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OpenContext
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About OpenContext
OpenContext provides a lightweight Model Context Protocol server that gives AI coding agents durable, project-local memory across sessions. It stores rules, conventions, and decisions as plain markdown files in a .opencontext/ directory within the project repository. Agents can read these files before acting and write new context entries when establishing durable rules or API contracts. The tool integrates via MCP clients using a simple npx command, requiring no global installation or cloud dependency. Configuration involves adding an MCP entry to the client’s settings, after which the server runs locally via stdio transport. Teams can commit shared rules to Git for team-wide alignment or use .gitignore to keep context private. The system supports JWT-based authentication with short-lived access tokens and refresh tokens stored in secure cookies.
Key features
- Persists markdown context entries under .opencontext/
- Reads and lists available context topics
- Supports JWT authentication with refresh tokens
- Integrates via Model Context Protocol
- Auto-creates .opencontext/ directory if missing
- Overwrites existing files on save
- Compatible with standard markdown formatting
- Supports both shared and private context workflows
Use cases
- Maintaining project architecture decisions across agent sessions
- Storing API contracts and coding conventions for team alignment
- Creating private debugging notes or scratchpad entries
Pros
- Stores context as plain markdown files in the project directory
- Zero-config setup via npx over stdio
- Supports both shared team memory and private local notes
- Lightweight MCP server with minimal surface area
- No cloud account or lock-in required
Cons
- Requires Model Context Protocol client support
- No native GUI or IDE integration beyond MCP
- Limited to project-local storage unless committed to Git
Frequently asked questions about OpenContext
What is OpenContext?
OpenContext is a lightweight Model Context Protocol server that provides persistent, project-local memory for AI coding agents. It stores rules, conventions, and decisions as plain markdown files in a .opencontext/ directory within the project repository.
How does OpenContext work?
OpenContext works by allowing AI coding agents to read and write context entries stored as markdown files in a project’s .opencontext/ directory. Agents can access this memory across sessions without relying on external databases or cloud services.
Do I need to install anything to use OpenContext?
No global installation is required. OpenContext integrates via MCP clients using a simple npx command, which launches the server locally via stdio transport.
Which AI coding clients are supported by OpenContext?
OpenContext supports popular AI coding agents such as Cursor, OpenCode, and Claude Code.
Is my data sent to the cloud when using OpenContext?
No, OpenContext operates entirely locally with no cloud dependency. All context is stored in plain markdown files within the project repository.
Can I commit the .opencontext/ directory to Git?
Yes, teams can commit shared rules to Git for team-wide alignment, or use .gitignore to keep context private.
