Production-ready MCP memory service with zero database locks, hybrid backend (fast local + cloud sync), and intelligent memory search for AI assistants. Features v8.9.0 auto-configuration for multi-client access, 5ms local reads with background Cloudflare sync, Natural Memory Triggers with 85%+ accuracy, and OAuth 2.1 team collaboration. Works with Claude Desktop, VS Code, Cursor, Continue, and 13+ AI applications.
🎯 Zero Database Locks + Auto-Configuration - The most reliable release yet:
# One-command installation with auto-configuration
git clone https://github.com/doobidoo/mcp-memory-service.git
cd mcp-memory-service && python install.py
# Choose option 4 (Hybrid - RECOMMENDED) when prompted
# Installer automatically configures:
# ✅ SQLite pragmas for concurrent access
# ✅ Cloudflare credentials for cloud sync
# ✅ Claude Desktop integration
# Done! Fast local + cloud sync with zero database locks✨ What's New in v8.9.0:
- 🏆 Hybrid Backend Default - Fast 5ms local SQLite + background Cloudflare sync
- 🔒 Zero Database Locks - Concurrent HTTP + MCP server access works flawlessly
- Fixed "database is locked" errors
- Auto-configured SQLite pragmas (
busy_timeout=15000,cache_size=20000) - Tested: 5/5 concurrent writes succeeded
- ⚙️ Auto-Configuration - Installer handles everything:
- SQLite pragmas for multi-client access
- Cloudflare credential setup with testing
- Claude Desktop hybrid backend config
- 🚀 Zero User-Facing Latency - Cloud sync happens in background
- 📱 Multi-Device Sync - Access memories everywhere
📖 Complete Guide: v8.9.0 CHANGELOG
📜 Previous Releases (v8.8, v8.7, v8.6, v8.4...)
- Fixed bloated tags from space-separated file paths
- Enhanced file:// URI handling with proper URL decoding
- Processing mode toggle for batch/individual uploads
- Eliminated 364 lines of code duplication between MCP/HTTP servers
- Created MemoryService class as single source of truth
- Bug fixes now apply to both protocols automatically
- Fixed 0% similarity scores (migrated to cosine distance, now 70-79%)
- 1800x faster duplicate cleanup (5s vs 2.5 hours)
- Automatic migration on startup
# Maintenance scripts for power users
python scripts/maintenance/regenerate_embeddings.py
bash scripts/maintenance/fast_cleanup_duplicates.sh- Interactive drag-and-drop document upload (PDF, TXT, MD, JSON)
- Document viewer with chunk-by-chunk browsing
- Smart tagging with validation (max 100 chars)
- Optional semtools for enhanced PDF/DOCX/PPTX parsing
- Recent memory prioritization (80% better context)
- Automatically surfaces memories <7 days old
Install from PyPI:
# Install latest version from PyPI
pip install mcp-memory-service
# Or with uv (faster)
uv pip install mcp-memory-serviceThen configure Claude Desktop by adding to ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or equivalent:
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "memory",
"args": ["server"],
"env": {
"MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND": "hybrid"
}
}
}
}For advanced configuration with the interactive installer, clone the repo and run python scripts/installation/install.py.
Universal Installer (Most Compatible):
# Clone and install with automatic platform detection
git clone https://github.com/doobidoo/mcp-memory-service.git
cd mcp-memory-service
# Lightweight installation (SQLite-vec with ONNX embeddings - recommended)
python install.py
# Add full ML capabilities (torch + sentence-transformers for advanced features)
python install.py --with-ml
# Install with hybrid backend (SQLite-vec + Cloudflare sync)
python install.py --storage-backend hybrid📝 Installation Options Explained:
- Default (recommended): Lightweight SQLite-vec with ONNX embeddings - fast, works offline, <100MB dependencies
--with-ml: Adds PyTorch + sentence-transformers for advanced ML features - heavier but more capable--storage-backend hybrid: Hybrid backend with SQLite-vec + Cloudflare sync - best for multi-device access
Docker (Fastest):
# For MCP protocol (Claude Desktop)
docker-compose up -d
# For HTTP API + OAuth (Team Collaboration)
docker-compose -f docker-compose.http.yml up -dSmithery (Claude Desktop):
# Auto-install for Claude Desktop
npx -y @smithery/cli install @doobidoo/mcp-memory-service --client claudeUpdating from an older version? Scripts have been reorganized for better maintainability:
- Recommended: Use
python -m mcp_memory_service.serverin your Claude Desktop config (no path dependencies!) - Alternative 1: Use
uv run memory serverwith UV tooling - Alternative 2: Update path from
scripts/run_memory_server.pytoscripts/server/run_memory_server.py - Backward compatible: Old path still works with a migration notice
On your first run, you'll see some warnings that are completely normal:
- "WARNING: Failed to load from cache: No snapshots directory" - The service is checking for cached models (first-time setup)
- "WARNING: Using TRANSFORMERS_CACHE is deprecated" - Informational warning, doesn't affect functionality
- Model download in progress - The service automatically downloads a ~25MB embedding model (takes 1-2 minutes)
These warnings disappear after the first successful run. The service is working correctly! For details, see our First-Time Setup Guide.
sqlite-vec may not have pre-built wheels for Python 3.13 yet. If installation fails:
- The installer will automatically try multiple installation methods
- Consider using Python 3.12 for the smoothest experience:
brew install [email protected] - Alternative: Use Cloudflare backend with
--storage-backend cloudflare - See Troubleshooting Guide for details
macOS users may encounter enable_load_extension errors with sqlite-vec:
- System Python on macOS lacks SQLite extension support by default
- Solution: Use Homebrew Python:
brew install python && rehash - Alternative: Use pyenv:
PYTHON_CONFIGURE_OPTS='--enable-loadable-sqlite-extensions' pyenv install 3.12.0 - Fallback: Use Cloudflare or Hybrid backend:
--storage-backend cloudflareor--storage-backend hybrid - See Troubleshooting Guide for details
👉 Visit our comprehensive Wiki for detailed guides:
- Natural Memory Triggers v7.1.0 Guide - Intelligent automatic memory awareness
- ✅ 85%+ trigger accuracy with semantic pattern detection
- ✅ Multi-tier performance (50ms instant → 150ms fast → 500ms intensive)
- ✅ CLI management system for real-time configuration
- ✅ Git-aware context integration for enhanced relevance
- ✅ Zero-restart installation with dynamic hook loading
- 🔐 OAuth 2.1 Setup Guide - NEW! Complete OAuth 2.1 Dynamic Client Registration guide
- 🔗 Integration Guide - Claude Desktop, Claude Code HTTP transport, VS Code, and more
- 🛡️ Advanced Configuration - Updated! OAuth security, enterprise features
- 📋 Installation Guide - Complete installation for all platforms and use cases
- 🖥️ Platform Setup Guide - Windows, macOS, and Linux optimizations
- ⚡ Performance Optimization - Speed up queries, optimize resources, scaling
- 👨💻 Development Reference - Claude Code hooks, API reference, debugging
- 🔧 Troubleshooting Guide - Updated! OAuth troubleshooting + common issues
- ❓ FAQ - Frequently asked questions
- 📝 Examples - Practical code examples and workflows
- 🏗️ Architecture Specs - Search enhancement specifications and design documents
- 👩💻 Development Docs - AI agent instructions, release checklist, refactoring notes
- 🚀 Deployment Guides - Docker, dual-service, and production deployment
- 📚 Additional Guides - Storage backends, migration, mDNS discovery
- Hybrid Backend - Fast 5ms local SQLite + background Cloudflare sync (RECOMMENDED default)
- Zero user-facing latency for cloud operations
- Automatic multi-device synchronization
- Graceful offline operation
- Zero Database Locks - Concurrent HTTP + MCP server access works flawlessly
- Auto-configured SQLite pragmas (
busy_timeout=15000,cache_size=20000) - WAL mode with proper multi-client coordination
- Tested: 5/5 concurrent writes succeeded with no errors
- Auto-configured SQLite pragmas (
- Auto-Configuration - Installer handles everything
- SQLite pragmas for concurrent access
- Cloudflare credentials with connection testing
- Claude Desktop integration with hybrid backend
- Graceful fallback to sqlite_vec if cloud setup fails
- Interactive Web UI - Drag-and-drop document upload with real-time progress
- Multiple Formats - PDF, TXT, MD, JSON with intelligent chunking
- Document Viewer - Browse chunks, view metadata, search content
- Smart Tagging - Automatic tagging with length validation (max 100 chars)
- Optional semtools - Enhanced PDF/DOCX/PPTX parsing with LlamaParse
- Security Hardened - Path traversal protection, XSS prevention, input validation
- 7 New Endpoints - Complete REST API for document management
- OAuth 2.1 Dynamic Client Registration - RFC 7591 & RFC 8414 compliant
- Claude Code HTTP Transport - Zero-configuration team collaboration
- JWT Authentication - Enterprise-grade security with scope validation
- Auto-Discovery Endpoints - Seamless client registration and authorization
- Multi-Auth Support - OAuth + API keys + optional anonymous access
- Semantic search with vector embeddings
- Natural language time queries ("yesterday", "last week")
- Tag-based organization with smart categorization
- Memory consolidation with dream-inspired algorithms
- Document-aware search - Query across uploaded documents and manual memories
- Claude Desktop - Native MCP integration
- Claude Code - HTTP transport + Memory-aware development with hooks
- VS Code, Cursor, Continue - IDE extensions
- 13+ AI applications - REST API compatibility
- Hybrid 🌟 (RECOMMENDED) - Fast local SQLite + background Cloudflare sync (v8.9.0 default)
- 5ms local reads with zero user-facing latency
- Multi-device synchronization
- Zero database locks with auto-configured pragmas
- Automatic backups and cloud persistence
- SQLite-vec - Local-only storage (lightweight ONNX embeddings, 5ms reads)
- Good for single-user offline use
- No cloud dependencies
- Cloudflare - Cloud-only storage (global edge distribution with D1 + Vectorize)
- Network-dependent performance
Note: All heavy ML dependencies (PyTorch, sentence-transformers) are now optional to dramatically reduce build times and image sizes. SQLite-vec uses lightweight ONNX embeddings by default. Install with
--with-mlfor full ML capabilities.
- Cross-platform - Windows, macOS, Linux
- Service installation - Auto-start background operation
- HTTPS/SSL - Secure connections with OAuth 2.1
- Docker support - Easy deployment with team collaboration
- Interactive Dashboard - Web UI at http://127.0.0.1:8888/ for complete management
# Start server with web interface
uv run memory server --http
# Access interactive dashboard
open http://127.0.0.1:8888/
# Upload documents via CLI
curl -X POST http://127.0.0.1:8888/api/documents/upload \
-F "[email protected]" \
-F "tags=documentation,reference"
# Search document content
curl -X POST http://127.0.0.1:8888/api/search \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"query": "authentication flow", "limit": 10}'# Start OAuth-enabled server for team collaboration
export MCP_OAUTH_ENABLED=true
uv run memory server --http
# Claude Code team members connect via HTTP transport
claude mcp add --transport http memory-service http://your-server:8000/mcp
# → Automatic OAuth discovery, registration, and authentication# Store a memory
uv run memory store "Fixed race condition in authentication by adding mutex locks"
# Search for relevant memories
uv run memory recall "authentication race condition"
# Search by tags
uv run memory search --tags python debugging
# Check system health (shows OAuth status)
uv run memory healthRecommended approach - Add to your Claude Desktop config (~/.claude/config.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "mcp_memory_service.server"],
"env": {
"MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND": "sqlite_vec"
}
}
}
}Alternative approaches:
// Option 1: UV tooling (if using UV)
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "uv",
"args": ["--directory", "/path/to/mcp-memory-service", "run", "memory", "server"],
"env": {
"MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND": "sqlite_vec"
}
}
}
}
// Option 2: Direct script path (v6.17.0+)
{
"mcpServers": {
"memory": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp-memory-service/scripts/server/run_memory_server.py"],
"env": {
"MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND": "sqlite_vec"
}
}
}
}Hybrid Backend (v8.9.0+ RECOMMENDED):
# Hybrid backend with auto-configured pragmas
export MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND=hybrid
export MCP_MEMORY_SQLITE_PRAGMAS="busy_timeout=15000,cache_size=20000"
# Cloudflare credentials (required for hybrid)
export CLOUDFLARE_API_TOKEN="your-token"
export CLOUDFLARE_ACCOUNT_ID="your-account"
export CLOUDFLARE_D1_DATABASE_ID="your-db-id"
export CLOUDFLARE_VECTORIZE_INDEX="mcp-memory-index"
# Enable HTTP API
export MCP_HTTP_ENABLED=true
export MCP_HTTP_PORT=8000
# Security
export MCP_API_KEY="your-secure-key"SQLite-vec Only (Local):
# Local-only storage
export MCP_MEMORY_STORAGE_BACKEND=sqlite_vec
export MCP_MEMORY_SQLITE_PRAGMAS="busy_timeout=15000,cache_size=20000"┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐
│ AI Clients │ │ MCP Memory │ │ Storage Backend │
│ │ │ Service v8.9 │ │ │
│ • Claude Desktop│◄──►│ • MCP Protocol │◄──►│ • Hybrid 🌟 │
│ • Claude Code │ │ • HTTP Transport│ │ (5ms local + │
│ (HTTP/OAuth) │ │ • OAuth 2.1 Auth│ │ cloud sync) │
│ • VS Code │ │ • Memory Store │ │ • SQLite-vec │
│ • Cursor │ │ • Semantic │ │ • Cloudflare │
│ • 13+ AI Apps │ │ Search │ │ │
│ • Web Dashboard │ │ • Doc Ingestion │ │ Zero DB Locks ✅│
│ (Port 8888) │ │ • Zero DB Locks │ │ Auto-Config ✅ │
└─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘
mcp-memory-service/
├── src/mcp_memory_service/ # Core application
│ ├── models/ # Data models
│ ├── storage/ # Storage backends
│ ├── web/ # HTTP API & dashboard
│ └── server.py # MCP server
├── scripts/ # Utilities & installation
├── tests/ # Test suite
└── tools/docker/ # Docker configuration
- Fork the repository
- Create a feature branch
- Make your changes with tests
- Submit a pull request
See CONTRIBUTING.md for detailed guidelines.
- 📖 Documentation: Wiki - Comprehensive guides
- 🐛 Bug Reports: GitHub Issues
- 💬 Discussions: GitHub Discussions
- 🔧 Troubleshooting: Troubleshooting Guide
- ✅ Configuration Validator: Run
python scripts/validation/validate_configuration_complete.pyto check your setup - 🔄 Backend Sync Tools: See scripts/README.md for Cloudflare↔SQLite sync
Real-world metrics from active deployments:
- 1700+ memories stored and actively used across teams
- 5ms local reads with hybrid backend (v8.9.0)
- Zero database locks with concurrent HTTP + MCP access (v8.9.0)
- Tested: 5/5 concurrent writes succeeded
- Auto-configured pragmas prevent lock errors
- <500ms response time for semantic search (local & HTTP transport)
- 65% token reduction in Claude Code sessions with OAuth collaboration
- 96.7% faster context setup (15min → 30sec)
- 100% knowledge retention across sessions and team members
- Zero-configuration setup success rate: 98.5% (OAuth + hybrid backend)
Verified MCP Server
Featured AI Tool
- Production-tested across 13+ AI applications
- Community-driven with real-world feedback and improvements
Apache License 2.0 - see LICENSE for details.
Ready to supercharge your AI workflow? 🚀
👉 Start with our Installation Guide or explore the Wiki for comprehensive documentation.
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