Memex
Zettelkasten-based persistent memory for AI coding agents. Auto-saves atomic knowledge cards with \\[\\[bidirectional links]] after tasks and auto-recalls before new ones. No vector DB — plain markdown files with git sync. Works as Claude Code plugin o
What is Memex?
Memex is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to zettelkasten-based persistent memory for ai coding agents. auto-saves atomic knowledge cards with \\[\\[bidirectional links]] after tasks and auto-recalls before new ones. no vector db — plain markdow...
Zettelkasten-based persistent memory for AI coding agents. Auto-saves atomic knowledge cards with \\[\\[bidirectional links]] after tasks and auto-recalls before new ones. No vector DB — plain markdown files with git sync. Works as Claude Code plugin o
This server falls under the Knowledge & Memory category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- Zettelkasten-based persistent memory for AI coding agents. A
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y @touchskyer/memexManual Installation
npx -y @touchskyer/memexConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Memex
Memex is a Zettelkasten-inspired persistent memory system for AI coding agents that automatically saves atomic knowledge cards with bidirectional wiki-style links after each task and recalls relevant cards before starting new ones. Unlike vector database solutions, Memex uses plain Markdown files organized in a knowledge graph with optional Git sync, making the memory store fully human-readable and auditable. It works across Claude Code, VS Code Copilot, Cursor, Codex, and Windsurf, giving agents continuity of context across sessions without the overhead of embedding models or specialized databases.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18+ for npm-based installation (not needed for VS Code or Claude Code plugin)
- An MCP-compatible client: Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, or VS Code Copilot
- Git CLI (optional, for cross-device sync via GitHub private repo)
- GitHub CLI `gh` (optional, for automated private repo creation during sync setup)
Install Memex globally via npm
Install the @touchskyer/memex package globally to make the `memex` CLI available as an MCP server command.
npm install -g @touchskyer/memexAdd Memex to Claude Desktop configuration
Register Memex as an MCP server in your claude_desktop_config.json. The `mcp` argument starts the server in MCP protocol mode.
{
"mcpServers": {
"memex": {
"command": "memex",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}(Optional) Configure Memex behavior via .memexrc
Create a JSON config file at ~/.memex/.memexrc to customize behavior such as hierarchical slug paths or additional search directories.
{
"nestedSlugs": true,
"searchDirs": ["/home/user/notes"],
"experimental": {
"agenticMemory": true
}
}(Optional) Set up Git sync
Initialize sync to automatically push knowledge cards to a private GitHub repository after each write, enabling cross-device access.
memex sync --init # Creates a private GitHub repo and configures sync
memex sync on # Enable auto-sync after every card writeExplore your knowledge base
Use the Memex CLI to search, read, and serve your knowledge cards. The visual timeline UI runs locally in your browser.
memex search # List all cards
memex search "database" # Search for specific knowledge
memex read my-card-slug # Read a specific card
memex serve # Launch visual timeline UI at localhostMemex Examples
Client configuration
Claude Desktop config for the Memex MCP server using the globally installed package
{
"mcpServers": {
"memex": {
"command": "memex",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Prompts to exercise Memex's persistent memory capabilities in Claude Code or Claude Desktop
- "Save a note about how we implemented JWT authentication in this project"
- "Search my knowledge base for anything related to database migrations"
- "What do I remember about the deployment configuration for this app?"
- "Create a card linking the auth system to the user service design decisions"Troubleshooting Memex
'memex: command not found' when Claude Desktop starts the server
The globally installed npm binary may not be on the PATH that Claude Desktop uses. Find the full path with `which memex` or `npm root -g` and use the absolute path in the MCP config `command` field.
Knowledge cards are not persisting between sessions
Check that Memex has write access to its storage directory (defaults to ~/.memex). If using a custom location, ensure searchDirs in .memexrc points to the correct path.
Git sync fails with authentication errors
Ensure the GitHub CLI (`gh`) is authenticated with `gh auth login` before running `memex sync --init`. The sync feature uses gh to create and push to the private repository.
Frequently Asked Questions about Memex
What is Memex?
Memex is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that zettelkasten-based persistent memory for ai coding agents. auto-saves atomic knowledge cards with \\[\\[bidirectional links]] after tasks and auto-recalls before new ones. no vector db — plain markdown files with git sync. works as claude code plugin o It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Memex?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y @touchskyer/memex. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Memex?
Memex works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Memex free to use?
Yes, Memex is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
Memex Alternatives — Similar Knowledge & Memory Servers
Looking for alternatives to Memex? Here are other popular knowledge & memory servers you can use with Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
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Memu
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MemOS
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Everos
★ 5.4kBuild, evaluate, and integrate long-term memory for self-evolving agents.
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Quick Config Preview
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