
hermes-agent-framework
Expert guide for Nous Research's Hermes Agent framework with self-improving learning loops, three-layer memory, and automatic Skill creation
- Installs
- 190
- Last 24h
- —
- Trending rank
- —
- Security
- Not audited
Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/reason-machines/ai-agent-skills --skill hermes-agent-framework- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads hermes-agent-framework automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Hermes Agent Framework
Skill by ara.so — AI Agent Skills collection.
Expert knowledge for working with Hermes Agent, the open-source AI Agent framework by Nous Research featuring built-in self-improving learning loops, three-layer memory system (episodic, semantic, procedural), and automatic Skill creation and evolution.
What is Hermes Agent?
Hermes Agent is a production-ready AI Agent framework released in February 2026 that differs from traditional agents (like OpenClaw/Claude Code) by implementing:
- Self-improving learning loop: Automatically learns from interactions and improves over time
- Three-layer memory system: Episodic (conversations), semantic (knowledge), procedural (Skills)
- Automatic Skill creation: Generates and evolves reusable capabilities
- Built-in tool ecosystem: Extensible plugin architecture for custom tools
Core philosophy: Agents should learn and improve themselves, not just execute tasks.
Installation
Prerequisites
- Python 3.10 or higher
- OpenAI API key (or compatible provider like Anthropic, local models)
- Git
Quick Start
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent.git
cd hermes-agent
# Install dependencies
pip install -r requirements.txt
# Or use poetry
poetry install
# Set up environment variables
cp .env.example .env
# Edit .env with your API keys
Environment Configuration
Create a .env file:
# Required: Your LLM provider API key
OPENAI_API_KEY=your_key_here
# Or for Anthropic
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_key_here
# Optional: Model selection
HERMES_MODEL=gpt-4-turbo
# or
HERMES_MODEL=claude-3-5-sonnet-20241022
# Memory configuration
HERMES_MEMORY_PATH=~/.hermes/memory
HERMES_ENABLE_SEMANTIC_MEMORY=true
# Skill storage
HERMES_SKILL_PATH=~/.hermes/skills
Core Architecture
Three-Layer Memory System
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, MemoryConfig
# Configure memory layers
memory_config = MemoryConfig(
episodic_enabled=True, # Conversation history
semantic_enabled=True, # Knowledge base
procedural_enabled=True, # Skills/procedures
memory_path="~/.hermes/memory"
)
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
memory_config=memory_config
)
Self-Improving Learning Loop
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, LearningConfig
learning_config = LearningConfig(
enable_auto_learning=True,
reflection_interval=5, # Reflect every 5 interactions
skill_creation_threshold=3, # Create skill after 3 similar tasks
feedback_sensitivity=0.7
)
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
learning_config=learning_config
)
# The agent will automatically:
# 1. Detect patterns in user requests
# 2. Create Skills for repeated tasks
# 3. Improve existing Skills based on feedback
# 4. Store knowledge in semantic memory
Basic Usage
Simple Conversation
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
# Initialize agent
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")
)
# Single interaction
response = agent.chat("Help me analyze this Python code for bugs")
print(response)
# Conversational context is maintained
response = agent.chat("Now optimize it for performance")
print(response)
Using the CLI
# Start interactive mode
python -m hermes_agent
# Or use the CLI directly
hermes chat "What's the weather today?"
# Load specific Skill
hermes chat --skill code-reviewer "Review my Python script"
# Show agent's memory
hermes memory list
# Show available Skills
hermes skills list
# Export learned knowledge
hermes memory export --format json --output knowledge.json
Skill System
Creating Custom Skills
Skills are reusable procedures stored in the agent's procedural memory.
from hermes_agent import Skill, SkillParameter
# Define a custom Skill
code_review_skill = Skill(
name="code_reviewer",
description="Reviews code for bugs, style, and best practices",
parameters=[
SkillParameter(
name="code",
type="string",
description="The code to review",
required=True
),
SkillParameter(
name="language",
type="string",
description="Programming language",
required=False,
default="python"
)
],
instructions="""
1. Analyze the code for syntax errors
2. Check for common bugs and anti-patterns
3. Review style and formatting
4. Suggest performance improvements
5. Provide specific line-by-line feedback
""",
examples=[
{
"input": {"code": "def foo():\n x=1\n return x", "language": "python"},
"output": "Style: Use spaces around operators. Function name could be more descriptive."
}
]
)
# Register Skill with agent
agent.register_skill(code_review_skill)
# Use the Skill
result = agent.execute_skill("code_reviewer", {
"code": "def calculate(a,b):\n return a+b",
"language": "python"
})
print(result)
Skill YAML Definition
Skills can also be defined in YAML files:
# ~/.hermes/skills/code-reviewer.yaml
name: code_reviewer
description: Reviews code for bugs, style, and best practices
version: 1.0.0
parameters:
- name: code
type: string
required: true
description: The code to review
- name: language
type: string
required: false
default: python
description: Programming language
instructions: |
1. Analyze the code for syntax errors
2. Check for common bugs and anti-patterns
3. Review style and formatting
4. Suggest performance improvements
5. Provide specific line-by-line feedback
examples:
- input:
code: "def foo():\n x=1\n return x"
language: python
output: "Style: Use spaces around operators. Function name could be more descriptive."
metadata:
author: HuaShu
tags: [code, review, python]
auto_improve: true
Load from YAML:
agent.load_skill_from_file("~/.hermes/skills/code-reviewer.yaml")
Tool Integration
Built-in Tools
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
from hermes_agent.tools import (
WebSearchTool,
CodeExecutorTool,
FileSystemTool,
APICallerTool
)
agent = HermesAgent(model="gpt-4-turbo")
# Enable built-in tools
agent.enable_tool(WebSearchTool())
agent.enable_tool(CodeExecutorTool(
allowed_languages=["python", "javascript"],
timeout=30
))
agent.enable_tool(FileSystemTool(
allowed_paths=["/home/user/projects"],
read_only=False
))
# Agent can now use these tools automatically
response = agent.chat("Search for Python best practices and create a summary file")
Creating Custom Tools
from hermes_agent import Tool, ToolParameter
class DatabaseQueryTool(Tool):
name = "database_query"
description = "Executes SQL queries against the database"
parameters = [
ToolParameter(
name="query",
type="string",
description="SQL query to execute",
required=True
),
ToolParameter(
name="database",
type="string",
description="Database name",
required=False,
default="main"
)
]
def execute(self, query: str, database: str = "main"):
# Your database logic here
import sqlite3
conn = sqlite3.connect(f"{database}.db")
cursor = conn.execute(query)
results = cursor.fetchall()
conn.close()
return results
# Register custom tool
agent.enable_tool(DatabaseQueryTool())
# Agent can now use it
response = agent.chat("Query the users table for active users")
Memory Management
Accessing Memory Layers
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
agent = HermesAgent(model="gpt-4-turbo")
# Episodic memory (conversation history)
conversation_history = agent.memory.episodic.get_recent(limit=10)
for entry in conversation_history:
print(f"User: {entry.user_message}")
print(f"Agent: {entry.agent_response}")
# Semantic memory (knowledge base)
knowledge = agent.memory.semantic.search("Python best practices")
for item in knowledge:
print(f"Topic: {item.topic}")
print(f"Content: {item.content}")
print(f"Source: {item.source}")
# Procedural memory (Skills)
skills = agent.memory.procedural.list_skills()
for skill in skills:
print(f"Skill: {skill.name} - {skill.description}")
print(f"Used {skill.usage_count} times")
Manual Memory Operations
# Add to semantic memory manually
agent.memory.semantic.add(
topic="Python Type Hints",
content="Type hints improve code readability and enable static analysis...",
source="user_input",
tags=["python", "typing"]
)
# Clear episodic memory (conversation history)
agent.memory.episodic.clear()
# Export all memory
agent.memory.export_all(output_path="./memory_backup")
# Import memory from backup
agent.memory.import_all(input_path="./memory_backup")
Advanced Patterns
Multi-Agent Collaboration
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, AgentOrchestrator
# Create specialized agents
code_agent = HermesAgent(
name="CodeExpert",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="You are a code expert specializing in Python and JavaScript"
)
review_agent = HermesAgent(
name="CodeReviewer",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="You are a code reviewer focusing on quality and best practices"
)
doc_agent = HermesAgent(
name="DocWriter",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="You write clear, comprehensive documentation"
)
# Orchestrate agents
orchestrator = AgentOrchestrator(
agents=[code_agent, review_agent, doc_agent],
coordination_strategy="sequential" # or "parallel", "hierarchical"
)
# Execute workflow
result = orchestrator.execute_workflow(
task="Create a Python function to parse CSV files, review it, and write docs",
workflow=[
{"agent": "CodeExpert", "task": "Write the function"},
{"agent": "CodeReviewer", "task": "Review the code"},
{"agent": "CodeExpert", "task": "Apply review feedback"},
{"agent": "DocWriter", "task": "Write documentation"}
]
)
print(result.final_output)
Feedback Loop for Improvement
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, Feedback
agent = HermesAgent(model="gpt-4-turbo")
# Execute task
response = agent.chat("Create a REST API client for GitHub")
# Provide feedback
feedback = Feedback(
interaction_id=response.interaction_id,
rating=4, # 1-5 scale
comments="Good structure but missing error handling",
corrections={
"missing": ["try-except blocks", "timeout configuration"],
"suggestions": ["Add retry logic", "Use requests session"]
}
)
agent.provide_feedback(feedback)
# Agent will learn and improve future responses
# Next similar task will incorporate this feedback
Custom Learning Rules
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, LearningRule
# Define custom learning rule
class CodeQualityRule(LearningRule):
def should_trigger(self, interaction):
return "code" in interaction.user_message.lower()
def extract_knowledge(self, interaction, feedback):
if feedback.rating >= 4:
return {
"topic": "code_patterns",
"content": interaction.agent_response,
"tags": ["approved", "high_quality"]
}
return None
def should_create_skill(self, pattern_count):
# Create skill after 2 successful code tasks
return pattern_count >= 2
agent = HermesAgent(model="gpt-4-turbo")
agent.add_learning_rule(CodeQualityRule())
Configuration
Full Configuration Example
from hermes_agent import (
HermesAgent,
MemoryConfig,
LearningConfig,
ModelConfig,
ToolConfig
)
# Model configuration
model_config = ModelConfig(
provider="openai",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
temperature=0.7,
max_tokens=4000,
api_key=os.getenv("OPENAI_API_KEY")
)
# Memory configuration
memory_config = MemoryConfig(
episodic_enabled=True,
episodic_max_size=1000,
semantic_enabled=True,
semantic_embedding_model="text-embedding-3-small",
procedural_enabled=True,
memory_path="~/.hermes/memory",
auto_save=True,
save_interval=60 # seconds
)
# Learning configuration
learning_config = LearningConfig(
enable_auto_learning=True,
reflection_interval=5,
skill_creation_threshold=3,
feedback_sensitivity=0.7,
auto_improve_skills=True,
learning_rate=0.1
)
# Tool configuration
tool_config = ToolConfig(
enabled_tools=["web_search", "code_executor", "file_system"],
tool_timeout=30,
allow_dangerous_tools=False
)
# Create agent with full configuration
agent = HermesAgent(
name="MyAssistant",
model_config=model_config,
memory_config=memory_config,
learning_config=learning_config,
tool_config=tool_config,
system_prompt="You are a helpful AI assistant that learns and improves over time."
)
Configuration File
Create hermes_config.yaml:
agent:
name: MyAssistant
system_prompt: "You are a helpful AI assistant that learns and improves over time."
model:
provider: openai
model: gpt-4-turbo
temperature: 0.7
max_tokens: 4000
api_key_env: OPENAI_API_KEY
memory:
episodic:
enabled: true
max_size: 1000
semantic:
enabled: true
embedding_model: text-embedding-3-small
procedural:
enabled: true
path: ~/.hermes/memory
auto_save: true
save_interval: 60
learning:
auto_learning: true
reflection_interval: 5
skill_creation_threshold: 3
feedback_sensitivity: 0.7
auto_improve_skills: true
learning_rate: 0.1
tools:
enabled:
- web_search
- code_executor
- file_system
timeout: 30
allow_dangerous: false
Load configuration:
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
agent = HermesAgent.from_config_file("hermes_config.yaml")
Real-World Examples
Knowledge Assistant
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
from hermes_agent.tools import WebSearchTool, FileSystemTool
# Create knowledge assistant
assistant = HermesAgent(
name="KnowledgeAssistant",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="""You are a knowledge assistant that:
1. Researches topics using web search
2. Stores learned knowledge in semantic memory
3. Creates summaries and documentation
4. Answers questions based on accumulated knowledge
"""
)
assistant.enable_tool(WebSearchTool())
assistant.enable_tool(FileSystemTool(allowed_paths=["./knowledge"]))
# Research and learn
response = assistant.chat(
"Research Python async/await patterns and create a summary document"
)
# Later, retrieve knowledge
response = assistant.chat("What are the best practices for async Python?")
# Agent uses semantic memory to answer without re-searching
Development Automation
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
from hermes_agent.tools import CodeExecutorTool, FileSystemTool, GitTool
dev_agent = HermesAgent(
name="DevAutomation",
model="gpt-4-turbo"
)
dev_agent.enable_tool(CodeExecutorTool(allowed_languages=["python"]))
dev_agent.enable_tool(FileSystemTool(allowed_paths=["./project"]))
dev_agent.enable_tool(GitTool())
# Automated development workflow
workflow_prompt = """
1. Create a Python FastAPI application with user authentication
2. Write unit tests with pytest
3. Run the tests
4. Fix any failures
5. Commit the working code
6. Generate API documentation
"""
result = dev_agent.chat(workflow_prompt)
# Agent will:
# - Create files
# - Write code
# - Execute tests
# - Iterate on failures
# - Use git for version control
# - Generate docs
Content Creation Pipeline
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent, AgentOrchestrator
# Research agent
researcher = HermesAgent(
name="Researcher",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="Research topics thoroughly and gather facts"
)
# Writer agent
writer = HermesAgent(
name="Writer",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="Write engaging, well-structured content"
)
# Editor agent
editor = HermesAgent(
name="Editor",
model="gpt-4-turbo",
system_prompt="Edit for clarity, grammar, and style"
)
orchestrator = AgentOrchestrator(
agents=[researcher, writer, editor],
coordination_strategy="sequential"
)
# Content pipeline
result = orchestrator.execute_workflow(
task="Create a blog post about AI Agents",
workflow=[
{"agent": "Researcher", "task": "Research AI Agents, find recent developments"},
{"agent": "Writer", "task": "Write 1000-word blog post using research"},
{"agent": "Editor", "task": "Edit for publication"},
{"agent": "Writer", "task": "Apply edits and finalize"}
]
)
print(result.final_output)
Troubleshooting
Common Issues
Agent not learning from interactions
# Check learning config
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
learning_config=LearningConfig(
enable_auto_learning=True, # Must be True
reflection_interval=5
)
)
# Verify memory is enabled
print(agent.memory.config.procedural_enabled) # Should be True
# Check logs
import logging
logging.basicConfig(level=logging.DEBUG)
Skills not being created automatically
# Lower the threshold
agent.learning_config.skill_creation_threshold = 2
# Manually trigger skill creation
agent.create_skill_from_pattern(
pattern_name="code_review",
interactions=[id1, id2, id3]
)
Memory not persisting between sessions
# Ensure auto_save is enabled
agent.memory.config.auto_save = True
agent.memory.config.save_interval = 60
# Or manually save
agent.memory.save_all()
# Check memory path exists
import os
print(os.path.exists(agent.memory.config.memory_path))
API rate limits
# Add retry logic
from hermes_agent import RetryConfig
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
retry_config=RetryConfig(
max_retries=3,
backoff_factor=2,
respect_rate_limits=True
)
)
Tool execution timeouts
# Increase timeout
from hermes_agent.tools import CodeExecutorTool
agent.enable_tool(CodeExecutorTool(
timeout=60, # seconds
max_output_length=10000
))
Debug Mode
from hermes_agent import HermesAgent
agent = HermesAgent(
model="gpt-4-turbo",
debug=True # Enables verbose logging
)
# Access internal state
print(agent.debug_info())
print(agent.memory.stats())
print(agent.learning.stats())
Logging
import logging
# Configure Hermes logging
logging.getLogger("hermes_agent").setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
# Log to file
file_handler = logging.FileHandler("hermes.log")
file_handler.setLevel(logging.DEBUG)
logging.getLogger("hermes_agent").addHandler(file_handler)
Best Practices
- Start with conservative learning settings - Begin with higher thresholds and adjust based on results
- Provide feedback regularly - The learning loop improves with human feedback
- Review auto-generated Skills - Inspect and refine Skills before heavy use
- Use semantic memory strategically - Add important knowledge manually for faster retrieval
- Monitor token usage - Learning loops can increase API calls
- Version control your Skills - Keep Skill definitions in git
- Separate agents by role - Use specialized agents with orchestration for complex workflows
- Test Skills in isolation - Validate Skill behavior before relying on them
- Regular memory maintenance - Periodically review and clean semantic memory
- Environment-specific configs - Use different configs for dev/prod environments
Resources
- Official Documentation: https://hermes-agent.nousresearch.com/docs/
- GitHub Repository: https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent
- Community Discord: https://discord.gg/nousresearch
- Example Skills: https://github.com/NousResearch/hermes-agent/tree/main/examples/skills
- Orange Book Guide: Download PDF
FAQ
What does the hermes-agent-framework skill do?
Expert guide for Nous Research's Hermes Agent framework with self-improving learning loops, three-layer memory, and automatic Skill creation
How do I install hermes-agent-framework?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/reason-machines/ai-agent-skills --skill hermes-agent-framework in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/hermes-agent-framework/ (personal) or .claude/skills/hermes-agent-framework/ (project).
Which AI agents can use hermes-agent-framework?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is hermes-agent-framework safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains hermes-agent-framework?
It is published by reason-machines in reason-machines/ai-agent-skills. It has 190 recorded installs.
More from reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
agency-agents-zh-skill
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Open the skill to read its SKILL.md instructions.
agent-reach-internet-access
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Open the skill to read its SKILL.md instructions.
agent-sprite-forge-2d-game-assets
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Open the skill to read its SKILL.md instructions.
agentmemory-persistent-memory
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Add persistent memory to AI coding agents using agentmemory - remembers context, preferences, and decisions across sessions
awesome-agent-skills
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Open the skill to read its SKILL.md instructions.
oh-my-openagent-orchestration
reason-machines/ai-agent-skills
Open the skill to read its SKILL.md instructions.
Popular ai & agents skills
google-agents-cli-publish
google/agents-cli
This skill should be used when the user wants to "publish an agent", "publish my ADK agent", "register an agent with Gemini", "publish to Gemini" (formerly Gemini Enterprise), or needs guidance on the agents-cli publish gemini command. Also use when the user wants to "manage agents in Agent Registry", "list/update/delete registered agents", or "register an MCP server". Covers ADK vs A2A registration modes, programmatic and interactive usage, flag reference, auto-detection from deployment metadata, Agent Registry fleet management, and troubleshooting. Part of the agents-cli skills suite. Do NOT use for deployment (use google-agents-cli-deploy).
google-agents-cli-eval
google/agents-cli
This skill should be used when the user wants to "run an evaluation", "evaluate my agent", "evaluate my ADK agent", "write an eval dataset", "analyze eval failures", "compare eval results", "optimize agent", or needs guidance on the Gemini platform eval methodology and the Quality Flywheel. Covers eval metrics, dataset schema, LLM-as-judge scoring, and common failure causes. Applies to any agents-cli project, whatever framework the agent is written in. Do NOT use for agent API code patterns (ADK: use google-agents-cli-adk-code), deployment (use google-agents-cli-deploy), or project scaffolding (use google-agents-cli-scaffold).
skill-creator
anthropics/skills
Create new skills, modify and improve existing skills, and measure skill performance. Use when users want to create a skill from scratch, edit, or optimize an existing skill, run evals to test a skill, benchmark skill performance with variance analysis, or optimize a skill's description for better triggering accuracy.
codex-pet
prime-skills/runcomfy-agent-skills
Codex Pet generator on RunComfy. Build a Codex-compatible Codex Pet spritesheet.webp + pet.json from a single reference image, drop it into ${CODEXHOME:-$HOME/.codex}/pets/ / and Codex picks it up as a custom Codex Pet next to the 8 built-ins. This skill produces the exact Codex Pet atlas Codex expects (1536x1872 PNG/WebP, 8 cols x 9 rows, 192x208 cells, 9 animation states — idle, running-right, running-left, waving, jumping, failed, waiting, running, review). Calls OpenAI GPT Image 2 edit ONCE via the local RunComfy CLI as runcomfy run openai/gpt-image-2/edit to produce a canonical Codex Pet pose, then assembles all 9 animation rows programmatically with ImageMagick micro-transforms — no Codex Pro, no $imagegen, no OPENAIAPIKEY required, only RUNCOMFYTOKEN. Triggers on "codex pet", "create codex pet", "make codex pet", "hatch codex pet", "/hatch image", "desktop pet codex", "codex pets", "spritesheet.webp", or any explicit ask to build a custom pet for OpenAI Codex.
full-output-enforcement
leonxlnx/taste-skill
Overrides default LLM truncation behavior. Enforces complete code generation, bans placeholder patterns, and handles token-limit splits cleanly. Apply to any task requiring exhaustive, unabridged output.
executing-plans
obra/superpowers
Use when executing an implementation plan in the current session as the implementer yourself — your human partner chose inline execution, or no subagent tool is available