MCP Integration

Connect your AI tools.

ContextStream integrates with AI tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Give Codex CLI, OpenCode CLI, Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, Kilo Code, Roo Code, and Antigravity persistent memory across all your conversations.

01 · Setup wizard

One command, fully configured.

Run one command to authenticate (browser/device login), create an API key, generate rules, and write the correct MCP config for your tool (including VS Code's servers schema).

terminal · terminal · macOS / Linux

curl -fsSL https://contextstream.io/scripts/mcp.sh | bash

terminal · powershell · Windows

irm https://contextstream.io/scripts/mcp.ps1 | iex

Already installed? Re-run the setup wizard

terminal · terminal · re-run

contextstream-mcp setup

What it does: writes MCP config (VS Code servers, Cursor/Cline/etc mcpServers), generates rules (Standard/Enhanced), and can link projects to a workspace.

v0.4.x toolset: The wizard configures ~11 consolidated domain tools by default (~75% token reduction). Optional: router mode (~2 meta-tools, most compact). See full tool catalog.

Preview changes without writing files: contextstream-mcp setup --dry-run

Team workflows

Shared memory, skills, and context surfacing.

Team accounts get more than shared projects. During contextstream-mcp setup, the wizard detects team capability and surfaces workspace tips. In your editor, every session(action="context") call can include team recommendations, governance cues, priority signals, and linked artifacts.

Pick the shared workspace

Link each repo to the team workspace during setup so indexing, decisions, and tickets stay aligned.

Share team skills

skill(action="share", scope="team") publishes reusable workflows teammates auto-match in session(action="context").

Switch execution scope

Dual-context accounts use --account-mode=team|personal|auto or session set_account_mode in MCP.

Track work with entities

Tickets, handoffs, incidents, and releases use indexed refs — durable across sessions and teammates.

Hosted remote is the default. Local binary MCP is recovery-only — set CONTEXTSTREAM_ALLOW_LOCAL_MCP=1 when explicitly needed. See team setup for invite/roles and the post-login checklist.

CLI shortcuts

Non-interactive commands (CI & refresh).

Run these without the interactive wizard — ideal after upgrades, team onboarding, credential rotation, or workspace changes. Also surfaced in contextstream-mcp --help.

Command	When to use
`contextstream-mcp update-hooks --scope=global`	After upgrade or joining a team workspace — refresh PreToolUse/UserPromptSubmit hooks.
`contextstream-mcp update-rules --scope=all`	Regenerate .cursorrules / CLAUDE.md / AGENTS.md with latest team workflow guidance.
`contextstream-mcp update-configs --scope=global`	Rewrite MCP configs after API key or workspace changes.
`contextstream-mcp migrate-remote --scope=all`	Convert legacy local stdio configs to hosted remote transport.
`contextstream-mcp detect-editors --format=json`	Script which editors are installed (bootstrap/CI).
`contextstream-mcp generate-configs --transport=remote --preauth`	Emit JSON config payloads without writing files.
`contextstream-mcp configure --transcripts=on --scope=all`	Set transcript capture defaults non-interactively.

terminal · account mode · team vs personal

# Default: follow account (auto)
contextstream-mcp --account-mode=auto

# Force team-scoped reads/writes
contextstream-mcp --account-mode=team

# Or set once in shell profile:
export CONTEXTSTREAM_ACCOUNT_MODE=team

02 · Manual configuration

Per-client configs.

Use the correct format per client (VS Code uses servers; many other clients use mcpServers).

v0.4.x toolset: By default, the server exposes ~11 consolidated domain tools (~75% token reduction vs previous versions). For even fewer tools, add "CONTEXTSTREAM_PROGRESSIVE_MODE": "true" to the env block for ~2 router meta-tools. See full tool catalog.

Jump to your tool

Cursor / VS Code Windsurf Codex CLI OpenCode CLI Claude Code Claude Desktop Cline Kilo Code Roo Code Antigravity

What is MCP?

An open protocol for AI.

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI assistants to connect to external tools and data sources. With ContextStream's MCP server, your AI tools can:

Remember conversations and decisions across sessions
Search your codebase and documentation semantically
Build and query knowledge graphs
Share context between different AI tools

Natural language

Just ask. The AI handles the tools.

You don't need to memorize tool names or call them directly. Just describe what you want in plain English and your AI assistant will use the right tools automatically.

Just ask naturally

· "session summary"
· "what did we decide about auth?"
· "remember we're using PostgreSQL"
· "search for payment code"

The AI handles the rest

· Finds relevant context automatically
· Recalls past decisions when needed
· Saves important information to memory
· Searches code and documentation

Example · "session summary"

Natural language example: typing 'session summary' and the AI automatically uses context_smart

The AI understands your intent and calls the appropriate ContextStream tools behind the scenes.

Prerequisites

What you need.

A ContextStream account (the setup wizard can create an API key via browser login).

Enrich context

GitHub + Slack integrations

MCP gives your AI persistent memory. Connecting GitHub and Slack makes that memory much richer — your AI can automatically reference PRs, issues, and team discussions when answering questions.

Automatic context enrichment

When you call context_smart or session_smart_search, relevant GitHub issues, PRs, and Slack discussions are automatically included. No extra tools needed.

GitHub

Sync issues, PRs, releases, and comments. Decisions are automatically extracted from discussions.

Slack

Sync channels and threads. High-engagement conversations are scored and prioritized.

Example prompts

· "What did we decide about authentication?" — finds decisions from GitHub issues + Slack threads
· "Show me recent activity on the payment system" — surfaces PRs, issues, and team discussions
· "What lessons did we learn from the last outage?" — retrieves insights from Slack and GitHub
· "Give me a weekly summary of GitHub activity" — uses integration(provider="github", action="summary", ...)
· "Search all integrations for database migration discussions" — uses integration(provider="all", action="search", ...)
· "Give me a weekly team summary across all sources" — uses integration(provider="all", action="summary", ...)

Integration tool actions quick reference (v0.4.x)

Use integration(provider="github|slack|all", action="...")

GitHub (provider="github")

action="stats" — Stats and sync status
action="search" — Search with state/timeframe filters
action="activity" — Activity feed (days filter)
action="knowledge" — Extracted decisions/lessons
action="summary" — Weekly/monthly summary
action="repos" — List synced repos
action="issues" — List issues/PRs

Slack (provider="slack")

action="stats" — Stats and sync status
action="search" — Search with channel/timeframe filters
action="discussions" — High-engagement threads
action="knowledge" — Extracted decisions/lessons
action="summary" — Weekly/monthly summary
action="channels" — List synced channels

Cross-source (provider="all")

action="status" — Check sync status and health of all connected integrations
action="search" — Search across all connected integrations in one query
action="summary" — Unified activity summary across all sources (days filter)
action="knowledge" — Get decisions, lessons, and insights from all sources

Client · Cursor / VS Code

Cursor / VS Code

Cursor and VS Code use different MCP config schemas. Cursor still uses a local MCP process, but VS Code/Copilot can now use the hosted ContextStream MCP directly over HTTP.

terminal · .cursor/mcp.json (project) or ~/.cursor/mcp.json (global)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Recommended for VS Code / Copilot: one-click remote install

Install the hosted ContextStream MCP and let VS Code handle OAuth on first use. No local binary or API key needs to live in .vscode/mcp.json.

Install in VS Code VS Code MCP Docs

terminal · .vscode/mcp.json (VS Code native MCP, remote)

{
  "servers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.contextstream.io/mcp?default_context_mode=fast"
    }
  }
}

Prefer command line? Add the remote server with code --add-mcp

terminal · terminal

code --add-mcp '{"name":"contextstream","type":"http","url":"https://mcp.contextstream.io/mcp?default_context_mode=fast"}'

On first use, VS Code should prompt to authorize ContextStream and then finish setup automatically.

Self-hosted? Point the same remote config at your own MCP gateway URL instead of https://mcp.contextstream.io/mcp?default_context_mode=fast.

Client · OpenCode CLI

OpenCode CLI

To use ContextStream with OpenCode CLI, add the MCP server configuration to your ~/.config/opencode/opencode.json file (or opencode.json in your project root):

terminal · ~/.config/opencode/opencode.json

{
  "$schema": "https://opencode.ai/config.json",
  "mcp": {
    "contextstream": {
      "type": "local",
      "command": ["contextstream-mcp"],
      "enabled": true,
      "environment": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

After editing the config, restart OpenCode so it can load the ContextStream MCP server.

Client · Codex CLI

Codex CLI

To use ContextStream with the Codex CLI, add the MCP server configuration to your ~/.codex/config.toml file:

terminal · ~/.codex/config.toml

[mcp_servers.contextstream]
command = "contextstream-mcp"
args = []

[mcp_servers.contextstream.env]
CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL = "https://api.contextstream.io"
CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY = "your_api_key"

After editing the config, restart Codex so it can load the ContextStream MCP server.

Client · Claude Code

Claude Code (CLI)

Add ContextStream to Claude Code by running this command from your project directory:

terminal · terminal

claude mcp add --transport stdio contextstream --env CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL=https://api.contextstream.io --env CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY=your_api_key -- contextstream-mcp

Windows caveat (native Windows, not WSL): use cmd /c contextstream-mcp after --.

Alternative: add-json (stdio)

terminal · terminal · add-json

claude mcp add-json contextstream \
'{"type":"stdio","command":"contextstream-mcp","args":[],"env":{"CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL":"https://api.contextstream.io","CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY":"your_api_key"}}'

Tip: for team setups, prefer a committed .mcp.json file (project scope) instead of embedding keys in shell history.

This adds ContextStream to ~/.claude.json under your project's path, making it available when working in that directory.

MCP scope options

· Local (default): Private to you, current project only → stored in ~/.claude.json under project path.
· User (--scope user): Private to you, all projects → stored in ~/.claude.json globally.
· Project (--scope project): Shared with team → stored in .mcp.json in project root (commit to git).

For team sharing, use project scope to create a .mcp.json file that can be committed to git:

terminal · .mcp.json (project scope)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

After adding the MCP server, restart Claude Code for changes to take effect. Verify the server is loaded with claude mcp list. For project-scoped servers from .mcp.json, Claude Code will prompt for approval on first use.

Client · Claude Desktop

Claude Desktop (GUI app)

Add ContextStream to the Claude Desktop application:

macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

terminal · claude_desktop_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

After editing the config, quit and restart Claude Desktop for changes to take effect.

Client · Windsurf

Windsurf

Add ContextStream to Windsurf by editing the global MCP config file:

Config: ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

terminal · ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Rules files

· Global: ~/.codeium/windsurf/memories/global_rules.md
· Project: .windsurf/rules/contextstream.md

Windsurf supports hooks for automatic enforcement of ContextStream rules. After editing the config, restart Windsurf for changes to take effect.

Client · Cline

Cline

Add ContextStream to your Cline MCP configuration. Click the MCP Servers icon in Cline, select the "Configure" tab, then click "Configure MCP Servers" to edit:

terminal · cline_mcp_settings.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

After editing the config, restart Cline for changes to take effect. You can also use alwaysAllow to auto-approve specific tools.

Client · Kilo Code

Kilo Code

Add ContextStream to your Kilo Code MCP configuration. You can configure MCP servers globally or per-project:

Global: Click Settings → MCP Servers → Installed → Edit Global MCP to open mcp_settings.json

Project: .kilocode/mcp.json in your project root

terminal · .kilocode/mcp.json (or mcp_settings.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Project-level configs take precedence over global configs. Restart Kilo Code after editing.

Client · Roo Code

Roo Code

Add ContextStream to your Roo Code MCP configuration. You can configure MCP servers globally or per-project:

Global: Click the settings icon → Edit Global MCP to open mcp_settings.json

Project: .roo/mcp.json in your project root

terminal · .roo/mcp.json (or mcp_settings.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Project-level configs take precedence over global configs. Restart Roo Code after editing.

Client · Antigravity

Antigravity (Google)

Antigravity uses project-scoped .mcp.json files with the same format as Cursor/Claude Desktop:

terminal · .mcp.json (project root)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "contextstream-mcp",
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Windows users: use cmd wrapper

terminal · .mcp.json (Windows)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "contextstream": {
      "command": "cmd",
      "args": ["/c", "contextstream-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_URL": "https://api.contextstream.io",
        "CONTEXTSTREAM_API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

Rules files

· Global: ~/.gemini/GEMINI.md
· Workspace: .agent/rules/contextstream.md

Access via the "..." menu → "MCP Servers" → "View raw config" to verify your configuration. Restart Antigravity after editing.

Editor rules

Improve automatic ContextStream usage

Recommended

ContextStream's auto-context feature loads workspace context automatically when you use any ContextStream tool. However, AI assistants may not always proactively save decisions or recall past context. Adding editor AI rules improves consistency and ensures the AI automatically captures decisions, preferences, and important context throughout your conversations.

Critical: MCP tool naming conventions

Different AI tools use different naming conventions for MCP tools. Using the wrong format will cause tools to not be found.

AI tool	Format	Example
Claude Code	`mcp__<server>__<tool>`	`mcp__contextstream__session_init`
Codex CLI / OpenCode CLI	`<tool> (raw name)`	`session_init`
Cursor / Windsurf / Cline	`<tool> (raw name)`	`session_init`
Kilo Code / Roo Code	`<tool> (raw name)`	`session_init`

Summary: Only Claude Code uses the mcp__contextstream__ prefix. All other tools use raw tool names.

You can add ContextStream rules at two levels: Global (applies to all projects) or Project (applies to one project).

Global rules (all projects)

Add these once and they'll apply to every project automatically:

Editor	Global rules location
Cursor	Settings → General → Rules for AI
Windsurf	`~/.codeium/windsurf/memories/global_rules.md`
Cline	`~/Documents/Cline/Rules/`
Kilo Code	`~/.kilocode/rules/`
Roo Code	`~/.roo/rules/`
Claude Code	`~/.claude/CLAUDE.md`
Codex CLI	`~/.codex/AGENTS.md` (global) or parent folder (e.g. `~/dev/AGENTS.md`)
OpenCode CLI	`~/.config/opencode/AGENTS.md`

Project rules (single project)

Add these to a specific project. For Cursor folder-based rules, set the activation mode to "Always On" so the rules are always active.

Editor	Project rules location
Cursor	`.cursorrules` or `.cursor/rules/*.mdc`
Windsurf	`.windsurf/rules/contextstream.md`
Cline	`.clinerules` file or `.clinerules/` folder
Kilo Code	`.kilocode/rules/`
Roo Code	`.roo/rules/contextstream.md` or `.roo/rules/` folder
Claude Code	`CLAUDE.md` in project root
Codex CLI	`AGENTS.md` in project root
OpenCode CLI	`AGENTS.md` in project root
Aider	`.aider.conf.yml` in project root

Activation modes (Cursor, Kilo Code & Roo Code)

When using folder-based rules (e.g., .cursor/rules/), each rule file has an activation mode:

Always On — Always active (recommended for ContextStream)
Manual — Only when you @mention the rule
Model Decision — AI decides based on description
Glob — Active for matching file patterns

Global rules and root-level files (.cursorrules) are always active.

Prefer the setup wizard? Run it first. Otherwise, add these standard rules manually. Examples for each editor:

Claude Code

Create a CLAUDE.md file in your project root or add to your global ~/.claude/CLAUDE.md:

terminal · CLAUDE.md (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `mcp__contextstream__session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code mcp__contextstream__search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `mcp__contextstream__graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · CLAUDE.md (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `mcp__contextstream__session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `mcp__contextstream__context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `mcp__contextstream__graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `mcp__contextstream__project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `mcp__contextstream__workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `mcp__contextstream__reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `mcp__contextstream__integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `mcp__contextstream__help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
mcp__contextstream__search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `mcp__contextstream__session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `mcp__contextstream__memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `mcp__contextstream__generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Codex CLI / OpenCode CLI

Create an AGENTS.md file in your project root (project rules) or in ~/.codex/AGENTS.md (Codex global) / ~/.config/opencode/AGENTS.md (OpenCode global):

Codex / OpenCode vs Claude tool names

Codex / OpenCode use raw MCP tool names (e.g., session_init). Claude Code uses namespaced tool names (e.g., mcp__contextstream__session_init). Use the correct format for your AI tool.

terminal · AGENTS.md (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · AGENTS.md (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Windsurf

Create a .windsurf/rules/contextstream.md file in your project root or add to your global ~/.codeium/windsurf/memories/global_rules.md:

terminal · .windsurf/rules/contextstream.md (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · .windsurf/rules/contextstream.md (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Kilo Code

Create a Markdown file in .kilocode/rules/:

terminal · .kilocode/rules/contextstream.md (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · .kilocode/rules/contextstream.md (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Cline

Create a .clinerules file in your project root or use the .clinerules/ folder:

terminal · .clinerules (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · .clinerules (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Roo Code

Create a .roo/rules/contextstream.md file or use the .roo/rules/ folder:

terminal · .roo/rules/contextstream.md (Standard)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x (Hooks Enforced)

Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

### Required Every Message

| Action | Tool Call |
|--------|-----------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="<cwd>", context_hint="<msg>")` then `context_smart(...)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<msg>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **Code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — BEFORE any local tools |
| **Save decisions** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` |

### Search Modes

| Mode | Use Case |
|------|----------|
| `hybrid` | General code search (default) |
| `keyword` | Exact symbol/string match |
| `exhaustive` | Find ALL matches (grep-like) |
| `semantic` | Conceptual questions |

### Why ContextStream First?

❌ **WRONG:** `Grep → Read → Read → Read` (4+ tool calls, slow)
✅ **CORRECT:** `search(mode="hybrid")` (1 call, returns context)

ContextStream search is **indexed** and returns semantic matches + context in ONE call.

### Quick Reference

| Tool | Example |
|------|---------|
| `search` | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth", limit=3)` |
| `session` | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="...", content="...")` |
| `memory` | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| `graph` | `graph(action="dependencies", file_path="...")` |

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks for a plan, use ContextStream (not EnterPlanMode):
1. `session(action="capture_plan", title="...", steps=[...])`
2. `memory(action="create_task", title="...", plan_id="<id>")`

Full docs: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Show enhanced rules (verbose)

terminal · .roo/rules/contextstream.md (Enhanced)

## 🚨 MANDATORY RULE: DISPLAY AT START OF EVERY RESPONSE 🚨

<contextstream_rules>
1. **SEARCH FIRST:** Before Glob/Grep/Search/Read → `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` FIRST
2. **EVERY MESSAGE:** Call `context_smart(user_message="...")` at start of response
3. **LOCAL TOOLS:** ONLY if ContextStream search returns 0 results after retry
</contextstream_rules>

**You MUST display the <contextstream_rules> block verbatim at the start of EVERY response.**
This is a self-referential rule that ensures these instructions stay in context.

---

## ContextStream v0.4.x Integration (Enhanced)

You have access to ContextStream MCP tools for persistent memory and context.
v0.4.x uses **~11 consolidated domain tools** for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.
Rules Version: 0.4.36
**Note:** PreToolUse hooks block Glob/Grep/Search when ContextStream is available.

## TL;DR - REQUIRED EVERY MESSAGE

| Message | What to Call |
|---------|--------------|
| **1st message** | `session_init(folder_path="...", context_hint="<user's message>")`, then `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **2nd+ messages** | `context_smart(user_message="<user's message>", format="minified", max_tokens=400)` |
| **🔍 ANY code search** | `search(mode="hybrid", query="...")` — ALWAYS before Glob/Grep/Search/Read |
| **Before risky/non-trivial work** | `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")` |
| **After completing task** | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", ...)` - MUST capture |
| **User frustration/correction** | `session(action="capture_lesson", ...)` - MUST capture lessons |

**NO EXCEPTIONS.** Do not skip even if you think you have enough context.

**First message rule:** After `session_init`, always call `context_smart` before any other tool or response.

**Context Pack (Pro+):** If enabled, use `context_smart(..., mode="pack", distill=true)` for code/file queries. If unavailable or disabled, omit `mode` and proceed with standard `context_smart` (the API will fall back).

**Tool naming:** Use the exact tool names exposed by your MCP client. Claude Code typically uses `mcp__<server>__<tool>` where `<server>` matches your MCP config (often `contextstream`). If a tool call fails with "No such tool available", refresh rules and match the tool list.

---

## Consolidated Domain Tools Architecture

v0.4.x consolidates ~58 individual tools into ~11 domain tools with action/mode dispatch:

### Standalone Tools (Always Call)
- **`session_init`** - Initialize session with workspace detection + context
- **`context_smart`** - Semantic search for relevant context (CALL EVERY MESSAGE, including immediately after `session_init`)

### Domain Tools (Use action/mode parameter)

| Domain | Actions/Modes | Example |
|--------|---------------|---------|
| **`search`** | mode: semantic, hybrid, keyword, pattern, exhaustive, refactor | `search(mode="hybrid", query="auth implementation", limit=3)` |
| **`session`** | action: capture, capture_lesson, get_lessons, recall, remember, user_context, summary, compress, delta, smart_search, decision_trace | `session(action="capture", event_type="decision", title="Use JWT", content="...")` |
| **`memory`** | action: create_event, get_event, update_event, delete_event, list_events, distill_event, create_node, get_node, update_node, delete_node, list_nodes, supersede_node, search, decisions, timeline, summary | `memory(action="list_events", limit=10)` |
| **`graph`** | action: dependencies, impact, call_path, related, path, decisions, ingest, circular_dependencies, unused_code, contradictions | `graph(action="impact", symbol_name="AuthService")` |
| **`project`** | action: list, get, create, update, index, overview, statistics, files, index_status, ingest_local | `project(action="statistics")` |
| **`workspace`** | action: list, get, associate, bootstrap | `workspace(action="list")` |
| **`reminder`** | action: list, active, create, snooze, complete, dismiss | `reminder(action="active")` |
| **`integration`** | provider: slack/github/all; action: status, search, stats, activity, contributors, knowledge, summary, channels, discussions, sync_users, repos, issues | `integration(provider="github", action="search", query="...")` |
| **`help`** | action: tools, auth, version, editor_rules, enable_bundle | `help(action="tools")` |

---

### Why context_smart is Required (Even After session_init)

**Common mistake:** "session_init already gave me context, I don't need context_smart"

**This is WRONG. Here's why:**
- `session_init` returns the last ~10 items **BY TIME** (chronological)
- `context_smart` **SEARCHES** for items **RELEVANT to THIS message** (semantic)

**Example failure:**
- User asks: "how should I implement authentication?"
- Auth decisions were made 20 conversations ago
- `session_init` won't have it (too old, not in recent 10)
- `context_smart` FINDS it via semantic search

**Without context_smart, you WILL miss relevant older context.**

---

### Search & Code Intelligence (ContextStream-first)

⚠️ **STOP: Before using Search/Glob/Grep/Read/Explore** → Call `search(mode="hybrid")` FIRST. Use local tools ONLY if ContextStream returns 0 results.

**❌ WRONG workflow (wastes tokens, slow):**
```
Grep "function" → Read file1.ts → Read file2.ts → Read file3.ts → finally understand
```

**✅ CORRECT workflow (fast, complete):**
```
search(mode="hybrid", query="function implementation") → done (results include context)
```

**Why?** ContextStream search returns semantic matches + context + file locations in ONE call. Local tools require multiple round-trips.

**Search Mode Selection:**

| Need | Mode | Example |
|------|------|---------|
| Find code by meaning | `hybrid` | "authentication logic", "error handling" |
| Exact string/symbol | `keyword` | "UserAuthService", "API_KEY" |
| File patterns | `pattern` | "*.sql", "test_*.py" |
| ALL matches (grep-like) | `exhaustive` | "TODO", "FIXME" (find all occurrences) |
| Symbol renaming | `refactor` | "oldFunctionName" (word-boundary matching) |
| Conceptual search | `semantic` | "how does caching work" |

**Token Efficiency:** Use `output_format` to reduce response size:
- `full` (default): Full content for understanding code
- `paths`: File paths only (80% token savings) - use for file listings
- `minimal`: Compact format (60% savings) - use for refactoring
- `count`: Match counts only (90% savings) - use for quick checks

---

### Lessons (Past Mistakes)

- After `session_init`: Check for `lessons` field and apply before work
- Before risky work: `session(action="get_lessons", query="<topic>")`
- On mistakes: `session(action="capture_lesson", title="...", trigger="...", impact="...", prevention="...")`

---

### Plans & Tasks

When user asks to create a plan or implementation roadmap:
1. Create plan: `session(action="capture_plan", title="Plan Title", description="...", goals=["goal1", "goal2"], steps=[{id: "1", title: "Step 1", order: 1}, ...])`
2. Get plan_id from response, then create tasks: `memory(action="create_task", title="Task Title", plan_id="<plan_id>", priority="high|medium|low", description="...")`

To manage existing plans/tasks:
- List plans: `session(action="list_plans")`
- Get plan with tasks: `session(action="get_plan", plan_id="<uuid>", include_tasks=true)`
- List tasks: `memory(action="list_tasks", plan_id="<uuid>")` or `memory(action="list_tasks")` for all
- Update task status: `memory(action="update_task", task_id="<uuid>", task_status="pending|in_progress|completed|blocked")`

---

### Rules Update Notices

- If you see **[RULES_NOTICE]**, update rules via `generate_rules(overwrite_existing=true)` (preserves custom rules).
- If you see **[VERSION_NOTICE]**, tell the user to update MCP using the provided command.

See full documentation: https://contextstream.io/docs/mcp/tools

Auto-generate rules

You can also ask the AI to generate these rules automatically by saying: "Use generate_rules to create ContextStream rules for this project"

Lessons system

Lessons learned system

Learn from mistakes — never repeat them

The Lessons System captures mistakes, corrections, and user frustrations so AI assistants never repeat the same errors. Lessons are automatically surfaced in session_init and context_smart responses when relevant.

When to capture lessons

Lessons should be captured automatically when any of these situations occur:

Trigger	Example	Severity
Production issue	"The site is down because of that change"	`critical`
User frustration	"NO! I told you NOT to do that", "WTF", caps lock	`high`
Correction	"That's wrong, you should...", "Fix this"	`medium`
Breaking change	"This broke the tests", "The build failed"	`medium/high`
Preference stated	"I prefer it this way", "Always do X instead"	`low`

Lesson fields explained

Field	Description	Example
`title`	What to remember (imperative)	"Always verify assets in git before pushing"
`severity`	critical, high, medium, low	"critical" for production issues
`category`	workflow, code_quality, verification, communication, project_specific	"workflow"
`trigger`	What action caused the problem	"Pushed code referencing images without committing them"
`impact`	What went wrong	"Production 404 errors - broken landing page"
`prevention`	How to prevent in future	"Run git status to check untracked files before pushing"
`keywords`	Keywords for matching in future contexts	["git", "images", "assets", "push"]

Full example

terminal · session_capture_lesson

// User says: "OH COME ON! You pushed the code but the images are missing
// and now the production site shows broken images!"

session_capture_lesson({
  title: "Always verify assets in git before pushing code references",
  severity: "critical",
  category: "workflow",
  trigger: "Pushed code referencing /screenshots/*.png without committing images",
  impact: "Production 404 errors - broken landing page with missing images",
  prevention: "Run 'git status' to check untracked files before pushing code that references static assets",
  keywords: ["git", "images", "assets", "push", "404", "static", "screenshots"]
})

How lessons are surfaced

Captured lessons are automatically returned in future sessions when relevant:

`session_init`

High and critical severity lessons from this workspace are included in session initialization, warning the AI before it can make the same mistake.

`context_smart`

When the AI asks for context, lessons matching the query keywords are included. E.g., asking about "git push" surfaces lessons with "git" or "push" keywords.

Retrieving lessons

Use session_get_lessons to retrieve and filter lessons:

terminal · session_get_lessons examples

// Get all critical lessons
session_get_lessons({ severity: "critical" })

// Get workflow lessons
session_get_lessons({ category: "workflow" })

// Search for relevant lessons
session_get_lessons({ query: "git push images" })

// Combine filters
session_get_lessons({
  category: "verification",
  severity: "high",
  limit: 5
})

Pro tip: Add rules to your editor (see Editor AI Rules section above) to automatically capture lessons when users express frustration or corrections. This builds a knowledge base that prevents repeated mistakes.

Tool catalog

MCP tools.

See the full MCP tool reference (PRO badges and common usage examples).

View MCP Tools reference

v0.4.x uses ~11 consolidated domain tools for ~75% token reduction vs previous versions.

Read

Usage examples

What to ask.

Once connected, you can ask your AI assistant things like:

"Remember that we decided to use PostgreSQL for the database"

"What were our previous decisions about authentication?"

"Search our codebase for how we handle API rate limiting"

"Show me related context about the payment system"

Lesson examples

The AI should automatically capture lessons when you express frustration or corrections:

User says

"NO! You pushed without running tests and now production is broken!"

→ AI captures lesson with severity: critical, category: verification

User says

"That's wrong. Always use snake_case for database columns, not camelCase."

→ AI captures lesson with severity: medium, category: code_quality

User says

"I prefer TypeScript strict mode. Please always enable it."

→ AI captures lesson with severity: low, category: project_specific

These lessons are automatically surfaced in future sessions when relevant context is requested.

Maintenance

Keeping up to date.

To get the latest features, bug fixes, and improvements, update the MCP server periodically:

terminal · terminal · macOS / Linux

curl -fsSL https://contextstream.io/scripts/mcp.sh | bash

terminal · powershell · Windows

irm https://contextstream.io/scripts/mcp.ps1 | iex

The MCP server will automatically warn you when a newer version is available. After updating, restart your AI tool to use the new version.

Troubleshooting

When something doesn’t work.

MCP server not starting

Ensure contextstream-mcp is installed and available in your PATH. Try running contextstream-mcp --version manually to check for errors.

Authentication errors

Verify your API key is correct and has not expired. You can generate a new key from your ContextStream dashboard.

Tools not appearing

Restart your AI application after modifying the config. Check the application logs for MCP connection errors.

No workspace found (first-time setup)

If your account has no workspaces yet, ContextStream will prompt your AI assistant to ask you for a workspace name. The current folder will be created as a project. See MCP Tools for workspace_bootstrap.

Next steps

One command, fully configured.

Shared memory, skills, and context surfacing.

Pick the shared workspace

Share team skills

Switch execution scope

Track work with entities

Non-interactive commands (CI & refresh).

Per-client configs.

An open protocol for AI.

Just ask. The AI handles the tools.

What you need.

GitHub + Slack integrations

Cursor / VS Code

OpenCode CLI

Codex CLI

Claude Code (CLI)

Claude Desktop (GUI app)

Windsurf

Cline

Kilo Code

Roo Code

Antigravity (Google)

Improve automatic ContextStream usage

Global rules (all projects)

Project rules (single project)

Claude Code

Codex CLI / OpenCode CLI

Windsurf

Kilo Code

Cline

Roo Code

Lessons learned system

When to capture lessons

Lesson fields explained

Full example

How lessons are surfaced

session_init

context_smart

Retrieving lessons

MCP tools.

What to ask.

Lesson examples

Keeping up to date.

When something doesn’t work.

MCP server not starting

Authentication errors

Tools not appearing

No workspace found (first-time setup)

Continue exploring.

Team Setup

Lessons Learned

Memory Events

Semantic Search

`session_init`

`context_smart`