> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://agno-v2.mintlify.site/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.

**1. 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)
```

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

**2. Install dependencies**

```bash theme={null}
uv pip install -U agno openai
```

**3. Export your OpenAI API key**

<Snippet file="set-openai-key.mdx" />

**4. Run Agent**

```bash theme={null}
python session_state_in_instructions.py
```


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