Show HN: Basic Memory – Build a knowledge graph from Claude conversations

4 points

a year ago

Basic Memory is an open-source tool that enables Claude to build and navigate a persistent knowledge graph based on your conversations. It solves the problem of lost context in AI interactions by storing knowledge in standard Markdown files on your computer.

I built this because I found myself constantly repeating information to LLMs and wanted a system where my knowledge grew naturally through conversations while maintaining complete control over my data.

Demo video: https://basicmachines.co/images/Claude-Obsidian-Demo.mp4

Key features:

- Continue conversations exactly where you left off without repetition

- All knowledge stays in local Markdown files you can edit anytime

- Works with Claude Desktop via the Model Context Protocol

- Seamless integration with Obsidian for visualization and editing

- Fully open source (AGPL)

The system works by creating structure from simple markdown patterns:

- Observations with categories: `- [category] fact #tag`

- Relations between documents: `- relation_type [[WikiLink]]` or plain `[[Wikilinks]]`

- These patterns emerge naturally during conversations

When you chat with Claude, you can simply say "Let's continue our conversation about X" and it will build context from your knowledge base, without needing to upload files every time.

GitHub: https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory

Docs: https://memory.basicmachines.co/

Website: https://basicmachines.co/

Requires Claude Desktop or other MCP host and Python 3.12+

I'd love feedback from the HN community, particularly from those interested in knowledge management or AI applications.