Basic Memory is a local-first knowledge graph and note-taking system that enables persistent knowledge management through natural conversations with LLMs. All data is stored in simple Markdown files on your computer, giving you full ownership of your knowledge base. Key features of Basic Memory: - **Local knowledge graph** with bidirectional relationships between notes and semantic connections - **Semantic vector search** combining full-text search with vector similarity using FastEmbed embeddings - **Schema system** for inferring, validating, and diffing knowledge base structure - **MCP-native integration** allowing any compatible LLM (Claude, etc.) to read and write to your knowledge base - Optional cloud sync for cross-device access while maintaining local-first as default - CLI with project management, workspace-aware commands, and htop-inspired project dashboard

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Basic Memory

Basic Memory lets you build persistent knowledge through natural conversations with Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude, while keeping everything in simple Markdown files on your computer. It uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to enable any compatible LLM to read and write to your local knowledge base.

What's New in v0.19.0

See the full CHANGELOG for details.

Pick up your conversation right where you left off

https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/a55d8238-8dd0-454a-be4c-8860dbbd0ddc

Quick Start

# Install with uv (recommended)
uv tool install basic-memory
Configure Claude Desktop (edit ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json)
Add this to your config:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "basic-memory": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "basic-memory",
        "mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}
Now in Claude Desktop, you can:
- Write notes with "Create a note about coffee brewing methods"
- Read notes with "What do I know about pour over coffee?"
- Search with "Find information about Ethiopian beans"

You can view shared context via files in ~/basic-memory (default directory location).

Automatic Updates

Basic Memory includes a default-on auto-update flow for CLI installs.

Manual update commands:

# Check now and install if supported
bm update
Check only, do not install
bm update --check

Config options in ~/.basic-memory/config.json:

{
  "auto_update": true,
  "update_check_interval": 86400
}

To disable automatic updates, set "auto_update": false.

Why Basic Memory?

Most LLM interactions are ephemeral - you ask a question, get an answer, and everything is forgotten. Each conversation starts fresh, without the context or knowledge from previous ones. Current workarounds have limitations: