git:20260814.76c95ec to git:20260908.2ec1bf8

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name: ask

license: MIT

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# /ask — query the Second Brain

> 🧒 **When reporting to a non-technical operator:** end with a child-simple "In plain words" recap in their language.

Deterministic-first (the operator's token law): RAG retrieves the smallest relevant slice; synthesize ONLY that — never dump the corpus.

**Wrong lane?** /ask = semantic MEANING over the curated vault. For exact WORDS inside chats → `/search`; an exact PERSON name → `/find`; a CHAT by name → `/chat` (all 0 tokens, deterministic). Use those when the question isn't conceptual.

## 🖥️ Visual search (a live server — the operator works visually)

For interactive eyes-on search: `python "$IMPORTS_ROOT/ask_server.py"` (or `start_ask.bat`) → open `http://127.0.0.1:8770`. It loads e5 + reranker ONCE, after which each query takes ~3s. A search box + filter chips (my writing only / concepts / insights / leads / people / conversations / notes), cards with the rerank score, type, date and a ⏳ staleness flag. CPU by default (does not fight the GPU fleet, holds 0 VRAM); `--gpu` when the GPU is free. This is the GUI for the operator; `--ask` below is for me synthesizing an answer in chat.

## Run (CLI — for synthesizing an answer in chat)

`python "$IMPORTS_ROOT/brain_ask.py" "<question>"`

Scope with filters (cheaper + sharper):

- `--anton` (only the owner's own writing) · `--concepts` (distilled "what I think about X") · `--insights`

- `--person <name>` · `--conv` (conversations) · `--leads` (CRM)

Returns top-K chunks (chunked + tagged + edit-aware index); may flag `⚠ STALE` on volatile facts >90d.

## Answer

- Synthesize the returned hits into a DIRECT answer; **cite the note titles** so the operator can open them.

- If a hit is `⚠ STALE`, say so and offer to re-verify (per the epistemic-decay layer).

- If retrieval is thin/irrelevant → say so, suggest a sharper query or a filter; do NOT pad with guesses.

- Keep it tight; end with 🧒 recap.

## Note

The index is kept fresh by the reindex routine. If results feel stale right after a big import, mention a reindex may be due (`brain_embed_update.py`) — but don't reindex unprompted.

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