Claude Desktop Integration
Claude Desktop supports MCP servers through a configuration file. This guide shows you how to add Kernle as a memory tool.
Configuration File Location
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
~/.config/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
Configuration
Add Kernle to the mcpServers section:
{
"mcpServers": {
"kernle": {
"command": "kernle",
"args": ["mcp", "--agent", "claude"]
}
}
}
Replace claude with your preferred agent ID. This ID identifies your memory store.
Full Configuration Example
{
"mcpServers": {
"kernle": {
"command": "kernle",
"args": ["mcp", "--agent", "claude-desktop"]
}
}
}
With Python Path (if needed)
If Kernle was installed via pip in a specific environment:
{
"mcpServers": {
"kernle": {
"command": "/path/to/python",
"args": ["-m", "kernle", "mcp", "--agent", "claude"]
}
}
}
{
"mcpServers": {
"kernle": {
"command": "/Users/you/.local/bin/kernle",
"args": ["mcp", "--agent", "claude"]
}
}
}
Apply Configuration
- Save the configuration file
- Completely quit Claude Desktop (not just close the window)
- Restart Claude Desktop
Verify Installation
After restarting, you should see memory tools available. Try asking Claude:
“Can you check my memory status?”
Claude should call the memory_status tool and return your memory overview.
Once connected, Claude Desktop has access to:
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|
memory_load | Restore working memory at conversation start |
memory_checkpoint_save | Save current state |
memory_episode | Record an experience with lessons |
memory_note | Capture notes, decisions, insights |
memory_raw | Quick capture for later processing |
memory_search | Search across all memory types |
memory_anxiety | Check memory health |
Recommended Workflow
Starting a Conversation
Ask Claude to load memory first:
“Please load your memory before we start.”
This restores context from previous conversations.
During Conversation
Claude can capture learnings as you work:
“Remember that the API rate limit is 100 requests per minute.”
Ending a Conversation
Ask Claude to save state:
“Please save a checkpoint before we wrap up.”
Troubleshooting
- Check config file syntax (valid JSON)
- Verify file location is correct
- Ensure Kernle is in PATH:
which kernle
- Fully restart Claude Desktop
”Command not found”
Use the full path to Kernle:
# Find the path
which kernle
Permission Denied
Make sure the Kernle data directory exists and is writable:
mkdir -p ~/.kernle
chmod 755 ~/.kernle
Checking Logs
Claude Desktop logs may show MCP connection errors:
tail -f ~/Library/Logs/Claude/mcp.log
Check Event Viewer or %APPDATA%\Claude\logs
