Artel — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Artel runs a self-hosted shared memory layer for AI agents. It captures insights across coding sessions and serves relevant notes right before file edits.
Open on GitHubWhat Artel does
Artel deploys locally through Docker Compose, storing agent notes in SQLite with WAL mode and vector embeddings. It connects via HTTP or MCP, exposing 47 tools. When an agent touches a file, the server performs semantic retrieval and outputs a concise note without requiring manual lookups.
The system classifies entries into five categories: memory, doc, directive, skill, and compiled. A background archivist routinely resolves contradictions, merges duplicate findings, and decays stale information.
The archivist requires ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or OPENROUTER_API_KEY to organize records; without one, the server operates passively. On macOS or Windows Docker Desktop, remove the mdns container because host networking is limited to Linux.
What it helps with
- Share debugging discoveries across distinct agent sessions
- Retain migration progress and handoff notes between workdays
- Store architecture choices as immutable records
- Surface file-specific pitfalls before modifying code
Example prompts for the agent
- Check Artel for known issues before modifying
auth.py - Record this migration decision in Artel as a permanent directive
- Ask Artel where the previous agent stopped in this repository
How to install Artel
1Template address
The server address is a template: replace {…} or […] with your own values
2Platform CLI: remote server
claude mcp add --transport http artel https://{artel_host}/mcp1Template address
The server address is a template: replace {…} or […] with your own values
2Platform CLI: remote server
codex mcp add artel --url https://{artel_host}/mcp1Template address
The server address is a template: replace {…} or […] with your own values
2Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"artel": {
"url": "https://{artel_host}/mcp"
}
}
}1Template address
The server address is a template: replace {…} or […] with your own values
2Config file
{
"servers": {
"artel": {
"type": "http",
"url": "https://{artel_host}/mcp"
}
}
}1Template address
The server address is a template: replace {…} or […] with your own values
2Platform CLI: remote server
gemini mcp add -t http artel https://{artel_host}/mcpStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about Artel
How do I install Artel in Claude Code?
Deploy the server with Docker Compose, then register it using claude mcp add --transport http artel https://{artel_host}/mcp.
What does Artel do?
Artel acts as a shared memory service for AI agents, storing findings and project context in SQLite. It returns relevant one-line tips when an agent prepares to edit a file.
Does Artel require an external API key?
Running Artel in passive mode needs no external keys. To enable the background archivist for synthesizing notes, supply ANTHROPIC_API_KEY or OPENROUTER_API_KEY in your .env file.
