Memory Bank MCP

A guided Memory Bank plugin for AI-assisted development

Memory Bank MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) plugin that helps AI assistants maintain persistent project context through structured markdown files. It provides a systematic approach to tracking project goals, decisions, progress, and patterns through guided instructions rather than direct operations.

Features

• Guided Operations: Provides instructions for AI assistants to perform operations themselves
• Structured Context Management: Organize project information across 5 core files
• Intelligent Guidance: Step-by-step instructions for initialization and updates
• Flexible Updates: Smart update guidance based on different change types
• Cross-Platform Support: Automatic path normalization for Windows/macOS/Linux

MCP Configuration

Using the published npm package:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "memory-bank": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@neko0721/memory-bank-mcp"],
      "timeout": 600
    }
  }
}

Quick Start

1. Initialize Memory Bank

   Use init-memory-bank to create the memory-bank directory and core files

2. Read Memory Bank

   Use get-memory-bank-info to view all Memory Bank content

3. Update Memory Bank

   Use update-memory-bank to get guidance on updating specific files

Core Files

1. productContext.md (Product Context)

• High-level project overview
• Goals and key features
• Overall architecture
• Automatically incorporates projectBrief.md if available

2. activeContext.md (Active Context)

• Current work status
• Recent changes
• Open questions and issues
• Focus areas

3. progress.md (Progress)

• Task tracking in checklist format
• Completed, current, and planned tasks
• Progress timeline

4. decisionLog.md (Decision Log)

• Architectural and implementation decisions
• Rationale and implications
• Decision history

5. systemPatterns.md (System Patterns)

• Recurring patterns and standards
• Coding conventions
• Architectural patterns
• Testing strategies

Usage Guidelines

For AI Assistants

1. Start Every Session: Check if memory-bank directory exists, then use get-memory-bank-info to understand project state
2. Initialize When Needed: Use init-memory-bank for new projects
3. Read Context: Use get-memory-bank-info to understand project state
4. Update Guidance: Use update-memory-bank to get update instructions
5. Follow Instructions: Execute the provided guidance to maintain Memory Bank

Update Triggers

• Architecture Changes: Major structural decisions
• Feature Completion: New features or capabilities
• Bug Fixes: Significant issue resolutions
• Refactoring: Code structure improvements
• Decisions: Any important technical choices
• Progress Updates: Task status changes

Tool Reference

init-memory-bank

Initializes Memory Bank with all core files.

Parameters:

• rootPath: Project root directory path
• force (optional): Force re-initialization

Returns: Created files list and next steps guidance

get-memory-bank-info

Reads and returns all Memory Bank content (similar to codelf's get-project-info).

Parameters:

• rootPath: Project root directory path

Returns: Formatted Memory Bank content for AI context

update-memory-bank

Provides guidance for updating Memory Bank files.

Parameters:

• rootPath: Project root directory path
• changeType: Type of change (architecture/feature/bugfix/refactor/decision/progress)
• description: Brief description of the change

Returns: Detailed update instructions with templates and timestamps

Integration Tips

Cursor Setup

Add to Settings → Rules → User Rules:

Before starting any task, check if memory-bank directory exists in the project. If not, run the MCP command init-memory-bank.
Use the MCP command get-memory-bank-info to read Memory Bank content at session start.
After completing tasks or conversations, you must use the MCP command update-memory-bank to update Memory Bank content.
Follow the MCP guidance to maintain Memory Bank files.

Windsurf Setup

Add to Settings → Cascade → Memories and Rules → Global Rules:

Before starting any task, check if memory-bank directory exists in the project. If not, run the MCP command init-memory-bank.
Use the MCP command get-memory-bank-info to read Memory Bank content at session start.
After completing tasks or conversations, you must use the MCP command update-memory-bank to update Memory Bank content.
Follow the MCP guidance to maintain Memory Bank files.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit issues or pull requests.

License

MIT

Acknowledgments

Inspired by the SPARC methodology and codelf.