# How to teach Cline your knowledge

Use Cline Rules for instructions you want applied across conversations, and [Memory Bank Markdown files](https://www.knowman.io/guides/cline-memory) for structured project context. [Cline documents both approaches](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules). KnowMan's MCP server is a local [stdio server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-server), but how Cline connects to it and uses [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) is not documented in the available guides. [KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)

## Write persistent instructions with Cline Rules

Cline Rules are Markdown files for [persistent instructions across conversations](https://www.knowman.io/guides/persistent-memory-for-ai-agents). Use them for coding standards, project context, documentation or testing requirements, and explicit constraints. [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

Workspace rules go in `.clinerules/` or `.cline/rules/` at the project root. Cline combines workspace and [global rules](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents), with workspace rules taking precedence when they conflict. Create rules in the Rules panel or ask Cline to create one with `/newrule`. [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

## Keep rules focused and current

Write specific rules, explain why a constraint exists, point to examples, and keep each file focused on one concern. Rules consume context tokens, so Cline’s documentation recommends concise rules that link to [detailed reference material](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context). [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

Rules without frontmatter are always active. Conditional rules use YAML frontmatter and the supported `paths` condition to match files in the current context. Each rule can be enabled or disabled without deleting its file. [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

## Store project context in Memory Bank

Cline’s Memory Bank approach uses structured Markdown files in the project so you and Cline can access project knowledge. Its documented structure includes `projectbrief.md`, `productContext.md`, `activeContext.md`, `systemPatterns.md`, `techContext.md`, and `progress.md`. [Memory Bank guide](https://docs.cline.bot/best-practices/memory-bank)

To set it up, add the Memory Bank instructions to a Cline Rules file such as `.clinerules/memory-bank.md`, then ask Cline to “initialize memory bank.” The documented instructions tell Cline to read all Memory Bank files at the start of each task. [Memory Bank guide](https://docs.cline.bot/best-practices/memory-bank)

## Update Memory Bank as work changes

The Memory Bank guide says `activeContext.md` tracks current focus, recent changes, and next steps. `techContext.md` records the stack, setup, constraints, and dependencies, while `progress.md` records what works, remaining work, and known issues. [Memory Bank guide](https://docs.cline.bot/best-practices/memory-bank)

Ask Cline to “update memory bank” after discovering project patterns or making significant changes. If a context window fills, the documented sequence is to update Memory Bank, start a new conversation, and ask Cline to follow custom instructions. [Memory Bank guide](https://docs.cline.bot/best-practices/memory-bank)

## KnowMan MCP and Cline

KnowMan's MCP server is a local stdio server. The KnowMan MCP guide describes the server, but the available Cline documentation does not describe how to configure Cline to connect to it or use saved items. [KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

Cline Rules and Memory Bank provide project instructions and project files. Explore [connecting an AI to your notes](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) and [a knowledge base for AI agents](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents) for related approaches.

## Questions

### Where should I put Cline project rules?

Put workspace rules in `.clinerules/` or `.cline/rules/` at the project root. Cline combines them with global rules, and workspace rules take precedence when they conflict. [Cline Rules documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/customization/cline-rules)

### How do I initialize Cline Memory Bank?

Add the Memory Bank instructions to a Cline Rules file, such as `.clinerules/memory-bank.md`, then ask Cline to “initialize memory bank.” The guide describes a set of structured Markdown files for project context. [Memory Bank guide](https://docs.cline.bot/best-practices/memory-bank)

### Can Cline search my KnowMan library?

The available Cline documentation does not explain how Cline connects to or uses KnowMan's MCP server. KnowMan provides a local stdio MCP server; see the [KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

### Can Cline save a new URL to KnowMan?

The available Cline documentation does not explain how Cline connects to or uses KnowMan's MCP server. KnowMan provides a local stdio MCP server; see the [KnowMan MCP guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base).

## Related guides

- [Connect your knowledge base through KnowMan's MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base)

- [What Is a Knowledge Base for AI Agents?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents)

- [How Do You Connect AI to Your Notes?](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes)

## More in this topic

- [How to teach Cursor your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-cursor-your-knowledge)
- [How to teach Codex your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-codex-your-knowledge)
- [How to teach Devin CLI your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-devin-cli-your-knowledge)

## More for Cline

- [Connect KnowMan to Cline](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/cline)
- [How to give Cline better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/cline-memory)

## Keep your knowledge close

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Source: https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-cline-your-knowledge