Cipher serves as a specialized MCP server designed to provide persistent memory management for coding agents and AI assistants. When cipher runs as an MCP server, it exposes a unified interface that allows other coding agents to store, retrieve, and build upon knowledge across coding sessions, creating a more consistent and effective development experience.

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Cipher as a Memory-Focused MCP Server

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Core Purpose

When running as an MCP server, cipher acts as a centralized memory layer that solves the fundamental problem of session-based memory limitations in traditional AI coding assistants:
  • Context Loss: Each new conversation starts from scratch
  • Repeated Learning: Same patterns explained multiple times
  • Inconsistent Advice: Conflicting suggestions across sessions
  • No Progress Tracking: Cannot build on previous work
  • Limited Context: Cannot access relevant past solutions
Cipher solves these problems by providing persistent memory that coding agents can access across all interactions.

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Architecture: Cipher as Memory Server

Cipher as MCP Server

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How Cipher Works with Coding Agents

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Storing Knowledge to Memory

When you work with coding agents like Cursor, cipher automatically captures and stores valuable information from your coding sessions: Cipher Storing Memory

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Retrieving Relevant Context

Later, when you encounter similar problems, cipher retrieves relevant context from previous sessions to provide consistent and informed assistance: Cipher Retrieving Memory

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The Ask Cipher Tool

When cipher runs as an MCP server, it exposes a unified tool that coding agents can use for both retrieval and storage operations. This tool handles:

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Storage Operations

  • Knowledge Storage: Store code patterns, solutions, and best practices
  • Reflection Memory: Record learning experiences and improvements
  • Entity Management: Add coding concepts and their relationships
  • Context Preservation: Maintain project and codebase understanding

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Retrieval Operations

  • Semantic Search: Find relevant past solutions and patterns
  • Context Retrieval: Get background information for current coding tasks
  • Pattern Recognition: Identify recurring themes and successful approaches
  • Cross-Session Continuity: Access knowledge from previous sessions

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Memory System Components

Cipher’s memory system consists of three main components that work together to provide comprehensive knowledge storage and retrieval:
  1. Knowledge & Reflection Memory (Vector Store) - Semantic search capabilities for code patterns and solutions
  2. Knowledge Graph (Graph Store) - Relationship modeling between coding concepts and entities
  3. Session & Metadata (SQLite Database) - Operational data and conversation history
For detailed information about each memory component, including architecture, configuration options, and use cases, please refer to the Memory Overview page.

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Benefits for Coding Agents

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1. Enhanced Problem-Solving

  • Pattern Recognition: Identify similar problems and apply proven solutions
  • Incremental Learning: Build upon previous successful approaches
  • Context Awareness: Understand the bigger picture of ongoing projects

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2. Consistency Across Sessions

  • Coding Standards: Maintain consistent coding style and best practices
  • Architecture Decisions: Remember and build upon established patterns
  • User Preferences: Adapt to individual developer preferences and workflows

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3. Efficient Knowledge Sharing

  • Team Memory: Share successful patterns across team members
  • Project Continuity: Maintain context when switching between projects
  • Knowledge Preservation: Prevent loss of valuable insights and solutions

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Getting Started with Cipher MCP Server

To start using cipher as an MCP server with your preferred coding agent, you’ll need to set up the connection between your coding environment and cipher.

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Next Steps

For detailed setup instructions and configuration guidance, please refer to the Connections page, which provides comprehensive instructions for integrating cipher with your development environment. The connections page covers everything you need to get cipher running as your persistent memory layer, transforming your coding agent into a persistent coding companion that grows smarter with each interaction.