> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.agno.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# State in Instructions

> Reference session state variables directly inside an agent's instruction templates.

Use session state variables directly in agent instructions. Initialize the state, then reference the variables in your instruction templates.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Python file">
    ```python session_state_in_instructions.py theme={null}
    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)
    ```
  </Step>

  <Snippet file="create-venv-step.mdx" />

  <Step title="Install dependencies">
    ```bash theme={null}
    uv pip install -U agno openai
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Export your OpenAI API key">
    <Snippet file="set-openai-key.mdx" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Run Agent">
    ```bash theme={null}
    python session_state_in_instructions.py
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>