> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://agno-v2-update-deprecated-models.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# State in Instructions

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.

<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>