Google Gemini

Set up Basic Memory with Google Gemini for persistent development knowledge and enhanced AI sessions

Google Gemini provides native support for Basic Memory through the Model Context Protocol (MCP), enabling persistent context across AI sessions and building comprehensive knowledge bases.

Setup

Video Tutorial

Watch this quick guide to get started with Basic Memory and Google Gemini:

Configure Gemini

Basic Memory works with Gemini through MCP. Install it with:

gemini mcp add basic-memory bash -c "uvx basic-memory mcp"

gemini mcp add basic-memory bash -c "uvx basic-memory mcp --project your-project-name"

gemini mcp add -s user basic-memory bash -c "uvx basic-memory mcp"

Verify Installation

Check that Basic Memory is configured correctly:

gemini mcp list

You should see basic-memory listed with the command bash -c uvx basic-memory mcp and a Connected status.

Quick Start

Once configured, you can immediately start using Basic Memory in your workflow:

You: "Create a note about our authentication strategy for the API"
Gemini: I'll document the authentication strategy we discussed...
[Creates structured note with technical details and rationale]

You: "Switch to my personal project"
Gemini: [Changes context to personal project knowledge base]

MCP Integration Benefits

Gemini’s native MCP support provides:

• Automatic tool access - No manual setup required
• Project-aware context - Maintains separate knowledge bases per project
• Real-time sync - Changes are immediately available
• Persistent memory - Context survives between sessions
• Structured knowledge - Uses Basic Memory’s semantic format

Available Tools

Through MCP, Gemini can access all Basic Memory functionality:

• write_note - Create and update documentation
• read_note - Access existing knowledge and context
• search_notes - Find relevant information across projects
• edit_note - Update documentation incrementally
• recent_activity - Check what you’ve been working on
• project management - Switch between different knowledge bases
• build_context - Load conversation context from memory:// URLs

Integration with Development

Project Context

Basic Memory maintains separate knowledge bases for different projects:

You: "Switch to my work project"
Gemini: [Loads work project context and knowledge]

You: "Based on our API design notes, what's the next step?"
Gemini: [References existing documentation to provide contextual guidance]

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Performance Tips

• Multiple projects: Use separate Basic Memory projects for different use cases
• Organized structure: Keep consistent folder organization across projects
• Regular cleanup: Archive old projects to maintain performance

Alternative Usage

If MCP isn’t working, you can still use Basic Memory:

Next Steps