# Cairn.ink Memory

Preserves context across AI sessions while attaching submitted source snippets to every saved record. Useful when preferences change over time.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, Gemini CLI · ★ 31
- Author: Cairn-ink
- License: Apache-2.0 · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/Cairn-ink/cairn-memory
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/cairnink-memory

## What it does

Cairn.ink Memory passes project decisions and instructions across separate AI sessions using the Model Context Protocol. Rather than collecting untraceable conversational logs, it pairs each memory with a Source Receipt containing the exact submitted text. You can inspect that original fragment later, adjust the record to match fresh project rules, or erase it from active context.

The basic operations run without contacting model APIs. Saving, viewing source receipts, revising entries, and dropping stale preferences remain model-free. However, semantic search across stored entries requires an OpenAI API key, which transmits selected text to that vendor.

You can run the memory layer locally or through a hosted endpoint. The local developer preview keeps records inside an SQLite database and operates without a Cairn account. Connecting to the shared service relies on `https://cairn.ink/api/mcp` and hosted authentication. Node 22.16 or higher is mandatory for running the setup installer.

## Requirements
- Remote server: `https://cairn.ink/api/mcp`

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI: remote server**
```bash
claude mcp add --transport http memory https://cairn.ink/api/mcp
```

### Codex

**Platform CLI: remote server**
```bash
codex mcp add cairnink-memory --url https://cairn.ink/api/mcp
```

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "cairnink-memory": {
            "url": "https://cairn.ink/api/mcp"
        }
    }
}
```

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "servers": {
        "cairnink-memory": {
            "type": "http",
            "url": "https://cairn.ink/api/mcp"
        }
    }
}
```

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI: remote server**
```bash
gemini mcp add -t http cairnink-memory https://cairn.ink/api/mcp
```

## When to use it
- persist project guidelines across separate assistant sessions
- verify the exact source quote behind a stored decision
- modify outdated instructions without wiping past records
- drop obsolete preferences from active context recall

## Example prompts
- Remember that this project uses Vitest instead of Jest for unit tests
- Inspect the source receipt for my report format preference
- Update the report guideline to require detailed summaries

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