **Source:** [Hacker News: Show HN](https://news.ycombinator.com)
- **Published:** 2026-07-16
- **Topic:** [Data & AI](https://brifing.si/c/data-ai)
- **Original article:** <https://github.com/JustMichael-80/MasterVault>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8839e7e2-1d0f-49f0-9780-a86f7ef5bd53

## The Context Problem with LLMs

LLMs start fresh with every new session. For projects with depth, you either re-explain the context or rely on an old file. However, outdated files don't signal their staleness, leading to decisions based on incorrect information.

## The MasterVault Template

MasterVault is a template designed to keep LLMs updated with project context. It includes three main files and a protocol. This structure prevents silent failures and automates freshness checks.

## CONSTITUTION.md

This file contains the project's foundational principles and standards. It rarely changes and serves as a reference for other files. Frequent edits indicate that the project's foundations are still being established.

## CONTEXT.md

This is the live file that the LLM reads at the start of each session. It's divided into two sections: Derived information (from sources) and judgment information (provided by the project owner). This separation identifies the type of outdated information.

## _orientation.md

This is the protocol that the LLM reads first in every session. It reads the constitution and context files, checks the file age, and flags it explicitly if stale. This turns silent failures into loud ones.

## Staleness Check

The staleness threshold in _orientation.md can be adjusted based on the project's pace. Fast-moving projects might use 3 days, while slower ones might use 30 days. This ensures file age is a reliable indicator.

## Token Conservation

The token conservation rules in CONSTITUTION.md prevent unnecessary repetitions. They are particularly useful in long sessions with tool calls. These rules should be activated based on the project's needs.

## Using in New Projects

The MasterVault template is copied into new projects, starting with CONSTITUTION.md. CONTEXT.md is filled with derived and judgment information. The LLM reads _orientation.md at the start of each session.

## Importance and Insight

MasterVault prevents LLMs from working with outdated information, making project management more reliable. This template turns silent failures into loud ones, ensuring accurate decision-making.

## Sources covering this story

- https://github.com/JustMichael-80/MasterVault — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._