Put project guidance in settings
Qwen Code uses JSON settings files for persistent configuration. A project can store settings in .qwen/settings.json; those settings apply only when Qwen Code runs from that project and override user settings. Qwen Code settings
Configuration can also come from environment variables and command-line arguments. Command-line arguments take precedence over environment variables, followed by system settings, project settings, user settings, system defaults, and built-in defaults. Qwen Code settings
Package reusable guidance as an Agent Skill
A project's .qwen directory can contain Agent Skills under .qwen/skills/. Each Skill is stored in a directory containing SKILL.md. Qwen Code settings
The settings reference does not explain how to write or invoke a Skill, or describe a general-purpose rules or memory feature. For KnowMan's broader approach to AI context, see how to give your AI context.
Keep settings portable with environment variables
String values in Qwen Code settings can refer to environment variables with $VAR_NAME or ${VAR_NAME} syntax. Qwen Code resolves these references when it loads settings. Qwen Code settings
That syntax is documented for settings values. Qwen Code's documentation does not show an MCP server configuration example or explain how to connect a knowledge base.
Connect saved knowledge with KnowMan
KnowMan's MCP server is a standalone local stdio server, started with npx -y @knowman/mcp, and requires Node 22 or newer. It uses a KnowMan API key through KNOWMAN_API_KEY, or a credential saved by running npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login once. KnowMan MCP knowledge base
KnowMan provides kb_search to search saved items, kb_get_item to read one item, kb_ask to answer with citations, and kb_save to save a URL with an optional note. KnowMan MCP knowledge base Qwen Code's documentation does not explain how to connect to a local stdio server.
Use a knowledge base for material beyond project files
Settings and Skills provide configuration and project guidance in Qwen Code. KnowMan stores articles and links, reads and tags them, answers questions with citations, and keeps saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. KnowMan MCP knowledge base
KnowMan's AI knowledge base guide and guide to connecting AI to notes explain the product's knowledge-base approach.
Where KnowMan fits
KnowMan can supply saved articles and notes through its MCP tools when a client can connect to its local stdio server. KnowMan MCP knowledge base Qwen Code's documentation does not explain whether or how it can connect to a local stdio server.
KnowMan is built for one person's library today. Its Free plan includes five Ask questions a day; Pro has a 14-day trial with no credit card. KnowMan personal knowledge base
Questions people ask
Where do I put project-specific Qwen Code settings?
Use .qwen/settings.json in the project. These settings apply when Qwen Code runs from that project and override user settings. Qwen Code settings
Can Qwen Code use project-specific Agent Skills?
The settings reference lists Agent Skills under .qwen/skills/, with each Skill stored in a directory containing SKILL.md. It does not explain how to create or invoke them. Qwen Code settings
What can KnowMan's MCP tools do?
KnowMan provides tools to search saved items, read an item's content, ask questions with citations, and save a URL with an optional note. KnowMan MCP knowledge base
Is Qwen Code's KnowMan MCP setup documented?
Qwen Code's documentation lists MCP as a supported feature, but does not explain how to configure KnowMan or connect a local stdio server. Qwen Code settings