# How to teach Qwen Code your knowledge

Qwen Code supports persistent JSON settings, project-specific settings in `.qwen/settings.json`, and [Agent Skills](https://www.knowman.io/guides/knowledge-base-for-ai-agents) under `.qwen/skills/`. [Qwen Code settings](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/settings/) KnowMan's local stdio [MCP server](https://www.knowman.io/guides/mcp-server-knowledge-base) offers tools to search and read [saved items](https://www.knowman.io/guides/how-to-save-articles) and save URLs. KnowMan MCP knowledge base

## 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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://www.knowman.io/guides/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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://www.knowman.io/guides/what-is-an-mcp-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](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) with citations, and keeps saved claims, decisions, and playbooks. KnowMan MCP knowledge base

KnowMan's [AI knowledge base guide](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base) and [guide to connecting AI to notes](https://www.knowman.io/guides/connect-any-ai-to-your-notes) explain the product's knowledge-base approach.

## Where KnowMan fits

KnowMan can supply [saved articles](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-article-saver) 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](https://www.knowman.io/guides/personal-knowledge-base) base

## Questions

### 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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/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](https://qwenlm.github.io/qwen-code-docs/en/users/configuration/settings/)

## Related guides

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

- [How to Give Your AI Context from What You Read](https://www.knowman.io/guides/give-your-ai-context)

- [Understand AI knowledge bases through the sources behind an answer](https://www.knowman.io/guides/ai-knowledge-base)

- [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 VS Code your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-vscode-your-knowledge)
- [How to teach Windsurf your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-windsurf-your-knowledge)
- [How to teach Roo Code your knowledge](https://www.knowman.io/guides/teach-roo-code-your-knowledge)

## More for Qwen Code

- [KnowMan MCP server for Qwen Code](https://www.knowman.io/integrations/qwen-code)
- [How to give Qwen Code better memory](https://www.knowman.io/guides/qwen-code-memory)

## Keep your reading close

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