How to Install and Configure Engram with Claude Code, Codex and Cursor
Step-by-step tutorial: install the Engram Go binary, connect it to any MCP-compatible agent, and use the curated memory protocol for zero-loss sessions.
Installing Engram takes about two minutes and works with almost every modern AI coding agent. Here's the step-by-step tutorial to get persistent memory running with Claude Code, Codex and Cursor.
🚀 Want to deploy Engram yourself?
Docker configs, system requirements, and installation guides — all on one page.
View Engram Tool Page →Step 1 — Install the binary
On macOS the easiest path is Homebrew:
brew install gentleman-programming/tap/engramWindows, Linux and source builds are covered in the official installation docs. No Node.js, Python or Docker daemon required — it's a single static Go binary.
Step 2 — Connect your agent
Engram ships an engram setup command that writes the MCP configuration for your agent automatically. You don't even need to start a server for the usual stdio setup.
| Agent | Setup command |
|---|---|
| Claude Code | claude plugin marketplace add Gentleman-Programming/engram && claude plugin install engram |
| Codex | engram setup codex |
| OpenCode | engram setup opencode |
| Gemini CLI | engram setup gemini-cli |
After setup, restart your agent so it picks up the new MCP tools.
Step 3 — Use the memory protocol
Start a session with mem_current_project to orient, search with mem_search before repeating work, and save what matters with mem_save. End each session with mem_session_summary so the next one resumes instantly — even after compaction.
💡 Pro tip: use a stable topic_key (e.g. architecture/auth-model) for evolving topics. Engram updates that single memory instead of creating duplicates, keeping your knowledge base clean.
Step 4 — Inspect and manage
Run the interactive TUI (engram tui) to browse what your agent remembers, or use the HTTP API if you prefer scripting. For teams, Engram Cloud adds shared memory and remote storage.
🚀 Deploy Engram in minutes
Ready-made Docker Compose config and requirements on the tool page.
View Engram Tool Page →That's it. In under five minutes your agent has a persistent brain that survives resets, compactions and project switches — and it stops re-asking the questions you already answered.