Start with Windsurf memories
Windsurf has two mechanisms for preserving context: Memories and user-defined rules. Cascade can create memories when it finds context it considers useful, or you can prompt it to "create a memory of …". Windsurf documentation
Choose where each rule applies
Define rules at global or workspace level. Global rules apply across workspaces, while workspace rules can live in .windsurf/rules and apply through a glob or natural-language description. Windsurf discovers rules in the current workspace and its subdirectories, and searches parent directories up to the Git root for Git repositories. Windsurf documentation
Write clear rules
Keep each rule simple, concise, and specific. Use bullets, numbered lists, or Markdown instead of a long paragraph. Rules can be activated manually, always, by model decision, or by matching a glob. Each rule file has a 12,000-character limit. Windsurf documentation
Manage memories and rules
Open Cascade's Customizations menu or Windsurf Settings to manage memories and rules. To change a memory, open it and select Edit. You can also ask Cascade to remember something during a conversation. Windsurf documentation
Connect KnowMan to Windsurf
KnowMan's MCP server is a local stdio server. Start it with npx -y @knowman/mcp using Node 22 or newer, and authenticate with npx -p @knowman/mcp knowman login once. The saved credential is shared by the CLI and MCP server, so the environment block can then be dropped. See the Windsurf integration guide and the MCP knowledge base guide.
Search, read, ask, and save
Once connected, Windsurf can use kb_search to find saved items, kb_get_item to read one item, kb_ask to answer with citations, and kb_save to save a URL to your Inbox or Knowledge Base with an optional note. See the KnowMan MCP knowledge base guide.
Where KnowMan fits
Windsurf memories and rules are useful for instructions and working context. KnowMan adds a personal library of saved articles and links that Windsurf can search and read through the local MCP server. It can also save new URLs through kb_save. See giving your AI context and connecting AI to your notes.
Questions people ask
What is the easiest way to teach Windsurf personal context?
Ask Cascade to "create a memory of …" with the information you want it to retain. Cascade can also create memories automatically when it encounters context it considers useful. Windsurf documentation
Should I use Windsurf memories or rules?
Use memories for facts and context that Windsurf should preserve. Use rules for instructions that shape how Cascade should work, such as coding standards or project guidance. Windsurf documentation
Can Windsurf search my saved articles?
With the local KnowMan MCP server connected, Windsurf can use kb_search and kb_get_item to find and read saved articles. kb_ask can answer from the library with citations, while kb_save can save new URLs. See the Windsurf integration guide.
Can Windsurf use an external article library?
The available documentation does not explain how Windsurf imports or indexes external articles. KnowMan provides a documented local MCP route for searching and reading your saved library, subject to the Windsurf setup shown in the integration guide.