knowing — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Builds a content-addressed code relationship graph to feed AI assistants ranked context. It cuts down token waste and traces change blast radius across services.
claude mcp add knowing -- npx -y @blackwell-systems/knowingWhat knowing does
The server generates an indexed graph of code symbols on its initial launch. It requires zero API tokens and downloads no local neural weights. Internally, it maps relationships using 38 distinct edge types and anchors graph state snapshots to Git commits with Merkle trees. Agents query relevant definitions using the context_for_task tool, receiving items ordered by graph centrality and recency.
Noise reduction happens during active sessions. When an assistant ignores suggested symbols, the engine downgrades their score on future calls. Once files change on disk, outdated relationships expire automatically through Merkle root checks.
First-time repository analysis takes between 10 and 30 seconds. Querying the agent before this background scan finishes will return empty symbol sets.
What it helps with
- inspect blast radius across callers and test suites before modifying code
- retrieve ranked symbol context fitted to a specific token budget
- verify architectural relationships between services using cryptographic Merkle proofs
- flag structural risks such as credential reads and process execution
Example prompts for the agent
- Run the
context_for_tasktool to gather symbols associated with payment processing. - Show the blast radius across routes and tests if I modify this handler.
- Which tests must run for the latest changes in the billing module?
How to install knowing
Platform CLI
claude mcp add knowing -- npx -y @blackwell-systems/knowingPlatform CLI
codex mcp add knowing -- npx -y @blackwell-systems/knowingConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"knowing": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@blackwell-systems/knowing"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"knowing": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@blackwell-systems/knowing"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add knowing npx -y @blackwell-systems/knowingStep 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 knowing
How do I install knowing in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add knowing -- npx -y @blackwell-systems/knowing in your terminal. The CLI sets up the MCP tool via npx and prepares it for immediate repository indexing.
What does knowing do?
It maps codebase dependencies into a graph and supplies ranked symbols directly to your agent. This reduces repetitive text searches and limits context size.
Does knowing require external API keys?
No, the engine runs completely on your machine. It operates without remote API credentials or offline model downloads.
