KIP — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
KIP connects Claude Code to an agent memory service. Its MCP server implements the v1 interface, so check compatibility before using it with KIP 2.0.
claude mcp add kip -e KIP_BACKEND_URL=<KIP_BACKEND_URL> -e KIP_API_KEY=<KIP_API_KEY> -- npx -y @ldclabs/kip-mcp-serverWhat KIP does
The @ldclabs/kip-mcp-server package connects Claude Code to a KIP backend. Set KIP_BACKEND_URL and KIP_API_KEY for the connection. The server provides an MCP link to the memory service; it is not a storage backend on its own.
There is a version boundary to keep in mind. The archived MCP server implements v1 interfaces, while KIP 2.0 points new integrations to its current Memory Interface and wire contracts. This makes the archived server a poor assumption for a native v2 setup. You also need a backend address and API key.
What it helps with
- connect Claude Code to a KIP backend
- configure memory access with environment variables
- route agent requests through KIP over MCP
Example prompts for the agent
- Connect the KIP MCP server and use it to work with this project's memory.
- Check KIP memory for saved details about the project.
- Store this project fact in KIP memory for a later request.
How to install KIP
Platform CLI
claude mcp add kip -e KIP_BACKEND_URL=<KIP_BACKEND_URL> -e KIP_API_KEY=<KIP_API_KEY> -- npx -y @ldclabs/kip-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add kip --env KIP_BACKEND_URL=<KIP_BACKEND_URL> --env KIP_API_KEY=<KIP_API_KEY> -- npx -y @ldclabs/kip-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"kip": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@ldclabs/kip-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"KIP_BACKEND_URL": "<KIP_BACKEND_URL>",
"KIP_API_KEY": "<KIP_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"kip": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@ldclabs/kip-mcp-server"
],
"env": {
"KIP_BACKEND_URL": "<KIP_BACKEND_URL>",
"KIP_API_KEY": "<KIP_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e KIP_BACKEND_URL=<KIP_BACKEND_URL> -e KIP_API_KEY=<KIP_API_KEY> kip npx -y @ldclabs/kip-mcp-serverReplace <…> with your own values
Step 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 KIP
How do I install KIP in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add kip -e KIP_BACKEND_URL=<KIP_BACKEND_URL> -e KIP_API_KEY=<KIP_API_KEY> -- npx -y @ldclabs/kip-mcp-server. Provide the backend address and API key.
What does KIP do?
It connects an agent to the KIP memory service over MCP. The server takes the backend URL and API key as environment variables.
Does the KIP server support KIP 2.0?
The archived MCP server implements v1 interfaces. KIP 2.0 documentation directs native integrations to its current Memory Interface and wire contracts.
