Interactive Chat

Learn how to engage in ongoing conversations with AI models using Umwelten's interactive chat feature.

Overview

Interactive chat allows you to have extended conversations with AI models, maintaining context across multiple exchanges. This is ideal for:

• Extended discussions: Complex topics that require multiple back-and-forth exchanges
• Iterative problem solving: Refining solutions through conversation
• Learning sessions: Educational interactions with persistent context
• Creative collaboration: Building ideas through ongoing dialogue

Getting Started

Basic Chat Sessions

Start an interactive conversation:

# Basic chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model gemma3:latest

# Chat with premium model
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview

# Chat with tools enabled
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o --tools calculator,statistics

Provider-Specific Examples

Google Models

# Fast and cost-effective chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview

# High-quality analytical chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-2.5-pro-exp-03-25

# Vision-enabled chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --file ./image.jpg

Ollama Models (Local)

# General conversation
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model gemma3:12b

# Code-focused chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model codestral:latest

# Vision chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model qwen2.5vl:latest --file ./screenshot.png

OpenRouter Models

# Premium quality chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o

# Analytical chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model anthropic/claude-3.7-sonnet:thinking

# Cost-effective chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o-mini

LM Studio (Local)

# Local model chat (ensure LM Studio server is running)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider lmstudio --model mistralai/devstral-small-2505

Chat Commands

Within a chat session, you can use special commands to control the conversation:

Basic Commands

• /?: Show help and available commands
• /reset: Clear conversation history and start fresh
• /history: Display the conversation history
• exit or quit: End the chat session

Memory Commands

• /mem: Show memory facts (requires --memory flag)
• /mem clear: Clear all stored memory facts
• /mem export: Export memory facts to a file

Advanced Commands

• /system <message>: Update the system message
• /temperature <value>: Change the temperature setting
• /provider <name>: Switch to a different provider
• /model <name>: Switch to a different model

Enhanced Chat Features

Memory-Enabled Chat

Enable persistent memory to maintain context across sessions:

# Chat with memory for persistent facts
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model gemma3:latest --memory

The memory system automatically:

• Extracts important facts from conversations
• Maintains context across sessions
• Provides personalized responses based on learned information
• Builds knowledge over time about your preferences and needs

Memory Examples

# Start a memory-enabled chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --memory

# During chat, the AI will remember:
> "I'm a software developer working on a React project"
> "My name is Alex and I prefer TypeScript over JavaScript"
> "I'm learning about microservices architecture"

# In future sessions, the AI will reference this information
> "Based on our previous conversations, I know you're working on a React project..."

Tool-Enabled Chat

Enhance your chat with powerful tools:

# Chat with specific tools
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model gpt-4o --tools calculator,statistics

# Available tools (use 'umwelten tools list' to see all)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --tools web_search,file_analysis

Available Tools

• calculator: Mathematical calculations and formulas
• statistics: Statistical analysis and data processing
• randomNumber: Generate random numbers within ranges

Tool Usage Examples

# Math-focused chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider openrouter --model gpt-4o --tools calculator

# Data analysis chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --tools statistics

# Multi-tool chat
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model qwen3:latest --tools calculator,statistics,randomNumber

Tool Demo

Test tool functionality:

# Interactive tool demo
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- tools demo

# Custom demo
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- tools demo --prompt "Calculate 15 + 27, then generate a random number"

File Attachments in Chat

Start a chat with file context:

# Start chat with a document
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-1.5-flash-latest --file ./document.pdf

# Start chat with an image
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model qwen2.5vl:latest --file ./photo.jpg

# Start chat with multiple files
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --file ./report.pdf --file ./data.csv

File Reference Examples

During chat, you can reference attached files:

> "Summarize the main points from the attached document"
> "What are the key findings in section 3 of the PDF?"
> "Analyze the trends shown in the attached spreadsheet"
> "Describe what you see in the image I shared"

Advanced Chat Configuration

System Messages

Set the AI's role and behavior for the entire conversation:

# Technical expert role
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --system "You are a senior software architect with expertise in distributed systems"

# Creative writing role
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model gemma3:27b \
  --system "You are a creative writer specializing in science fiction short stories"

# Educational role
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model anthropic/claude-3.7-sonnet:thinking \
  --system "You are a patient teacher who explains complex concepts simply"

Temperature Control

Adjust creativity and randomness for the conversation:

# Very focused and deterministic (0.0-0.3)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --temperature 0.1

# Balanced creativity (0.4-0.7)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model gemma3:12b \
  --temperature 0.6

# Highly creative (0.8-2.0)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --temperature 1.5

Timeout Settings

Set appropriate timeouts for different types of conversations:

# Quick responses (default: 30 seconds)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model gemma3:12b --timeout 30000

# Complex analysis (longer timeout)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-2.5-pro-exp-03-25 \
  --timeout 60000

# Extended processing (very long timeout)
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o \
  --timeout 120000

Use Cases and Examples

Educational Support

# Math tutoring session
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --system "You are a math tutor who shows step-by-step solutions" \
  --tools calculator

# Language learning
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model gemma3:27b \
  --system "You are a Spanish language tutor. Respond in Spanish and help me practice"

# Concept explanation
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model anthropic/claude-3.7-sonnet:thinking \
  --system "You are a patient teacher explaining complex concepts simply"

Creative Collaboration

# Story writing collaboration
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model gemma3:27b \
  --system "You are a creative writing partner. Help me develop characters and plot" \
  --temperature 0.8

# Brainstorming session
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --system "You are an innovation consultant. Help me brainstorm solutions" \
  --temperature 0.9

# Design feedback
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o \
  --system "You are a UX designer. Provide feedback on my design ideas"

Problem Solving

# Debugging session
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model codestral:latest \
  --system "You are a senior software engineer helping with debugging" \
  --tools code_execution

# Business analysis
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-2.5-pro-exp-03-25 \
  --system "You are a business analyst. Help me analyze market opportunities" \
  --tools web_search

# Research assistance
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model anthropic/claude-3.7-sonnet:thinking \
  --system "You are a research assistant. Help me find and analyze information" \
  --tools web_search

Code Development

# Code review session
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider ollama --model codestral:latest \
  --system "You are a senior developer conducting a code review" \
  --file ./my-code.js

# Architecture discussion
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview \
  --system "You are a software architect. Help me design system architecture"

# Testing strategy
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat \
  --provider openrouter --model openai/gpt-4o \
  --system "You are a QA engineer. Help me develop testing strategies"

Best Practices

Conversation Management

• Start with context: Provide relevant background information early
• Be specific: Ask clear, focused questions
• Build on responses: Reference previous exchanges to maintain continuity
• Use commands effectively: Leverage chat commands for better control

Memory Usage

• Enable memory for long-term projects: Keeps context across sessions
• Review memory regularly: Use /mem to see what's been learned
• Clear memory when needed: Use /mem clear for fresh starts
• Export important facts: Use /mem export to save valuable information

Tool Integration

• Choose relevant tools: Select tools that match your use case
• Combine tools effectively: Use multiple tools for complex tasks
• Understand tool limitations: Know what each tool can and cannot do
• Provide context: Give tools the information they need to work effectively

Error Handling

• Use appropriate timeouts: Set longer timeouts for complex conversations
• Handle interruptions gracefully: Use /reset if conversation gets stuck
• Switch providers if needed: Use /provider to try different options
• Save important conversations: Export chat history for important discussions

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Conversation Context Loss: Use memory-enabled chat or /history to review
2. Slow Responses: Increase timeout values or switch to faster models
3. Tool Failures: Check tool availability and provide necessary context
4. Memory Issues: Use /mem clear to reset memory if it becomes corrupted
5. Provider Errors: Switch providers or check API key configuration

Debug Commands

# Test chat functionality
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --timeout 10000

# Check available tools
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- tools list

# Test memory system
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider ollama --model gemma3:latest --memory

# Verify file attachments
dotenvx run -- pnpm run cli -- chat --provider google --model gemini-3-flash-preview --file ./test.txt

Next Steps

• Learn about running single prompts for quick tasks
• Explore model evaluation for systematic testing
• Try batch processing for multiple files
• See structured output for data extraction