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This example demonstrates how to use session state variables directly in agent instructions. It shows how to initialize session state and reference those variables in the instruction templates.
1

Create a Python file

session_state_in_instructions.py
from agno.agent import Agent
from agno.models.openai import OpenAIResponses

agent = Agent(
    model=OpenAIResponses(id="gpt-5.2"),
    session_state={"user_name": "John"},
    instructions="Users name is {user_name}",
    markdown=True,
)

agent.print_response("What is my name?", stream=True)
2

Set up your virtual environment

uv venv --python 3.12
source .venv/bin/activate
3

Install dependencies

uv pip install -U agno openai
4

Export your OpenAI API key

​
Set OpenAI Key

Set your OPENAI_API_KEY as an environment variable. You can get one from OpenAI.
export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-***
5

Run Agent

python session_state_in_instructions.py