Cortex
Cortex equips AI coding tools with persistent shared memory across sessions.
Open SourceCoding & Dev
Visit website Free to browse · updated 2026-06-22
What is Cortex?
Developers often face the frustration of restarting explanations with each new AI interaction, covering stacks, decisions, and file structures from scratch. Cortex addresses this by creating a dedicated memory file in the repository that evolves automatically as work progresses. The system ensures every response draws from complete prior context while maintaining all code within the user's own version control setup. Integration happens through a simple configuration step that grants the AI capabilities to read files, write updates, and manage memory entries. This shared layer operates independently of any single tool's internal storage, allowing consistent behavior whether using desktop applications or extensions in code editors. Setup completes quickly and remains fully open for community contributions. By committing every modification directly to the repository history, the platform provides built-in traceability for all AI-assisted changes. Projects benefit from reduced repetition and improved continuity, supporting teams that rely on multiple AI platforms throughout their workflow.
Key features
Persistent memory layer connected to GitHub repo
Automatic context reading before AI responses
Writes files directly as real GitHub commits
Shared memory across Claude, Cursor, and Copilot via MCP
Open source with code stored in user's own GitHub repo
Creates evolving cortex.context file in repo
Setup in under 2 minutes with read/write/update tools
What you can use Cortex for
Persistent Project Memory Across Sessions
Cortex stores project details, stack decisions, and structure in a GitHub-connected cortex.context file so AI tools retain context instead of starting fresh each session.
Direct File Writes as Git Commits
AI responses can read files and save changes directly to the repository as real commits, with updates tracked in cortex.map for full history.
Shared Context Between Multiple AI Tools
Claude, Cursor, and Copilot access the same memory layer via MCP, eliminating repeated explanations when switching between tools.
How to use Cortex
- 1Create a Space and describe your project once
- 2Let Cortex generate the cortex.context file in your GitHub repo
- 3Paste the one-line config into Claude Desktop or Cursor
- 4Allow the AI to automatically read context and write commits
- 5Review changes tracked in cortex.map within your repository
Cortex pricing
Pricing model: Open Source. Plan details are indicative — check the site for current prices.
Free
Free
- Open source
- No credit card required
- Works with Claude & Cursor
- Code stays in your GitHub repo
- Set up in under 2 minutes
Editor's verdict
Pros
- +Free to use with no credit card required
- +Code privacy maintained in user's GitHub repo
- +Eliminates need to re-explain project details each session
Cons
- –Requires existing GitHub repository
- –Limited to supported AI tools like Claude Desktop and Cursor
Our take: Cortex is a solid coding & dev choice. It's valued for free to use with no credit card required and code privacy maintained in user's github repo. The main trade-off is requires existing github repository. A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
Cortex creates a cortex.context file in your repo that serves as permanent memory, with all AI-written files saved as actual commits.
Summary
Cortex is a solid coding & dev choice. It's valued for free to use with no credit card required and code privacy maintained in user's github repo. The main trade-off is requires existing github repository. A good pick if you want capable AI without a high upfront cost.
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