Context Window
Also known as: Context, Context Length, Window Size
In one sentence
How much text an AI can 'see' or 'remember' at once. Older messages fall off when the window fills up.
Explain like I'm 12
Imagine the AI can only read one page at a time. If the conversation gets longer than one page, it forgets the beginning.
In context
A 4,000-token context window means the AI can handle about 3,000 words of conversation history. Longer windows = better memory.
See also
Related Guides
Learn more about Context Window in these guides:
Context Management: Handling Long Conversations and Documents
IntermediateMaster context window management for AI. Learn strategies for long conversations, document processing, memory systems, and context optimization.
12 min readContext Windows: How Much AI Can Remember
IntermediateContext windows determine how much text an AI can process at once. Learn how they work, their limits, and how to work within them.
6 min readHow Chatbots Work (No Math Required)
BeginnerDemystifying conversational AI. Learn how chatbots understand your questions and generate responses—without getting lost in algorithms.
8 min read