Revert "feat: Add project-prefixed permalinks and memory URL routing (#544)"

This reverts commit 545804f194.

.github/workflows/test.yml

@@ -37,10 +37,11 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           pip install uv
 
-      - name: Install just (Linux/macOS)
+      - name: Install just (Linux)
         if: runner.os != 'Windows'
         run: |
-          curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://just.systems/install.sh | bash -s -- --to /usr/local/bin
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y just
 
       - name: Install just (Windows)
         if: runner.os == 'Windows'
@@ -55,7 +56,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: |
-          uv pip install -e .[dev]
+          uv pip install -e ".[dev,semantic]"
 
       - name: Run type checks
         run: |
@@ -97,7 +98,8 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install just
         run: |
-          curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://just.systems/install.sh | bash -s -- --to /usr/local/bin
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y just
 
       - name: Create virtual env
         run: |
@@ -105,7 +107,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: |
-          uv pip install -e .[dev]
+          uv pip install -e ".[dev,semantic]"
 
       - name: Run tests (Postgres via testcontainers)
         run: |
@@ -133,7 +135,8 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install just
         run: |
-          curl --proto '=https' --tlsv1.2 -sSf https://just.systems/install.sh | bash -s -- --to /usr/local/bin
+          sudo apt-get update
+          sudo apt-get install -y just
 
       - name: Create virtual env
         run: |
@@ -141,7 +144,7 @@ jobs:
 
       - name: Install dependencies
         run: |
-          uv pip install -e .[dev]
+          uv pip install -e ".[dev,semantic]"
 
       - name: Run combined coverage (SQLite + Postgres)
         run: |

.gitignore

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 *.py[cod]
 __pycache__/
 .pytest_cache/
+.testmondata*
 .coverage
 htmlcov/
 
@@ -55,3 +56,5 @@ claude-output
 **/.claude/settings.local.json
 .mcp.json
 .mcpregistry_*
+/.testmondata
+.benchmarks/

AGENTS.md

@@ -0,0 +1,445 @@
+# AGENTS.md - Basic Memory Project Guide
+
+## Project Overview
+
+Basic Memory is a local-first knowledge management system built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It enables
+bidirectional communication between LLMs (like Claude) and markdown files, creating a personal knowledge graph that can
+be traversed using links between documents.
+
+## CODEBASE DEVELOPMENT
+
+### Project information
+
+See the [README.md](README.md) file for a project overview.
+
+### Build and Test Commands
+
+- Install: `just install` or `pip install -e ".[dev]"`
+- Run all tests (SQLite + Postgres): `just test`
+- Run all tests against SQLite: `just test-sqlite`
+- Run all tests against Postgres: `just test-postgres` (uses testcontainers)
+- Run unit tests (SQLite): `just test-unit-sqlite`
+- Run unit tests (Postgres): `just test-unit-postgres`
+- Run integration tests (SQLite): `just test-int-sqlite`
+- Run integration tests (Postgres): `just test-int-postgres`
+- Run impacted tests: `just testmon` (pytest-testmon)
+- Run MCP smoke test: `just test-smoke`
+- Fast local loop: `just fast-check`
+- Local consistency check: `just doctor`
+- Generate HTML coverage: `just coverage`
+- Single test: `pytest tests/path/to/test_file.py::test_function_name`
+- Run benchmarks: `pytest test-int/test_sync_performance_benchmark.py -v -m "benchmark and not slow"`
+- Lint: `just lint` or `ruff check . --fix`
+- Type check: `just typecheck` or `uv run pyright`
+- Format: `just format` or `uv run ruff format .`
+- Run all code checks: `just check` (runs lint, format, typecheck, test)
+- Create db migration: `just migration "Your migration message"`
+- Run development MCP Inspector: `just run-inspector`
+
+**Note:** Project requires Python 3.12+ (uses type parameter syntax and `type` aliases introduced in 3.12)
+
+**Postgres Testing:** Uses [testcontainers](https://testcontainers-python.readthedocs.io/) which automatically spins up a Postgres instance in Docker. No manual database setup required - just have Docker running.
+
+**Doctor Note:** `just doctor` runs with a temporary HOME/config so it won't touch your local Basic Memory settings. It leaves temp dirs in `/tmp` (safe to ignore or remove).
+
+**Testmon Note:** When no files have changed, `just testmon` may collect 0 tests. That's expected and means no impacted tests were detected.
+
+### Code/Test/Verify Loop (fast path)
+
+1) **Code:** make changes.
+2) **Test:** `just fast-check` (lint/format/typecheck + impacted tests + MCP smoke).
+3) **Verify:** `just doctor` (end-to-end file ↔ DB loop in a temp project).
+4) **Full gate (when needed):** `just test` or `just check` for SQLite + Postgres.
+
+If testmon is “cold,” the first run may be long. Subsequent runs get much faster.
+
+### Test Structure
+
+- `tests/` - Unit tests for individual components (mocked, fast)
+- `test-int/` - Integration tests for real-world scenarios (no mocks, realistic)
+- Both directories are covered by unified coverage reporting
+- Benchmark tests in `test-int/` are marked with `@pytest.mark.benchmark`
+- Slow tests are marked with `@pytest.mark.slow`
+- Smoke tests are marked with `@pytest.mark.smoke`
+
+### Code Style Guidelines
+
+- Line length: 100 characters max
+- Python 3.12+ with full type annotations (uses type parameters and type aliases)
+- Format with ruff (consistent styling)
+- Import order: standard lib, third-party, local imports
+- Naming: snake_case for functions/variables, PascalCase for classes
+- Prefer async patterns with SQLAlchemy 2.0
+- Use Pydantic v2 for data validation and schemas
+- CLI uses Typer for command structure
+- API uses FastAPI for endpoints
+- Follow the repository pattern for data access
+- Tools communicate to api routers via the httpx ASGI client (in process)
+
+### Code Change Guidelines
+
+- **Full file read before edits**: Before editing any file, read it in full first to ensure complete context; partial reads lead to corrupted edits
+- **Minimize diffs**: Prefer the smallest change that satisfies the request. Avoid unrelated refactors or style rewrites unless necessary for correctness
+- **No speculative getattr**: Never use `getattr(obj, "attr", default)` when unsure about attribute names. Check the class definition or source code first
+- **Fail fast**: Write code with fail-fast logic by default. Do not swallow exceptions with errors or warnings
+- **No fallback logic**: Do not add fallback logic unless explicitly told to and agreed with the user
+- **No guessing**: Do not say "The issue is..." before you actually know what the issue is. Investigate first.
+
+### Literate Programming Style
+
+Code should tell a story. Comments must explain the "why" and narrative flow, not just the "what".
+
+**Section Headers:**
+For files with multiple phases of logic, add section headers so the control flow reads like chapters:
+```python
+# --- Authentication ---
+# ... auth logic ...
+
+# --- Data Validation ---
+# ... validation logic ...
+
+# --- Business Logic ---
+# ... core logic ...
+```
+
+**Decision Point Comments:**
+For conditionals that materially change behavior (gates, fallbacks, retries, feature flags), add comments with:
+- **Trigger**: what condition causes this branch
+- **Why**: the rationale (cost, correctness, UX, determinism)
+- **Outcome**: what changes downstream
+
+```python
+# Trigger: project has no active sync watcher
+# Why: avoid duplicate file system watchers consuming resources
+# Outcome: starts new watcher, registers in active_watchers dict
+if project_id not in active_watchers:
+    start_watcher(project_id)
+```
+
+**Constraint Comments:**
+If code exists because of a constraint (async requirements, rate limits, schema compatibility), explain the constraint near the code:
+```python
+# SQLite requires WAL mode for concurrent read/write access
+connection.execute("PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL")
+```
+
+**What NOT to Comment:**
+Avoid comments that restate obvious code:
+```python
+# Bad - restates code
+counter += 1  # increment counter
+
+# Good - explains why
+counter += 1  # track retries for backoff calculation
+```
+
+### Codebase Architecture
+
+See [docs/ARCHITECTURE.md](docs/ARCHITECTURE.md) for detailed architecture documentation.
+
+**Directory Structure:**
+- `/alembic` - Alembic db migrations
+- `/api` - FastAPI REST endpoints + `container.py` composition root
+- `/cli` - Typer CLI + `container.py` composition root
+- `/deps` - Feature-scoped FastAPI dependencies (config, db, projects, repositories, services, importers)
+- `/importers` - Import functionality for Claude, ChatGPT, and other sources
+- `/markdown` - Markdown parsing and processing
+- `/mcp` - MCP server + `container.py` composition root + `clients/` typed API clients
+- `/models` - SQLAlchemy ORM models
+- `/repository` - Data access layer
+- `/schemas` - Pydantic models for validation
+- `/services` - Business logic layer
+- `/sync` - File synchronization services + `coordinator.py` for lifecycle management
+
+**Composition Roots:**
+Each entrypoint (API, MCP, CLI) has a composition root that:
+- Reads `ConfigManager` (the only place that reads global config)
+- Resolves runtime mode via `RuntimeMode` enum (TEST > CLOUD > LOCAL)
+- Provides dependencies to downstream code explicitly
+
+**Typed API Clients (MCP):**
+MCP tools use typed clients in `mcp/clients/` to communicate with the API:
+- `KnowledgeClient` - Entity CRUD operations
+- `SearchClient` - Search operations
+- `MemoryClient` - Context building
+- `DirectoryClient` - Directory listing
+- `ResourceClient` - Resource reading
+- `ProjectClient` - Project management
+
+Flow: MCP Tool → Typed Client → HTTP API → Router → Service → Repository
+
+### Development Notes
+
+- MCP tools are defined in src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/
+- MCP prompts are defined in src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/
+- MCP tools should be atomic, composable operations
+- Use `textwrap.dedent()` for multi-line string formatting in prompts and tools
+- MCP Prompts are used to invoke tools and format content with instructions for an LLM
+- Schema changes require Alembic migrations
+- SQLite is used for indexing and full text search, files are source of truth
+- Testing uses pytest with asyncio support (strict mode)
+- Unit tests (`tests/`) use mocks when necessary; integration tests (`test-int/`) use real implementations
+- By default, tests run against SQLite (fast, no Docker needed)
+- Set `BASIC_MEMORY_TEST_POSTGRES=1` to run against Postgres (uses testcontainers - Docker required)
+- Each test runs in a standalone environment with isolated database and tmp_path directory
+- CI runs SQLite and Postgres tests in parallel for faster feedback
+- Performance benchmarks are in `test-int/test_sync_performance_benchmark.py`
+- Use pytest markers: `@pytest.mark.benchmark` for benchmarks, `@pytest.mark.slow` for slow tests
+- **Coverage must stay at 100%**: Write tests for new code. Only use `# pragma: no cover` when tests would require excessive mocking (e.g., TYPE_CHECKING blocks, error handlers that need failure injection, runtime-mode-dependent code paths)
+
+### Async Client Pattern (Important!)
+
+**MCP tools use `get_project_client()` for per-project routing:**
+
+```python
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
+
+@mcp.tool()
+async def my_tool(project: str | None = None, context: Context | None = None):
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+        # client is routed based on project's mode (local ASGI or cloud HTTP)
+        response = await call_get(client, "/path")
+        return response
+```
+
+**CLI commands and non-project-scoped code use `get_client()` directly:**
+
+```python
+from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+
+async def my_cli_command():
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        response = await call_get(client, "/path")
+        return response
+
+# Per-project routing (when project name is known):
+async with get_client(project_name="research") as client:
+    ...
+```
+
+**Do NOT use:**
+- ❌ `from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import client` (deprecated module-level client)
+- ❌ Manual auth header management
+- ❌ `inject_auth_header()` (deleted)
+- ❌ Separate `get_client()` + `get_active_project()` in MCP tools (use `get_project_client()` instead)
+
+**Key principles:**
+- Auth happens at client creation, not per-request
+- Proper resource management via context managers
+- Per-project routing: each project can be LOCAL or CLOUD independently
+- Cloud projects use API key (`cloud_api_key` in config) as Bearer token
+- Routing priority: factory injection > force-local > per-project cloud > global cloud > local ASGI
+- Factory pattern enables dependency injection for cloud consolidation
+
+**For cloud app integration:**
+```python
+from basic_memory.mcp import async_client
+
+# Set custom factory before importing tools
+async_client.set_client_factory(your_custom_factory)
+```
+
+See SPEC-16 for full context manager refactor details.
+
+## BASIC MEMORY PRODUCT USAGE
+
+### Knowledge Structure
+
+- Entity: Any concept, document, or idea represented as a markdown file
+- Observation: A categorized fact about an entity (`- [category] content`)
+- Relation: A directional link between entities (`- relation_type [[Target]]`)
+- Frontmatter: YAML metadata at the top of markdown files
+- Knowledge representation follows precise markdown format:
+    - Observations with [category] prefixes
+    - Relations with WikiLinks [[Entity]]
+    - Frontmatter with metadata
+
+### Basic Memory Commands
+
+**Local Commands:**
+- Check sync status: `basic-memory status`
+- Doctor check (file <-> DB loop): `basic-memory doctor`
+- Import from Claude: `basic-memory import claude conversations`
+- Import from ChatGPT: `basic-memory import chatgpt`
+- Import from Memory JSON: `basic-memory import memory-json`
+- Tool access: `basic-memory tool` (provides CLI access to MCP tools)
+    - Continue: `basic-memory tool continue-conversation --topic="search"`
+
+**Project Management:**
+- List projects: `basic-memory project list`
+- Add project: `basic-memory project add "name" ~/path`
+- Project info: `basic-memory project info`
+- Set cloud mode: `basic-memory project set-cloud "name"`
+- Set local mode: `basic-memory project set-local "name"`
+- One-way sync (local -> cloud): `basic-memory project sync`
+- Bidirectional sync: `basic-memory project bisync`
+- Integrity check: `basic-memory project check`
+
+**Cloud Commands (requires subscription):**
+- Authenticate (global): `basic-memory cloud login`
+- Logout (global): `basic-memory cloud logout`
+- Check cloud status: `basic-memory cloud status`
+- Setup cloud sync: `basic-memory cloud setup`
+- Save API key: `basic-memory cloud set-key bmc_...`
+- Create API key: `basic-memory cloud create-key "name"`
+- Manage snapshots: `basic-memory cloud snapshot [create|list|delete|show|browse]`
+- Restore from snapshot: `basic-memory cloud restore <path> --snapshot <id>`
+
+### MCP Capabilities
+
+- Basic Memory exposes these MCP tools to LLMs:
+
+  **Content Management:**
+    - `write_note(title, content, directory, tags)` - Create/update markdown notes with semantic observations and relations
+    - `read_note(identifier, page, page_size)` - Read notes by title, permalink, or memory:// URL with knowledge graph awareness
+    - `read_content(path)` - Read raw file content (text, images, binaries) without knowledge graph processing
+    - `view_note(identifier, page, page_size)` - View notes as formatted artifacts for better readability
+    - `edit_note(identifier, operation, content)` - Edit notes incrementally (append, prepend, find/replace, replace_section)
+    - `move_note(identifier, destination_path, is_directory)` - Move notes or directories to new locations, updating database and maintaining links
+    - `delete_note(identifier, is_directory)` - Delete notes or directories from the knowledge base
+
+  **Knowledge Graph Navigation:**
+    - `build_context(url, depth, timeframe)` - Navigate the knowledge graph via memory:// URLs for conversation continuity
+    - `recent_activity(type, depth, timeframe)` - Get recently updated information with specified timeframe (e.g., "1d", "1 week")
+    - `list_directory(dir_name, depth, file_name_glob)` - Browse directory contents with filtering and depth control
+
+  **Search & Discovery:**
+    - `search_notes(query, page, page_size, search_type, types, entity_types, after_date)` - Full-text search across all content with advanced filtering options
+
+  **Project Management:**
+    - `list_memory_projects()` - List all available projects with their status
+    - `create_memory_project(project_name, project_path, set_default)` - Create new Basic Memory projects
+    - `delete_project(project_name)` - Delete a project from configuration
+
+  **Visualization:**
+    - `canvas(nodes, edges, title, directory)` - Generate Obsidian canvas files for knowledge graph visualization
+
+  **ChatGPT-Compatible Tools:**
+    - `search(query)` - Search across knowledge base (OpenAI actions compatible)
+    - `fetch(id)` - Fetch full content of a search result document
+
+- MCP Prompts for better AI interaction:
+    - `ai_assistant_guide()` - Guidance on effectively using Basic Memory tools for AI assistants
+    - `continue_conversation(topic, timeframe)` - Continue previous conversations with relevant historical context
+    - `search(query, after_date)` - Search with detailed, formatted results for better context understanding
+    - `recent_activity(timeframe)` - View recently changed items with formatted output
+
+### Cloud Features (v0.15.0+)
+
+Basic Memory now supports cloud synchronization and storage (requires active subscription):
+
+**Authentication:**
+- JWT-based authentication with subscription validation
+- Secure session management with token refresh
+- Support for multiple cloud projects
+
+**Bidirectional Sync:**
+- rclone bisync integration for two-way synchronization
+- Conflict resolution and integrity verification
+- Real-time sync with change detection
+- Mount/unmount cloud storage for direct file access
+
+**Cloud Project Management:**
+- Create and manage projects in the cloud
+- Toggle between local and cloud modes
+- Per-project sync configuration
+- Subscription-based access control
+
+**Security & Performance:**
+- Removed .env file loading for improved security
+- .gitignore integration (respects gitignored files)
+- WAL mode for SQLite performance
+- Background relation resolution (non-blocking startup)
+- API performance optimizations (SPEC-11)
+
+**Per-Project Cloud Routing:**
+
+Individual projects can be routed through the cloud while others stay local, using an API key:
+
+```bash
+# Save API key and set project to cloud mode
+basic-memory cloud set-key bmc_abc123...
+basic-memory project set-cloud research    # route through cloud
+basic-memory project set-local research    # revert to local
+```
+
+MCP tools use `get_project_client()` which automatically routes based on the project's mode. Cloud projects use the `cloud_api_key` from config as Bearer token.
+
+**CLI Routing Flags (Global Cloud Mode):**
+
+When global cloud mode is enabled, CLI commands route to the cloud API by default. Use `--local` and `--cloud` flags to override:
+
+```bash
+# Force local routing (ignore cloud mode)
+basic-memory status --local
+basic-memory project list --local
+
+# Force cloud routing (when cloud mode is disabled)
+basic-memory status --cloud
+basic-memory project info my-project --cloud
+```
+
+Key behaviors:
+- The local MCP server (`basic-memory mcp`) automatically uses local routing
+- This allows simultaneous use of local Claude Desktop and cloud-based clients
+- Some commands (like `project default`, `project sync-config`, `project move`) require `--local` in cloud mode since they modify local configuration
+- Environment variable `BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL=true` forces local routing globally
+- Per-project cloud routing via API key works independently of global cloud mode
+
+## AI-Human Collaborative Development
+
+Basic Memory emerged from and enables a new kind of development process that combines human and AI capabilities. Instead
+of using AI just for code generation, we've developed a true collaborative workflow:
+
+1. AI (LLM) writes initial implementation based on specifications and context
+2. Human reviews, runs tests, and commits code with any necessary adjustments
+3. Knowledge persists across conversations using Basic Memory's knowledge graph
+4. Development continues seamlessly across different AI sessions with consistent context
+5. Results improve through iterative collaboration and shared understanding
+
+This approach has allowed us to tackle more complex challenges and build a more robust system than either humans or AI
+could achieve independently.
+
+**Problem-Solving Guidance:**
+- If a solution isn't working after reasonable effort, suggest alternative approaches
+- Don't persist with a problematic library or pattern when better alternatives exist
+- Example: When py-pglite caused cascading test failures, switching to testcontainers-postgres was the right call
+
+## GitHub Integration
+
+Basic Memory has taken AI-Human collaboration to the next level by integrating Claude directly into the development workflow through GitHub:
+
+### GitHub MCP Tools
+
+Using the GitHub Model Context Protocol server, Claude can now:
+
+- **Repository Management**:
+  - View repository files and structure
+  - Read file contents
+  - Create new branches
+  - Create and update files
+
+- **Issue Management**:
+  - Create new issues
+  - Comment on existing issues
+  - Close and update issues
+  - Search across issues
+
+- **Pull Request Workflow**:
+  - Create pull requests
+  - Review code changes
+  - Add comments to PRs
+
+This integration enables Claude to participate as a full team member in the development process, not just as a code generation tool. Claude's GitHub account ([bm-claudeai](https://github.com/bm-claudeai)) is a member of the Basic Machines organization with direct contributor access to the codebase.
+
+### Collaborative Development Process
+
+With GitHub integration, the development workflow includes:
+
+1. **Direct code review** - Claude can analyze PRs and provide detailed feedback
+2. **Contribution tracking** - All of Claude's contributions are properly attributed in the Git history
+3. **Branch management** - Claude can create feature branches for implementations
+4. **Documentation maintenance** - Claude can keep documentation updated as the code evolves
+5. **Code Commits**: ALWAYS sign off commits with `git commit -s`
+
+This level of integration represents a new paradigm in AI-human collaboration, where the AI assistant becomes a full-fledged team member rather than just a tool for generating code snippets.

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,5 +1,109 @@
 # CHANGELOG
 
+## v0.18.3 (2026-02-12)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Use global `--header` flag for Tigris consistency on all rclone transactions
+  ([`7fcf587`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/7fcf587))
+  - `--header-download` / `--header-upload` only apply to GET/PUT requests, missing S3
+    ListObjectsV2 calls that bisync issues first. Non-US users saw stale edge-cached metadata.
+  - `--header` applies to ALL HTTP transactions (list, download, upload), fixing bisync for
+    users outside the Tigris origin region.
+
+## v0.18.2 (2026-02-11)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **#562**: Use VIRTUAL instead of STORED columns in SQLite migration
+  ([`344e651`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/344e651))
+  - Fixes compatibility issue with SQLite STORED generated columns
+
+## v0.18.1 (2026-02-11)
+
+### Features
+
+- **#552**: Add `--format json` to CLI tool commands
+  ([`a47c9c0`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/a47c9c0))
+  - CLI tool commands now support `--format json` for machine-readable output
+
+- **#535**: Support `tag:` query shorthand in search
+  ([`f1d50c2`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/f1d50c2))
+  - Use `tag:mytag` as a convenient shorthand in search queries
+
+- **#532**: Fast edit entities, refactors for webui, enhanced search
+  ([`530cbac`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/530cbac))
+  - Performance improvements for entity editing and search operations
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **#558**: Add X-Tigris-Consistent headers to all rclone commands
+  ([`8489a3d`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/8489a3d))
+  - Ensures consistent reads from Tigris object storage during sync
+
+- **#541**: Handle EntityCreationError as conflict
+  ([`343a6e1`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/343a6e1))
+
+- **#536**: Stabilize metadata filters on Postgres
+  ([`009e849`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/009e849))
+
+- **#533**: Fix recent_activity prompt defaults
+  ([`24ca5f6`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/24ca5f6))
+
+- **#530**: Prevent spurious `metadata: {}` in frontmatter output
+  ([`e3ced49`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/e3ced49))
+
+- Add POST legacy compat routes for v0.18.0 CLI
+  ([`c46d7a6`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/c46d7a6))
+
+- Restore legacy `/projects/projects` endpoint for older CLI versions
+  ([`a0e754b`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/a0e754b))
+
+### Internal
+
+- **#538**: Add fast feedback loop tooling (`just fast-check`, `just doctor`, `just testmon`)
+  ([`8072449`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/8072449))
+
+## v0.18.0 (2026-01-28)
+
+### Features
+
+- **#527**: Add context-aware wiki link resolution with source_path support
+  ([`0023e73`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/0023e73))
+  - Add `source_path` parameter to `resolve_link()` for context-aware resolution
+  - Relative path resolution: `[[nested/note]]` from `folder/file.md` → `folder/nested/note.md`
+  - Proximity-based resolution for duplicate titles (prefers notes in same folder)
+  - Strict mode to disable fuzzy search fallback for wiki links
+
+- **#518**: Add directory support to move_note and delete_note tools
+  ([`0b20801`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/0b20801))
+  - Add `is_directory` parameter to `move_note` and `delete_note` MCP tools
+  - New `POST /move-directory` and delete directory API endpoints
+  - Rename `folder` → `directory` parameter across codebase for consistency
+
+- **#522**: Local MCP cloud mode routing
+  ([`8730067`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/8730067))
+  - Add `--local` and `--cloud` CLI routing flags
+  - Local MCP server (`basic-memory mcp`) automatically uses local routing
+  - Enables simultaneous use of local Claude Desktop and cloud-based clients
+  - Environment variable `BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL=true` for global override
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **#524**: Fix MCP prompt rendering errors
+  ([`e14ba92`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/e14ba92))
+  - Fix "Error rendering prompt recent_activity" error
+  - Change `TimeFrame` to `str` in prompt type annotations for FastMCP compatibility
+
+## v0.17.9 (2026-01-24)
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- **#523**: Fix `remove_project()` checking stale config in cloud mode
+  ([`17c0e0a`](https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory/commit/17c0e0a))
+  - In cloud mode, only check database `is_default` field (source of truth)
+  - Config file can become stale when users set default project via v2 API
+
 ## v0.17.8 (2026-01-24)
 
 ### Bug Fixes

CLAUDE.md

@@ -1,369 +0,0 @@
-# CLAUDE.md - Basic Memory Project Guide
-
-## Project Overview
-
-Basic Memory is a local-first knowledge management system built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It enables
-bidirectional communication between LLMs (like Claude) and markdown files, creating a personal knowledge graph that can
-be traversed using links between documents.
-
-## CODEBASE DEVELOPMENT
-
-### Project information
-
-See the [README.md](README.md) file for a project overview.
-
-### Build and Test Commands
-
-- Install: `just install` or `pip install -e ".[dev]"`
-- Run all tests (SQLite + Postgres): `just test`
-- Run all tests against SQLite: `just test-sqlite`
-- Run all tests against Postgres: `just test-postgres` (uses testcontainers)
-- Run unit tests (SQLite): `just test-unit-sqlite`
-- Run unit tests (Postgres): `just test-unit-postgres`
-- Run integration tests (SQLite): `just test-int-sqlite`
-- Run integration tests (Postgres): `just test-int-postgres`
-- Generate HTML coverage: `just coverage`
-- Single test: `pytest tests/path/to/test_file.py::test_function_name`
-- Run benchmarks: `pytest test-int/test_sync_performance_benchmark.py -v -m "benchmark and not slow"`
-- Lint: `just lint` or `ruff check . --fix`
-- Type check: `just typecheck` or `uv run pyright`
-- Format: `just format` or `uv run ruff format .`
-- Run all code checks: `just check` (runs lint, format, typecheck, test)
-- Create db migration: `just migration "Your migration message"`
-- Run development MCP Inspector: `just run-inspector`
-
-**Note:** Project requires Python 3.12+ (uses type parameter syntax and `type` aliases introduced in 3.12)
-
-**Postgres Testing:** Uses [testcontainers](https://testcontainers-python.readthedocs.io/) which automatically spins up a Postgres instance in Docker. No manual database setup required - just have Docker running.
-
-### Test Structure
-
-- `tests/` - Unit tests for individual components (mocked, fast)
-- `test-int/` - Integration tests for real-world scenarios (no mocks, realistic)
-- Both directories are covered by unified coverage reporting
-- Benchmark tests in `test-int/` are marked with `@pytest.mark.benchmark`
-- Slow tests are marked with `@pytest.mark.slow`
-
-### Code Style Guidelines
-
-- Line length: 100 characters max
-- Python 3.12+ with full type annotations (uses type parameters and type aliases)
-- Format with ruff (consistent styling)
-- Import order: standard lib, third-party, local imports
-- Naming: snake_case for functions/variables, PascalCase for classes
-- Prefer async patterns with SQLAlchemy 2.0
-- Use Pydantic v2 for data validation and schemas
-- CLI uses Typer for command structure
-- API uses FastAPI for endpoints
-- Follow the repository pattern for data access
-- Tools communicate to api routers via the httpx ASGI client (in process)
-
-### Code Change Guidelines
-
-- **Full file read before edits**: Before editing any file, read it in full first to ensure complete context; partial reads lead to corrupted edits
-- **Minimize diffs**: Prefer the smallest change that satisfies the request. Avoid unrelated refactors or style rewrites unless necessary for correctness
-- **No speculative getattr**: Never use `getattr(obj, "attr", default)` when unsure about attribute names. Check the class definition or source code first
-- **Fail fast**: Write code with fail-fast logic by default. Do not swallow exceptions with errors or warnings
-- **No fallback logic**: Do not add fallback logic unless explicitly told to and agreed with the user
-- **No guessing**: Do not say "The issue is..." before you actually know what the issue is. Investigate first.
-
-### Literate Programming Style
-
-Code should tell a story. Comments must explain the "why" and narrative flow, not just the "what".
-
-**Section Headers:**
-For files with multiple phases of logic, add section headers so the control flow reads like chapters:
-```python
-# --- Authentication ---
-# ... auth logic ...
-
-# --- Data Validation ---
-# ... validation logic ...
-
-# --- Business Logic ---
-# ... core logic ...
-```
-
-**Decision Point Comments:**
-For conditionals that materially change behavior (gates, fallbacks, retries, feature flags), add comments with:
-- **Trigger**: what condition causes this branch
-- **Why**: the rationale (cost, correctness, UX, determinism)
-- **Outcome**: what changes downstream
-
-```python
-# Trigger: project has no active sync watcher
-# Why: avoid duplicate file system watchers consuming resources
-# Outcome: starts new watcher, registers in active_watchers dict
-if project_id not in active_watchers:
-    start_watcher(project_id)
-```
-
-**Constraint Comments:**
-If code exists because of a constraint (async requirements, rate limits, schema compatibility), explain the constraint near the code:
-```python
-# SQLite requires WAL mode for concurrent read/write access
-connection.execute("PRAGMA journal_mode=WAL")
-```
-
-**What NOT to Comment:**
-Avoid comments that restate obvious code:
-```python
-# Bad - restates code
-counter += 1  # increment counter
-
-# Good - explains why
-counter += 1  # track retries for backoff calculation
-```
-
-### Codebase Architecture
-
-See [docs/ARCHITECTURE.md](docs/ARCHITECTURE.md) for detailed architecture documentation.
-
-**Directory Structure:**
-- `/alembic` - Alembic db migrations
-- `/api` - FastAPI REST endpoints + `container.py` composition root
-- `/cli` - Typer CLI + `container.py` composition root
-- `/deps` - Feature-scoped FastAPI dependencies (config, db, projects, repositories, services, importers)
-- `/importers` - Import functionality for Claude, ChatGPT, and other sources
-- `/markdown` - Markdown parsing and processing
-- `/mcp` - MCP server + `container.py` composition root + `clients/` typed API clients
-- `/models` - SQLAlchemy ORM models
-- `/repository` - Data access layer
-- `/schemas` - Pydantic models for validation
-- `/services` - Business logic layer
-- `/sync` - File synchronization services + `coordinator.py` for lifecycle management
-
-**Composition Roots:**
-Each entrypoint (API, MCP, CLI) has a composition root that:
-- Reads `ConfigManager` (the only place that reads global config)
-- Resolves runtime mode via `RuntimeMode` enum (TEST > CLOUD > LOCAL)
-- Provides dependencies to downstream code explicitly
-
-**Typed API Clients (MCP):**
-MCP tools use typed clients in `mcp/clients/` to communicate with the API:
-- `KnowledgeClient` - Entity CRUD operations
-- `SearchClient` - Search operations
-- `MemoryClient` - Context building
-- `DirectoryClient` - Directory listing
-- `ResourceClient` - Resource reading
-- `ProjectClient` - Project management
-
-Flow: MCP Tool → Typed Client → HTTP API → Router → Service → Repository
-
-### Development Notes
-
-- MCP tools are defined in src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/
-- MCP prompts are defined in src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/
-- MCP tools should be atomic, composable operations
-- Use `textwrap.dedent()` for multi-line string formatting in prompts and tools
-- MCP Prompts are used to invoke tools and format content with instructions for an LLM
-- Schema changes require Alembic migrations
-- SQLite is used for indexing and full text search, files are source of truth
-- Testing uses pytest with asyncio support (strict mode)
-- Unit tests (`tests/`) use mocks when necessary; integration tests (`test-int/`) use real implementations
-- By default, tests run against SQLite (fast, no Docker needed)
-- Set `BASIC_MEMORY_TEST_POSTGRES=1` to run against Postgres (uses testcontainers - Docker required)
-- Each test runs in a standalone environment with isolated database and tmp_path directory
-- CI runs SQLite and Postgres tests in parallel for faster feedback
-- Performance benchmarks are in `test-int/test_sync_performance_benchmark.py`
-- Use pytest markers: `@pytest.mark.benchmark` for benchmarks, `@pytest.mark.slow` for slow tests
-- **Coverage must stay at 100%**: Write tests for new code. Only use `# pragma: no cover` when tests would require excessive mocking (e.g., TYPE_CHECKING blocks, error handlers that need failure injection, runtime-mode-dependent code paths)
-
-### Async Client Pattern (Important!)
-
-**All MCP tools and CLI commands use the context manager pattern for HTTP clients:**
-
-```python
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-
-async def my_mcp_tool():
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        # Use client for API calls
-        response = await call_get(client, "/path")
-        return response
-```
-
-**Do NOT use:**
-- ❌ `from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import client` (deprecated module-level client)
-- ❌ Manual auth header management
-- ❌ `inject_auth_header()` (deleted)
-
-**Key principles:**
-- Auth happens at client creation, not per-request
-- Proper resource management via context managers
-- Supports three modes: Local (ASGI), CLI cloud (HTTP + auth), Cloud app (factory injection)
-- Factory pattern enables dependency injection for cloud consolidation
-
-**For cloud app integration:**
-```python
-from basic_memory.mcp import async_client
-
-# Set custom factory before importing tools
-async_client.set_client_factory(your_custom_factory)
-```
-
-See SPEC-16 for full context manager refactor details.
-
-## BASIC MEMORY PRODUCT USAGE
-
-### Knowledge Structure
-
-- Entity: Any concept, document, or idea represented as a markdown file
-- Observation: A categorized fact about an entity (`- [category] content`)
-- Relation: A directional link between entities (`- relation_type [[Target]]`)
-- Frontmatter: YAML metadata at the top of markdown files
-- Knowledge representation follows precise markdown format:
-    - Observations with [category] prefixes
-    - Relations with WikiLinks [[Entity]]
-    - Frontmatter with metadata
-
-### Basic Memory Commands
-
-**Local Commands:**
-- Check sync status: `basic-memory status`
-- Import from Claude: `basic-memory import claude conversations`
-- Import from ChatGPT: `basic-memory import chatgpt`
-- Import from Memory JSON: `basic-memory import memory-json`
-- Tool access: `basic-memory tool` (provides CLI access to MCP tools)
-    - Continue: `basic-memory tool continue-conversation --topic="search"`
-
-**Project Management:**
-- List projects: `basic-memory project list`
-- Add project: `basic-memory project add "name" ~/path`
-- Project info: `basic-memory project info`
-- One-way sync (local -> cloud): `basic-memory project sync`
-- Bidirectional sync: `basic-memory project bisync`
-- Integrity check: `basic-memory project check`
-
-**Cloud Commands (requires subscription):**
-- Authenticate: `basic-memory cloud login`
-- Logout: `basic-memory cloud logout`
-- Check cloud status: `basic-memory cloud status`
-- Setup cloud sync: `basic-memory cloud setup`
-- Manage snapshots: `basic-memory cloud snapshot [create|list|delete|show|browse]`
-- Restore from snapshot: `basic-memory cloud restore <path> --snapshot <id>`
-
-### MCP Capabilities
-
-- Basic Memory exposes these MCP tools to LLMs:
-
-  **Content Management:**
-    - `write_note(title, content, folder, tags)` - Create/update markdown notes with semantic observations and relations
-    - `read_note(identifier, page, page_size)` - Read notes by title, permalink, or memory:// URL with knowledge graph awareness
-    - `read_content(path)` - Read raw file content (text, images, binaries) without knowledge graph processing
-    - `view_note(identifier, page, page_size)` - View notes as formatted artifacts for better readability
-    - `edit_note(identifier, operation, content)` - Edit notes incrementally (append, prepend, find/replace, replace_section)
-    - `move_note(identifier, destination_path)` - Move notes to new locations, updating database and maintaining links
-    - `delete_note(identifier)` - Delete notes from the knowledge base
-
-  **Knowledge Graph Navigation:**
-    - `build_context(url, depth, timeframe)` - Navigate the knowledge graph via memory:// URLs for conversation continuity
-    - `recent_activity(type, depth, timeframe)` - Get recently updated information with specified timeframe (e.g., "1d", "1 week")
-    - `list_directory(dir_name, depth, file_name_glob)` - Browse directory contents with filtering and depth control
-
-  **Search & Discovery:**
-    - `search_notes(query, page, page_size, search_type, types, entity_types, after_date)` - Full-text search across all content with advanced filtering options
-
-  **Project Management:**
-    - `list_memory_projects()` - List all available projects with their status
-    - `create_memory_project(project_name, project_path, set_default)` - Create new Basic Memory projects
-    - `delete_project(project_name)` - Delete a project from configuration
-
-  **Visualization:**
-    - `canvas(nodes, edges, title, folder)` - Generate Obsidian canvas files for knowledge graph visualization
-
-  **ChatGPT-Compatible Tools:**
-    - `search(query)` - Search across knowledge base (OpenAI actions compatible)
-    - `fetch(id)` - Fetch full content of a search result document
-
-- MCP Prompts for better AI interaction:
-    - `ai_assistant_guide()` - Guidance on effectively using Basic Memory tools for AI assistants
-    - `continue_conversation(topic, timeframe)` - Continue previous conversations with relevant historical context
-    - `search(query, after_date)` - Search with detailed, formatted results for better context understanding
-    - `recent_activity(timeframe)` - View recently changed items with formatted output
-
-### Cloud Features (v0.15.0+)
-
-Basic Memory now supports cloud synchronization and storage (requires active subscription):
-
-**Authentication:**
-- JWT-based authentication with subscription validation
-- Secure session management with token refresh
-- Support for multiple cloud projects
-
-**Bidirectional Sync:**
-- rclone bisync integration for two-way synchronization
-- Conflict resolution and integrity verification
-- Real-time sync with change detection
-- Mount/unmount cloud storage for direct file access
-
-**Cloud Project Management:**
-- Create and manage projects in the cloud
-- Toggle between local and cloud modes
-- Per-project sync configuration
-- Subscription-based access control
-
-**Security & Performance:**
-- Removed .env file loading for improved security
-- .gitignore integration (respects gitignored files)
-- WAL mode for SQLite performance
-- Background relation resolution (non-blocking startup)
-- API performance optimizations (SPEC-11)
-
-## AI-Human Collaborative Development
-
-Basic Memory emerged from and enables a new kind of development process that combines human and AI capabilities. Instead
-of using AI just for code generation, we've developed a true collaborative workflow:
-
-1. AI (LLM) writes initial implementation based on specifications and context
-2. Human reviews, runs tests, and commits code with any necessary adjustments
-3. Knowledge persists across conversations using Basic Memory's knowledge graph
-4. Development continues seamlessly across different AI sessions with consistent context
-5. Results improve through iterative collaboration and shared understanding
-
-This approach has allowed us to tackle more complex challenges and build a more robust system than either humans or AI
-could achieve independently.
-
-**Problem-Solving Guidance:**
-- If a solution isn't working after reasonable effort, suggest alternative approaches
-- Don't persist with a problematic library or pattern when better alternatives exist
-- Example: When py-pglite caused cascading test failures, switching to testcontainers-postgres was the right call
-
-## GitHub Integration
-
-Basic Memory has taken AI-Human collaboration to the next level by integrating Claude directly into the development workflow through GitHub:
-
-### GitHub MCP Tools
-
-Using the GitHub Model Context Protocol server, Claude can now:
-
-- **Repository Management**:
-  - View repository files and structure
-  - Read file contents
-  - Create new branches
-  - Create and update files
-
-- **Issue Management**:
-  - Create new issues
-  - Comment on existing issues
-  - Close and update issues
-  - Search across issues
-
-- **Pull Request Workflow**:
-  - Create pull requests
-  - Review code changes
-  - Add comments to PRs
-
-This integration enables Claude to participate as a full team member in the development process, not just as a code generation tool. Claude's GitHub account ([bm-claudeai](https://github.com/bm-claudeai)) is a member of the Basic Machines organization with direct contributor access to the codebase.
-
-### Collaborative Development Process
-
-With GitHub integration, the development workflow includes:
-
-1. **Direct code review** - Claude can analyze PRs and provide detailed feedback
-2. **Contribution tracking** - All of Claude's contributions are properly attributed in the Git history
-3. **Branch management** - Claude can create feature branches for implementations
-4. **Documentation maintenance** - Claude can keep documentation updated as the code evolves
-5. **Code Commits**: ALWAYS sign off commits with `git commit -s`
-
-This level of integration represents a new paradigm in AI-human collaboration, where the AI assistant becomes a full-fledged team member rather than just a tool for generating code snippets.

CLAUDE.md

@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+AGENTS.md

NOTE-FORMAT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,494 @@
+# Note Format Reference
+
+Every document in Basic Memory is a plain Markdown file. Files are the source of truth — changes to files automatically update the knowledge graph in the database. You maintain complete ownership, files work with git, and knowledge persists independently of any AI conversation.
+
+## Document Structure
+
+A note has three parts: YAML frontmatter, content (observations), and relations.
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Coffee Brewing Methods
+type: note
+tags: [coffee, brewing]
+permalink: coffee-brewing-methods
+---
+
+# Coffee Brewing Methods
+
+## Observations
+- [method] Pour over provides more flavor clarity than French press
+- [technique] Water temperature at 205°F extracts optimal compounds #brewing
+- [preference] Ethiopian beans work well with lighter roasts (personal experience)
+
+## Relations
+- relates_to [[Coffee Bean Origins]]
+- requires [[Proper Grinding Technique]]
+- contrasts_with [[Tea Brewing Methods]]
+```
+
+The `## Observations` and `## Relations` headings are conventional but not required — the parser detects observations and relations by their syntax patterns anywhere in the document.
+
+## Frontmatter
+
+YAML metadata between `---` fences at the top of the file.
+
+| Field | Required | Default | Description |
+|-------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `title` | No | filename stem | Used for linking and references. Auto-set from filename if missing. |
+| `type` | No | `note` | Entity type. Used for schema resolution and filtering. |
+| `tags` | No | `[]` | List or comma-separated string. Used for organization and search. |
+| `permalink` | No | generated from title | Stable identifier. Persists even if the file moves. |
+| `schema` | No | none | Schema attachment — dict (inline), string (reference), or omitted (implicit). |
+
+Custom fields are allowed. Any key not in the standard set is stored as `entity_metadata` and indexed for search and filtering.
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+tags: [startups, essays, lisp]
+permalink: paul-graham
+status: active
+source: wikipedia
+---
+```
+
+Here `status` and `source` are custom fields stored in `entity_metadata`.
+
+### Frontmatter Value Handling
+
+YAML automatically converts some values to native types. Basic Memory normalizes them:
+
+- Date strings (`2025-10-24`) → kept as ISO format strings
+- Numbers (`1.0`) → converted to strings
+- Booleans (`true`) → converted to strings (`"True"`)
+- Lists and dicts → preserved, items normalized recursively
+
+This prevents errors when downstream code expects string values.
+
+## Observations
+
+An observation is a categorized fact about the entity. Written as a Markdown list item.
+
+**Syntax:**
+
+```
+- [category] content text #tag1 #tag2 (context)
+```
+
+| Part | Required | Description |
+|------|----------|-------------|
+| `[category]` | Yes | Classification in square brackets. Any text except `[]()` chars. |
+| content | Yes | The fact or statement. |
+| `#tags` | No | Inline tags. Space-separated, each starting with `#`. |
+| `(context)` | No | Parenthesized text at end of line. Supporting details or source. |
+
+### Examples
+
+```markdown
+- [tech] Uses SQLite for storage #database
+- [design] Follows local-first architecture #architecture
+- [decision] Selected bcrypt for passwords #security (based on OWASP audit)
+- [name] Paul Graham
+- [expertise] Startups
+- [expertise] Lisp
+- [expertise] Essay writing
+```
+
+Array-like fields use repeated categories — multiple `[expertise]` observations above.
+
+### What Is Not an Observation
+
+The parser excludes these list item patterns:
+
+| Pattern | Example | Reason |
+|---------|---------|--------|
+| Checkboxes | `- [ ] Todo item`, `- [x] Done`, `- [-] Cancelled` | Task list syntax |
+| Markdown links | `- [text](url)` | URL link syntax |
+| Bare wiki links | `- [[Target]]` | Treated as a relation instead |
+
+A list item with `#tags` but no `[category]` is still parsed — the tags are extracted and the category defaults to `Note`.
+
+## Relations
+
+Relations connect documents to form the knowledge graph. There are two kinds.
+
+### Explicit Relations
+
+Written as list items with a relation type and a `[[wiki link]]` target.
+
+**Syntax:**
+
+```
+- relation_type [[Target Entity]] (context)
+```
+
+| Part | Required | Description |
+|------|----------|-------------|
+| `relation_type` | No | Text before `[[`. Defaults to `relates_to` if omitted. |
+| `[[Target]]` | Yes | Wiki link to the target entity. Matched by title or permalink. |
+| `(context)` | No | Parenthesized text after `]]`. Supporting details. |
+
+### Examples
+
+```markdown
+- implements [[Search Design]]
+- depends_on [[Database Schema]]
+- works_at [[Y Combinator]] (co-founder)
+- [[Some Entity]]
+```
+
+The last example — a bare `[[wiki link]]` in a list item — gets relation type `relates_to`.
+
+Common relation types:
+- `implements`, `depends_on`, `relates_to`, `inspired_by`
+- `extends`, `part_of`, `contains`, `pairs_with`
+- `works_at`, `authored`, `collaborated_with`
+
+Any text works as a relation type. These are conventions, not a fixed set.
+
+### Inline References
+
+Wiki links appearing in regular prose (not as list items) create implicit `links_to` relations.
+
+```markdown
+This builds on [[Core Design]] and uses [[Utility Functions]].
+```
+
+This creates two relations: `links_to [[Core Design]]` and `links_to [[Utility Functions]]`.
+
+### Forward References
+
+Relations can link to entities that don't exist yet. Basic Memory resolves them when the target is created.
+
+## Permalinks and memory:// URLs
+
+Every document has a unique **permalink** — a stable identifier derived from its title. You can set one explicitly in frontmatter, or let the system generate it.
+
+```yaml
+permalink: auth-approaches-2024
+```
+
+Permalinks form the basis of `memory://` URLs:
+
+```
+memory://auth-approaches-2024        # By permalink
+memory://Authentication Approaches   # By title (auto-resolves)
+memory://project/auth-approaches     # By path
+```
+
+Pattern matching is supported:
+
+```
+memory://auth*                       # Starts with "auth"
+memory://*/approaches                # Ends with "approaches"
+memory://project/*/requirements      # Nested wildcard
+```
+
+## Schemas
+
+Schemas declare the expected structure of a note — which observation categories and relation types a well-formed note should have. They use Picoschema, a compact notation from Google's Dotprompt that fits naturally in YAML frontmatter.
+
+### Picoschema Syntax
+
+```yaml
+schema:
+  name: string, full name              # required field with description
+  email?: string, contact email        # ? = optional
+  role?: string, job title
+  works_at?: Organization, employer    # capitalized type = entity reference
+  tags?(array): string, categories     # array of type
+  status?(enum): [active, inactive]    # enum with allowed values
+  metadata?(object):                   # nested object
+    updated_at?: string
+    source?: string
+```
+
+| Notation | Meaning | Example |
+|----------|---------|---------|
+| `field: type` | Required field | `name: string` |
+| `field?: type` | Optional field | `role?: string` |
+| `field(array): type` | Array of values | `expertise(array): string` |
+| `field?(enum): [vals]` | Enum with allowed values | `status?(enum): [active, inactive]` |
+| `field?(object):` | Nested object with sub-fields | `metadata?(object):` |
+| `, description` | Description after comma | `name: string, full name` |
+| `EntityName` | Capitalized type = entity reference | `works_at?: Organization` |
+
+**Scalar types:** `string`, `integer`, `number`, `boolean`, `any`
+
+Any type not in that set whose first letter is uppercase is treated as an entity reference (a relation target).
+
+### Schema-to-Note Mapping
+
+Schemas validate against existing observation/relation syntax. Note authors don't learn new syntax.
+
+| Schema Declaration | Maps To | Example in Note |
+|--------------------|---------|-----------------|
+| `field: string` | Observation `[field] value` | `- [name] Paul Graham` |
+| `field?(array): string` | Multiple `[field]` observations | `- [expertise] Lisp` (repeated) |
+| `field?: EntityType` | Relation `field [[Target]]` | `- works_at [[Y Combinator]]` |
+| `field?(array): EntityType` | Multiple `field` relations | `- authored [[Book]]` (repeated) |
+| `tags` | Frontmatter `tags` array | `tags: [startups, essays]` |
+| `field?(enum): [vals]` | Observation `[field] value` where value is in the set | `- [status] active` |
+
+Observations and relations not covered by the schema are valid — schemas describe a subset, not a straitjacket.
+
+### Schema Attachment
+
+Three ways to attach a schema to a note, resolved in priority order:
+
+**1. Inline schema** — `schema` is a dict in frontmatter:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Team Standup 2024-01-15
+type: meeting
+schema:
+  attendees(array): string, who was there
+  decisions(array): string, what was decided
+  action_items(array): string, follow-ups
+  blockers?(array): string, anything stuck
+---
+```
+
+Good for one-off structured notes or prototyping a schema before extracting it.
+
+**2. Explicit reference** — `schema` is a string naming a schema note:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Basic Memory
+schema: SoftwareProject
+---
+```
+
+or by permalink:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: LLM Memory Patterns
+schema: schema/research-project
+---
+```
+
+Use when the note's `type` differs from the schema it should validate against, or when multiple schema variants exist.
+
+**3. Implicit by type** — no `schema` field, resolved by matching `type`:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+---
+```
+
+The system looks up a schema note where `entity: Person`. If found, it applies. If not, no validation occurs.
+
+**4. No schema** — perfectly fine. Most notes don't need one.
+
+### Schema Notes
+
+A schema is itself a Basic Memory note with `type: schema`. It lives anywhere (though `schema/` is the conventional directory).
+
+```yaml
+# schema/Person.md
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title or position
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+settings:
+  validation: warn
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+```
+
+| Field | Required | Description |
+|-------|----------|-------------|
+| `type` | Yes | Must be `schema` |
+| `entity` | Yes | The entity type this schema describes (e.g., `Person`) |
+| `version` | No | Schema version number (default: `1`) |
+| `schema` | Yes | Picoschema dict defining the fields |
+| `settings.validation` | No | Validation mode (default: `warn`) |
+
+Schema notes are regular notes — they show up in search, can have observations and relations, and participate in the knowledge graph.
+
+### Validation Modes
+
+| Mode | Behavior |
+|------|----------|
+| `warn` | Warnings in output, doesn't block (default) |
+| `strict` | Errors that block sync, for CI/CD enforcement |
+| `off` | No validation |
+
+### Validation Output
+
+```
+$ bm schema validate people/ada-lovelace.md
+
+⚠ Person schema validation:
+  - Missing required field: name (expected [name] observation)
+  - Missing optional field: role
+  - Missing optional field: works_at (no relation found)
+
+ℹ Unmatched observations: [fact] ×2, [born] ×1
+ℹ Unmatched relations: collaborated_with
+```
+
+"Unmatched" items are informational — observations and relations the schema doesn't cover.
+
+### Schema Inference
+
+Generate schemas from existing notes by analyzing observation and relation frequency:
+
+```
+$ bm schema infer Person
+
+Analyzing 30 notes with type: Person...
+
+Observations found:
+  [name]        30/30  100%  → name: string
+  [role]        27/30   90%  → role?: string
+  [expertise]   18/30   60%  → expertise?(array): string
+  [email]        8/30   27%  → email?: string
+
+Relations found:
+  works_at      22/30   73%  → works_at?: Organization
+
+Suggested schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+
+Save to schema/Person.md? [y/n]
+```
+
+Frequency thresholds:
+- **100% present** → required field
+- **25%+ present** → optional field
+- **Below 25%** → excluded from suggestion
+
+### Schema Drift Detection
+
+Track how usage patterns shift over time:
+
+```
+$ bm schema diff Person
+
+Schema drift detected:
+
++ expertise: now in 81% of notes (was 12%)
+- department: dropped to 3% of notes
+~ works_at: cardinality changed (one → many)
+
+Update schema? [y/n/review]
+```
+
+## Complete Examples
+
+### Simple Note (No Schema)
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Project Ideas
+type: note
+tags: [ideas, brainstorm]
+---
+
+# Project Ideas
+
+## Observations
+- [idea] Build a CLI tool for markdown linting #tooling
+- [idea] Create a recipe knowledge base #cooking
+- [priority] Focus on developer tools first (Q1 goal)
+
+## Relations
+- inspired_by [[Developer Workflow Research]]
+- part_of [[Q1 Planning]]
+```
+
+### Schema-Validated Note
+
+Schema at `schema/Person.md`:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title or position
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+settings:
+  validation: warn
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+```
+
+Note at `people/paul-graham.md`:
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+tags: [startups, essays, lisp]
+---
+
+# Paul Graham
+
+## Observations
+- [name] Paul Graham
+- [role] Essayist and investor
+- [expertise] Startups
+- [expertise] Lisp
+- [expertise] Essay writing
+- [fact] Created Viaweb, the first web app
+
+## Relations
+- works_at [[Y Combinator]]
+- authored [[Hackers and Painters]]
+```
+
+The `[fact]` observation and `authored` relation are not in the schema — they're valid, just unmatched. The schema only checks that `[name]` exists (required) and looks for optional fields like `[role]`, `[expertise]`, and `works_at`.
+
+### Inline Schema Note
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Team Standup 2024-01-15
+type: meeting
+schema:
+  attendees(array): string, who was there
+  decisions(array): string, what was decided
+  action_items(array): string, follow-ups
+  blockers?(array): string, anything stuck
+---
+
+# Team Standup 2024-01-15
+
+## Observations
+- [attendees] Paul
+- [attendees] Sarah
+- [decisions] Ship v2 by Friday
+- [action_items] Paul to review PR #42
+- [blockers] Waiting on API credentials
+```

README.md

@@ -9,9 +9,9 @@
 
 ## 🚀 Basic Memory Cloud is Live!
 
-- **Cross-device and multi-platform support is here.** Your knowledge graph now works on desktop, web, and mobile - seamlessly synced across all your AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude Code, and Codex) 
-- **Early Supporter Pricing:** Early users get 25% off forever. 
-The open source project continues as always. Cloud just makes it work everywhere.
+- **Cross-device and multi-platform support is here.** Your knowledge graph now works on desktop, web, and mobile.
+- **Cloud is optional.** The local-first open-source workflow continues as always.
+- **OSS discount:** use code `{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}` for 20% off for 3 months.
 
 [Sign up now →](https://basicmemory.com)
 
@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@ basic-memory sync --watch
 3. Cloud features (optional, requires subscription):
 
 ```bash
-# Authenticate with cloud
+# Authenticate with cloud (global cloud mode via OAuth)
 basic-memory cloud login
 
 # Bidirectional sync with cloud
@@ -357,6 +357,42 @@ basic-memory cloud check
 basic-memory cloud mount
 ```
 
+**Per-Project Cloud Routing** (API key based):
+
+Individual projects can be routed through the cloud while others stay local. This uses an API key instead of OAuth:
+
+```bash
+# Save an API key (create one in the web app or via CLI)
+basic-memory cloud set-key bmc_abc123...
+# Or create one via CLI (requires OAuth login first)
+basic-memory cloud create-key "my-laptop"
+
+# Set a project to route through cloud
+basic-memory project set-cloud research
+
+# Revert a project to local mode
+basic-memory project set-local research
+
+# List projects with mode column (local/cloud)
+basic-memory project list
+```
+
+**Routing Flags** (for users with global cloud mode):
+
+When global cloud mode is enabled, CLI commands communicate with the cloud API by default. Use routing flags to override this:
+
+```bash
+# Force local routing (useful for local MCP server while cloud mode is enabled)
+basic-memory status --local
+basic-memory project list --local
+
+# Force cloud routing (when cloud mode is disabled but you want cloud access)
+basic-memory status --cloud
+basic-memory project info my-project --cloud
+```
+
+The local MCP server (`basic-memory mcp`) automatically uses local routing, so you can use both local Claude Desktop and cloud-based clients simultaneously.
+
 4. In Claude Desktop, the LLM can now use these tools:
 
 **Content Management:**
@@ -380,6 +416,8 @@ list_directory(dir_name, depth) - Browse directory contents with filtering
 **Search & Discovery:**
 ```
 search(query, page, page_size) - Search across your knowledge base
+search_notes(query, page, page_size, search_type, types, entity_types, after_date, metadata_filters, tags, status, project) - Search with filters
+search_by_metadata(filters, limit, offset, project) - Structured frontmatter search
 ```
 
 **Project Management:**
@@ -390,6 +428,12 @@ get_current_project() - Show current project stats
 sync_status() - Check synchronization status
 ```
 
+**Cloud Discovery (opt-in):**
+```
+cloud_info() - Show optional Cloud overview and setup guidance
+release_notes() - Show latest release notes
+```
+
 **Visualization:**
 ```
 canvas(nodes, edges, title, folder) - Generate knowledge visualizations
@@ -433,6 +477,7 @@ Basic Memory uses [Loguru](https://github.com/Delgan/loguru) for logging. The lo
 |----------|---------|-------------|
 | `BASIC_MEMORY_LOG_LEVEL` | `INFO` | Log level: DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR |
 | `BASIC_MEMORY_CLOUD_MODE` | `false` | When `true`, API logs to stdout with structured context |
+| `BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL` | `false` | When `true`, forces local API routing (ignores cloud mode) |
 | `BASIC_MEMORY_ENV` | `dev` | Set to `test` for test mode (stderr only) |
 
 ### Examples
@@ -477,16 +522,23 @@ just test
 - `just test-int-postgres` - Run integration tests against Postgres
 - `just test-windows` - Run Windows-specific tests (auto-skips on other platforms)
 - `just test-benchmark` - Run performance benchmark tests
+- `just testmon` - Run tests impacted by recent changes (pytest-testmon)
+- `just test-smoke` - Run fast MCP end-to-end smoke test
+- `just fast-check` - Run fix/format/typecheck + impacted tests + smoke test
+- `just doctor` - Run local file <-> DB consistency checks with temp config
 
 **Postgres Testing:**
 
 Postgres tests use [testcontainers](https://testcontainers-python.readthedocs.io/) which automatically spins up a Postgres instance in Docker. No manual database setup required - just have Docker running.
 
+**Testmon Note:** When no files have changed, `just testmon` may collect 0 tests. That's expected and means no impacted tests were detected.
+
 **Test Markers:**
 
 Tests use pytest markers for selective execution:
 - `windows` - Windows-specific database optimizations
 - `benchmark` - Performance tests (excluded from default runs)
+- `smoke` - Fast MCP end-to-end smoke tests
 
 **Other Development Commands:**
 ```bash
@@ -494,10 +546,17 @@ just install          # Install with dev dependencies
 just lint             # Run linting checks
 just typecheck        # Run type checking
 just format           # Format code with ruff
+just fast-check       # Fast local loop (fix/format/typecheck + testmon + smoke)
+just doctor           # Local consistency check (temp config)
 just check            # Run all quality checks
 just migration "msg"  # Create database migration
 ```
 
+**Local Consistency Check:**
+```bash
+basic-memory doctor   # Verifies file <-> database sync in a temp project
+```
+
 See the [justfile](justfile) for the complete list of development commands.
 
 ## License

docs/ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -110,6 +110,8 @@ def resolve_runtime_mode(cloud_mode_enabled: bool, is_test_env: bool) -> Runtime
     return RuntimeMode.LOCAL
 ```
 
+**Note**: `RuntimeMode` determines global behavior (e.g., whether to start file sync). Per-project routing is orthogonal — individual projects can be set to `cloud` mode via `ProjectMode` in config, which affects client routing in `get_client(project_name=...)` without changing the global runtime mode.
+
 ## Dependencies Package
 
 ### Structure
@@ -214,15 +216,45 @@ Example tool using typed client:
 
 ```python
 @mcp.tool()
-async def search_notes(query: str, project: str | None = None) -> SearchResponse:
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project)
-
+async def search_notes(
+    query: str,
+    project: str | None = None,
+    metadata_filters: dict | None = None,
+    tags: list[str] | None = None,
+    status: str | None = None,
+) -> SearchResponse:
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         # Import client inside function to avoid circular imports
         from basic_memory.mcp.clients import SearchClient
+        from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery
 
+        search_query = SearchQuery(
+            text=query,
+            metadata_filters=metadata_filters,
+            tags=tags,
+            status=status,
+        )
         search_client = SearchClient(client, active_project.external_id)
-        return await search_client.search(query)
+        return await search_client.search(search_query.model_dump())
+```
+
+### Per-Project Client Routing
+
+`get_project_client()` from `mcp/project_context.py` is an async context manager that:
+1. Resolves the project name from config (no network call)
+2. Creates the correctly-routed client based on the project's mode (local ASGI or cloud HTTP with API key)
+3. Validates the project via the API
+4. Yields `(client, active_project)` tuple
+
+This solves the bootstrap problem: you need the project name to choose the right client (local vs cloud), but you need the client to validate the project exists.
+
+```python
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
+
+async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+    # client is routed based on project's mode (local or cloud)
+    # active_project is validated via the API
+    ...
 ```
 
 ## Sync Coordination

docs/NOTE-FORMAT.md

@@ -0,0 +1,494 @@
+# Note Format Reference
+
+Every document in Basic Memory is a plain Markdown file. Files are the source of truth — changes to files automatically update the knowledge graph in the database. You maintain complete ownership, files work with git, and knowledge persists independently of any AI conversation.
+
+## Document Structure
+
+A note has three parts: YAML frontmatter, content (observations), and relations.
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Coffee Brewing Methods
+type: note
+tags: [coffee, brewing]
+permalink: coffee-brewing-methods
+---
+
+# Coffee Brewing Methods
+
+## Observations
+- [method] Pour over provides more flavor clarity than French press
+- [technique] Water temperature at 205°F extracts optimal compounds #brewing
+- [preference] Ethiopian beans work well with lighter roasts (personal experience)
+
+## Relations
+- relates_to [[Coffee Bean Origins]]
+- requires [[Proper Grinding Technique]]
+- contrasts_with [[Tea Brewing Methods]]
+```
+
+The `## Observations` and `## Relations` headings are conventional but not required — the parser detects observations and relations by their syntax patterns anywhere in the document.
+
+## Frontmatter
+
+YAML metadata between `---` fences at the top of the file.
+
+| Field | Required | Default | Description |
+|-------|----------|---------|-------------|
+| `title` | No | filename stem | Used for linking and references. Auto-set from filename if missing. |
+| `type` | No | `note` | Entity type. Used for schema resolution and filtering. |
+| `tags` | No | `[]` | List or comma-separated string. Used for organization and search. |
+| `permalink` | No | generated from title | Stable identifier. Persists even if the file moves. |
+| `schema` | No | none | Schema attachment — dict (inline), string (reference), or omitted (implicit). |
+
+Custom fields are allowed. Any key not in the standard set is stored as `entity_metadata` and indexed for search and filtering.
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+tags: [startups, essays, lisp]
+permalink: paul-graham
+status: active
+source: wikipedia
+---
+```
+
+Here `status` and `source` are custom fields stored in `entity_metadata`.
+
+### Frontmatter Value Handling
+
+YAML automatically converts some values to native types. Basic Memory normalizes them:
+
+- Date strings (`2025-10-24`) → kept as ISO format strings
+- Numbers (`1.0`) → converted to strings
+- Booleans (`true`) → converted to strings (`"True"`)
+- Lists and dicts → preserved, items normalized recursively
+
+This prevents errors when downstream code expects string values.
+
+## Observations
+
+An observation is a categorized fact about the entity. Written as a Markdown list item.
+
+**Syntax:**
+
+```
+- [category] content text #tag1 #tag2 (context)
+```
+
+| Part | Required | Description |
+|------|----------|-------------|
+| `[category]` | Yes | Classification in square brackets. Any text except `[]()` chars. |
+| content | Yes | The fact or statement. |
+| `#tags` | No | Inline tags. Space-separated, each starting with `#`. |
+| `(context)` | No | Parenthesized text at end of line. Supporting details or source. |
+
+### Examples
+
+```markdown
+- [tech] Uses SQLite for storage #database
+- [design] Follows local-first architecture #architecture
+- [decision] Selected bcrypt for passwords #security (based on OWASP audit)
+- [name] Paul Graham
+- [expertise] Startups
+- [expertise] Lisp
+- [expertise] Essay writing
+```
+
+Array-like fields use repeated categories — multiple `[expertise]` observations above.
+
+### What Is Not an Observation
+
+The parser excludes these list item patterns:
+
+| Pattern | Example | Reason |
+|---------|---------|--------|
+| Checkboxes | `- [ ] Todo item`, `- [x] Done`, `- [-] Cancelled` | Task list syntax |
+| Markdown links | `- [text](url)` | URL link syntax |
+| Bare wiki links | `- [[Target]]` | Treated as a relation instead |
+
+A list item with `#tags` but no `[category]` is still parsed — the tags are extracted and the category defaults to `Note`.
+
+## Relations
+
+Relations connect documents to form the knowledge graph. There are two kinds.
+
+### Explicit Relations
+
+Written as list items with a relation type and a `[[wiki link]]` target.
+
+**Syntax:**
+
+```
+- relation_type [[Target Entity]] (context)
+```
+
+| Part | Required | Description |
+|------|----------|-------------|
+| `relation_type` | No | Text before `[[`. Defaults to `relates_to` if omitted. |
+| `[[Target]]` | Yes | Wiki link to the target entity. Matched by title or permalink. |
+| `(context)` | No | Parenthesized text after `]]`. Supporting details. |
+
+### Examples
+
+```markdown
+- implements [[Search Design]]
+- depends_on [[Database Schema]]
+- works_at [[Y Combinator]] (co-founder)
+- [[Some Entity]]
+```
+
+The last example — a bare `[[wiki link]]` in a list item — gets relation type `relates_to`.
+
+Common relation types:
+- `implements`, `depends_on`, `relates_to`, `inspired_by`
+- `extends`, `part_of`, `contains`, `pairs_with`
+- `works_at`, `authored`, `collaborated_with`
+
+Any text works as a relation type. These are conventions, not a fixed set.
+
+### Inline References
+
+Wiki links appearing in regular prose (not as list items) create implicit `links_to` relations.
+
+```markdown
+This builds on [[Core Design]] and uses [[Utility Functions]].
+```
+
+This creates two relations: `links_to [[Core Design]]` and `links_to [[Utility Functions]]`.
+
+### Forward References
+
+Relations can link to entities that don't exist yet. Basic Memory resolves them when the target is created.
+
+## Permalinks and memory:// URLs
+
+Every document has a unique **permalink** — a stable identifier derived from its title. You can set one explicitly in frontmatter, or let the system generate it.
+
+```yaml
+permalink: auth-approaches-2024
+```
+
+Permalinks form the basis of `memory://` URLs:
+
+```
+memory://auth-approaches-2024        # By permalink
+memory://Authentication Approaches   # By title (auto-resolves)
+memory://project/auth-approaches     # By path
+```
+
+Pattern matching is supported:
+
+```
+memory://auth*                       # Starts with "auth"
+memory://*/approaches                # Ends with "approaches"
+memory://project/*/requirements      # Nested wildcard
+```
+
+## Schemas
+
+Schemas declare the expected structure of a note — which observation categories and relation types a well-formed note should have. They use Picoschema, a compact notation from Google's Dotprompt that fits naturally in YAML frontmatter.
+
+### Picoschema Syntax
+
+```yaml
+schema:
+  name: string, full name              # required field with description
+  email?: string, contact email        # ? = optional
+  role?: string, job title
+  works_at?: Organization, employer    # capitalized type = entity reference
+  tags?(array): string, categories     # array of type
+  status?(enum): [active, inactive]    # enum with allowed values
+  metadata?(object):                   # nested object
+    updated_at?: string
+    source?: string
+```
+
+| Notation | Meaning | Example |
+|----------|---------|---------|
+| `field: type` | Required field | `name: string` |
+| `field?: type` | Optional field | `role?: string` |
+| `field(array): type` | Array of values | `expertise(array): string` |
+| `field?(enum): [vals]` | Enum with allowed values | `status?(enum): [active, inactive]` |
+| `field?(object):` | Nested object with sub-fields | `metadata?(object):` |
+| `, description` | Description after comma | `name: string, full name` |
+| `EntityName` | Capitalized type = entity reference | `works_at?: Organization` |
+
+**Scalar types:** `string`, `integer`, `number`, `boolean`, `any`
+
+Any type not in that set whose first letter is uppercase is treated as an entity reference (a relation target).
+
+### Schema-to-Note Mapping
+
+Schemas validate against existing observation/relation syntax. Note authors don't learn new syntax.
+
+| Schema Declaration | Maps To | Example in Note |
+|--------------------|---------|-----------------|
+| `field: string` | Observation `[field] value` | `- [name] Paul Graham` |
+| `field?(array): string` | Multiple `[field]` observations | `- [expertise] Lisp` (repeated) |
+| `field?: EntityType` | Relation `field [[Target]]` | `- works_at [[Y Combinator]]` |
+| `field?(array): EntityType` | Multiple `field` relations | `- authored [[Book]]` (repeated) |
+| `tags` | Frontmatter `tags` array | `tags: [startups, essays]` |
+| `field?(enum): [vals]` | Observation `[field] value` where value is in the set | `- [status] active` |
+
+Observations and relations not covered by the schema are valid — schemas describe a subset, not a straitjacket.
+
+### Schema Attachment
+
+Three ways to attach a schema to a note, resolved in priority order:
+
+**1. Inline schema** — `schema` is a dict in frontmatter:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Team Standup 2024-01-15
+type: meeting
+schema:
+  attendees(array): string, who was there
+  decisions(array): string, what was decided
+  action_items(array): string, follow-ups
+  blockers?(array): string, anything stuck
+---
+```
+
+Good for one-off structured notes or prototyping a schema before extracting it.
+
+**2. Explicit reference** — `schema` is a string naming a schema note:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Basic Memory
+schema: SoftwareProject
+---
+```
+
+or by permalink:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: LLM Memory Patterns
+schema: schema/research-project
+---
+```
+
+Use when the note's `type` differs from the schema it should validate against, or when multiple schema variants exist.
+
+**3. Implicit by type** — no `schema` field, resolved by matching `type`:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+---
+```
+
+The system looks up a schema note where `entity: Person`. If found, it applies. If not, no validation occurs.
+
+**4. No schema** — perfectly fine. Most notes don't need one.
+
+### Schema Notes
+
+A schema is itself a Basic Memory note with `type: schema`. It lives anywhere (though `schema/` is the conventional directory).
+
+```yaml
+# schema/Person.md
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title or position
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+settings:
+  validation: warn
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+```
+
+| Field | Required | Description |
+|-------|----------|-------------|
+| `type` | Yes | Must be `schema` |
+| `entity` | Yes | The entity type this schema describes (e.g., `Person`) |
+| `version` | No | Schema version number (default: `1`) |
+| `schema` | Yes | Picoschema dict defining the fields |
+| `settings.validation` | No | Validation mode (default: `warn`) |
+
+Schema notes are regular notes — they show up in search, can have observations and relations, and participate in the knowledge graph.
+
+### Validation Modes
+
+| Mode | Behavior |
+|------|----------|
+| `warn` | Warnings in output, doesn't block (default) |
+| `strict` | Errors that block sync, for CI/CD enforcement |
+| `off` | No validation |
+
+### Validation Output
+
+```
+$ bm schema validate people/ada-lovelace.md
+
+⚠ Person schema validation:
+  - Missing required field: name (expected [name] observation)
+  - Missing optional field: role
+  - Missing optional field: works_at (no relation found)
+
+ℹ Unmatched observations: [fact] ×2, [born] ×1
+ℹ Unmatched relations: collaborated_with
+```
+
+"Unmatched" items are informational — observations and relations the schema doesn't cover.
+
+### Schema Inference
+
+Generate schemas from existing notes by analyzing observation and relation frequency:
+
+```
+$ bm schema infer Person
+
+Analyzing 30 notes with type: Person...
+
+Observations found:
+  [name]        30/30  100%  → name: string
+  [role]        27/30   90%  → role?: string
+  [expertise]   18/30   60%  → expertise?(array): string
+  [email]        8/30   27%  → email?: string
+
+Relations found:
+  works_at      22/30   73%  → works_at?: Organization
+
+Suggested schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+
+Save to schema/Person.md? [y/n]
+```
+
+Frequency thresholds:
+- **100% present** → required field
+- **25%+ present** → optional field
+- **Below 25%** → excluded from suggestion
+
+### Schema Drift Detection
+
+Track how usage patterns shift over time:
+
+```
+$ bm schema diff Person
+
+Schema drift detected:
+
++ expertise: now in 81% of notes (was 12%)
+- department: dropped to 3% of notes
+~ works_at: cardinality changed (one → many)
+
+Update schema? [y/n/review]
+```
+
+## Complete Examples
+
+### Simple Note (No Schema)
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Project Ideas
+type: note
+tags: [ideas, brainstorm]
+---
+
+# Project Ideas
+
+## Observations
+- [idea] Build a CLI tool for markdown linting #tooling
+- [idea] Create a recipe knowledge base #cooking
+- [priority] Focus on developer tools first (Q1 goal)
+
+## Relations
+- inspired_by [[Developer Workflow Research]]
+- part_of [[Q1 Planning]]
+```
+
+### Schema-Validated Note
+
+Schema at `schema/Person.md`:
+
+```yaml
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title or position
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+settings:
+  validation: warn
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+```
+
+Note at `people/paul-graham.md`:
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+tags: [startups, essays, lisp]
+---
+
+# Paul Graham
+
+## Observations
+- [name] Paul Graham
+- [role] Essayist and investor
+- [expertise] Startups
+- [expertise] Lisp
+- [expertise] Essay writing
+- [fact] Created Viaweb, the first web app
+
+## Relations
+- works_at [[Y Combinator]]
+- authored [[Hackers and Painters]]
+```
+
+The `[fact]` observation and `authored` relation are not in the schema — they're valid, just unmatched. The schema only checks that `[name]` exists (required) and looks for optional fields like `[role]`, `[expertise]`, and `works_at`.
+
+### Inline Schema Note
+
+```markdown
+---
+title: Team Standup 2024-01-15
+type: meeting
+schema:
+  attendees(array): string, who was there
+  decisions(array): string, what was decided
+  action_items(array): string, follow-ups
+  blockers?(array): string, anything stuck
+---
+
+# Team Standup 2024-01-15
+
+## Observations
+- [attendees] Paul
+- [attendees] Sarah
+- [decisions] Ship v2 by Friday
+- [action_items] Paul to review PR #42
+- [blockers] Waiting on API credentials
+```

docs/SPEC-PER-PROJECT-ROUTING.md

@@ -0,0 +1,175 @@
+# Per-Project Local/Cloud Routing
+
+## Context
+
+basic-memory's cloud/local mode is currently a global toggle (`cloud_mode: bool`). When enabled, ALL projects route through the cloud proxy via OAuth. This is too coarse — users should be able to keep some projects local and route others through cloud.
+
+The cloud API already supports API key auth (`bmc_`-prefixed keys, `POST /api/keys` to create, `HybridTokenVerifier` routes them automatically). API keys are per-tenant (account-level), not per-project — there are no per-project permissions in the cloud yet.
+
+**Goal**: Users can set each project to `local` or `cloud` mode. Local projects use the existing ASGI in-process transport. Cloud projects use the cloud API with a single account-level API key. No OAuth dance needed for cloud project access.
+
+## UX Flow
+
+**Option A — Create key in web app:**
+1. User creates API key in cloud web app (already supported)
+2. Copies the key
+3. Runs `bm cloud set-key bmc_abc123...` → saves to config.json
+
+**Option B — Create key via CLI:**
+1. User is already logged in via OAuth (`bm cloud login`)
+2. Runs `bm cloud create-key "my-laptop"` → calls `POST /api/keys` with JWT auth → gets key back → saves to config.json
+3. OAuth login is no longer needed for day-to-day use — the API key handles auth
+
+**Setting project mode:**
+```bash
+bm project set-cloud research      # route "research" project through cloud
+bm project set-local research      # revert to local
+bm project list                    # shows mode column (local/cloud)
+```
+
+## Implementation Plan
+
+### Step 1: Config model changes
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/config.py`**
+
+- Add `ProjectMode` enum: `LOCAL = "local"`, `CLOUD = "cloud"`
+- Add `ProjectConfigEntry` Pydantic model: `path: str`, `mode: ProjectMode = LOCAL`
+- Evolve `BasicMemoryConfig.projects` from `Dict[str, str]` to `Dict[str, ProjectConfigEntry]`
+- Add `model_validator(mode="before")` to auto-migrate old `{"name": "/path"}` format to `{"name": {"path": "/path", "mode": "local"}}`
+- Add `cloud_api_key: Optional[str] = None` field to `BasicMemoryConfig` (account-level, not per-project)
+- Update `ProjectConfig` dataclass to carry `mode` from config entry
+- Add helpers: `get_project_entry(name)`, `get_project_mode(name)`
+- Keep global `cloud_mode` as deprecated fallback
+- Update all code that reads `config.projects` as `Dict[str, str]` to handle `ProjectConfigEntry`
+
+### Step 2: Client routing
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/mcp/async_client.py`**
+
+- Add optional `project_name: Optional[str] = None` parameter to `get_client()`
+- Routing logic (priority order):
+  1. Factory injection (`_client_factory`) — unchanged
+  2. Force-local (`_force_local_mode()`) — unchanged
+  3. **New**: If `project_name` provided and project's mode is `CLOUD` → HTTP client with `cloud_api_key` as Bearer token, hitting `cloud_host/proxy`
+  4. Global `cloud_mode_enabled` fallback — existing OAuth flow (deprecated)
+  5. Default: local ASGI transport
+- Error if cloud project but no `cloud_api_key` in config — actionable message pointing to `bm cloud set-key` or `bm cloud create-key`
+
+### Step 3: Project-aware client helper
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/mcp/project_context.py`**
+
+- Add `get_project_client(project, context)` async context manager
+- Combines `resolve_project_parameter()` (config-only, no network) + `get_client(project_name=resolved)` + `get_active_project(client, resolved, context)`
+- Returns `(client, active_project)` tuple
+- Solves bootstrap problem: resolve project name first, create correct client, then validate
+
+### Step 4: Simplify ProjectResolver
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/project_resolver.py`**
+
+- Remove global `cloud_mode` parameter — routing mode is orthogonal to project resolution
+- Resolution becomes purely: constrained env var → explicit param → default project
+- Update `resolve_project_parameter()` in `project_context.py` to drop `cloud_mode` param
+
+### Step 5: Update MCP tools
+
+**Files: `src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/*.py` (~15 files)**
+
+Mechanical change per tool:
+```python
+# Before
+async with get_client() as client:
+    active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+
+# After
+async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+```
+
+Special handling for `recent_activity.py` discovery mode: iterate projects, create per-project client for each.
+
+### Step 6: Sync coordinator
+
+**Files: `src/basic_memory/sync/coordinator.py`, `src/basic_memory/mcp/container.py`**
+
+- Filter file watchers to local-mode projects only
+- Cloud projects skip sync
+
+### Step 7: CLI commands
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/cli/commands/cloud/core_commands.py`**
+
+- `bm cloud set-key <api-key>` — saves API key to config.json
+- `bm cloud create-key <name>` — calls `POST {cloud_host}/api/keys` using existing JWT auth (from `make_api_request`), saves returned key to config. Uses existing `api_client.py:make_api_request()` for the authenticated call.
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/cli/commands/project.py`**
+
+- `bm project set-cloud <name>` — sets project mode to cloud (validates API key exists in config)
+- `bm project set-local <name>` — reverts project to local mode
+- Extend `bm project list` / `bm project info` to show mode column
+
+### Step 8: RuntimeMode simplification
+
+**File: `src/basic_memory/runtime.py`**
+
+- `resolve_runtime_mode()` drops `cloud_mode_enabled` parameter
+- Simplifies to: TEST if test env, otherwise LOCAL
+- `RuntimeMode.CLOUD` kept for backward compat but not used in global resolution
+
+### Step 9: Tests
+
+- Config: migration from old format, round-trip serialization, `get_project_mode()`
+- `get_client()`: local project → ASGI, cloud project → HTTP+API key, missing key → error
+- `get_project_client()`: resolve + route combined
+- MCP tools: representative sample with new helper
+- Sync: cloud projects skipped, local projects synced
+- CLI: `set-key`, `create-key`, `set-cloud`, `set-local`
+
+## Key Files
+
+| File | Change |
+|------|--------|
+| `src/basic_memory/config.py` | `ProjectMode`, `ProjectConfigEntry`, migration, `cloud_api_key` field |
+| `src/basic_memory/mcp/async_client.py` | `get_client(project_name=)` per-project routing |
+| `src/basic_memory/mcp/project_context.py` | `get_project_client()` helper |
+| `src/basic_memory/project_resolver.py` | Remove global `cloud_mode` concern |
+| `src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/*.py` | Mechanical swap to `get_project_client()` |
+| `src/basic_memory/sync/coordinator.py` | Filter to local-mode projects |
+| `src/basic_memory/mcp/container.py` | Update should_sync logic |
+| `src/basic_memory/cli/commands/cloud/core_commands.py` | `set-key`, `create-key` commands |
+| `src/basic_memory/cli/commands/project.py` | `set-cloud`, `set-local` commands |
+| `src/basic_memory/runtime.py` | Drop cloud_mode from global resolution |
+
+## Config Example
+
+```json
+{
+  "projects": {
+    "personal": {"path": "/Users/me/notes", "mode": "local"},
+    "research": {"path": "/Users/me/research", "mode": "cloud"}
+  },
+  "cloud_api_key": "bmc_abc123...",
+  "cloud_host": "https://cloud.basicmemory.com",
+  "default_project": "personal"
+}
+```
+
+## Edge Cases
+
+| Case | Handling |
+|------|----------|
+| No API key + cloud project | `get_client()` raises error: "Run `bm cloud set-key` first" |
+| Old config format loaded | `model_validator` auto-migrates `Dict[str,str]` to new format |
+| Default project is cloud | Works — resolver returns name, routing uses API key |
+| Global `cloud_mode=true` (legacy) | Deprecated fallback still works via OAuth |
+| Factory-injected client (cloud app) | Factory takes priority, unaffected |
+| `--local` CLI flag on cloud project | Force-local override still works |
+
+## Verification
+
+1. `just fast-check` — lint/format/typecheck + impacted tests
+2. `just test` — full suite (SQLite + Postgres)
+3. Manual: `bm cloud set-key bmc_...`, `bm project set-cloud test`, run MCP tools against it
+4. Manual: verify local projects work unchanged
+5. Manual: `bm project list` shows mode column

docs/ai-assistant-guide-extended.md

@@ -1038,6 +1038,35 @@ recent_decisions = await search_notes(
 )
 ```
 
+**Structured frontmatter filters**:
+
+```python
+# Filter by tags and status
+results = await search_notes(
+    query="authentication",
+    tags=["security"],
+    status="in-progress",
+    project="main"
+)
+
+# Complex metadata filters (supports $in, $gt, $gte, $lt, $lte, $between)
+results = await search_notes(
+    query="api design",
+    metadata_filters={
+        "type": "spec",
+        "priority": {"$in": ["high", "critical"]},
+        "tags": ["architecture"]
+    },
+    project="main"
+)
+
+# Metadata-only search
+results = await search_by_metadata(
+    filters={"type": "spec", "status": "in-progress"},
+    project="main"
+)
+```
+
 ### Search Types
 
 **Text search (default)**:
@@ -2861,7 +2890,7 @@ contents = await list_directory(
 
 ### Search & Discovery
 
-**search_notes(query, page, page_size, search_type, types, entity_types, after_date, project)**
+**search_notes(query, page, page_size, search_type, types, entity_types, after_date, metadata_filters, tags, status, project)**
 - Search across knowledge base
 - Parameters:
   - `query` (required): Search query
@@ -2871,6 +2900,9 @@ contents = await list_directory(
   - `types` (optional): Entity type filter
   - `entity_types` (optional): Observation category filter
   - `after_date` (optional): Date filter (ISO format)
+  - `metadata_filters` (optional): Structured frontmatter filters (dict)
+  - `tags` (optional): Frontmatter tags filter (list)
+  - `status` (optional): Frontmatter status filter (string)
   - `project` (required unless default_project_mode): Target project
 - Returns: Matching entities with scores
 - Example:
@@ -2883,6 +2915,22 @@ results = await search_notes(
 )
 ```
 
+**search_by_metadata(filters, limit, offset, project)**
+- Metadata-only search using structured frontmatter
+- Parameters:
+  - `filters` (required): Dict of field -> value (supports $in, $gt/$gte/$lt/$lte, $between)
+  - `limit` (optional): Max results (default: 20)
+  - `offset` (optional): Pagination offset (default: 0)
+  - `project` (required unless default_project_mode): Target project
+- Returns: Matching entities
+- Example:
+```python
+results = await search_by_metadata(
+    filters={"type": "spec", "status": "in-progress"},
+    project="main"
+)
+```
+
 ### Project Management
 
 **list_memory_projects()**

docs/cloud-cli.md

@@ -17,6 +17,8 @@ Before using Basic Memory Cloud, you need:
 
 - **Active Subscription**: An active Basic Memory Cloud subscription is required to access cloud features
 - **Subscribe**: Visit [https://basicmemory.com/subscribe](https://basicmemory.com/subscribe) to sign up
+- **Optional**: Cloud is optional. Local-first open-source usage continues without cloud.
+- **OSS Discount**: Use code `{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}` for 20% off for 3 months.
 
 If you attempt to log in without an active subscription, you'll receive a "Subscription Required" error with a link to subscribe.
 
@@ -81,6 +83,7 @@ bm cloud login
 4. Validates your subscription status
 
 **Result:** All `bm project`, `bm tools` commands now work with cloud.
+Apply OSS discount code `{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}` during checkout to receive 20% off for 3 months.
 
 ### 2. Set Up Sync
 
@@ -433,20 +436,97 @@ bm project bisync --name work
 
 **Result:** Fine-grained control over what syncs.
 
+## Per-Project Cloud Routing (API Key)
+
+Instead of toggling global cloud mode, you can route individual projects through the cloud using an API key. This lets you keep some projects local while others route through the cloud.
+
+### Setting Up API Key Auth
+
+**Option A: Create a key in the web app, then save it locally:**
+
+```bash
+bm cloud set-key bmc_abc123...
+```
+
+**Option B: Create a key via CLI (requires OAuth login first):**
+
+```bash
+bm cloud login                     # One-time OAuth login
+bm cloud create-key "my-laptop"    # Creates key and saves it locally
+```
+
+The API key is account-level — it grants access to all your cloud projects. It's stored in `~/.basic-memory/config.json` as `cloud_api_key`.
+
+### Setting Project Modes
+
+```bash
+# Route a project through cloud
+bm project set-cloud research
+
+# Revert to local mode
+bm project set-local research
+
+# View project modes
+bm project list
+```
+
+**What happens:**
+- `set-cloud`: validates the API key exists, then sets the project mode to `cloud` in config
+- `set-local`: reverts the project to local mode (removes the mode entry from config)
+- MCP tools and CLI commands for that project will route to `cloud_host/proxy` with the API key as Bearer token
+
+### How It Works
+
+When an MCP tool or CLI command runs for a cloud-mode project:
+
+1. `get_client(project_name="research")` checks the project's mode in config
+2. If mode is `cloud`, creates an HTTP client pointed at `cloud_host/proxy` with `Authorization: Bearer bmc_...`
+3. If mode is `local` (default), uses the in-process ASGI transport as usual
+
+**Routing priority** (highest to lowest):
+1. Factory injection (cloud app, tests)
+2. `BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL` env var
+3. Per-project cloud mode (API key)
+4. Global cloud mode (OAuth — deprecated fallback)
+5. Local ASGI transport (default)
+
+### Configuration Example
+
+```json
+{
+  "projects": {
+    "personal": "/Users/me/notes",
+    "research": "/Users/me/research"
+  },
+  "project_modes": {
+    "research": "cloud"
+  },
+  "cloud_api_key": "bmc_abc123...",
+  "cloud_host": "https://cloud.basicmemory.com",
+  "default_project": "personal"
+}
+```
+
+In this example, `personal` stays local and `research` routes through cloud. Projects not listed in `project_modes` default to local.
+
+### Sync Behavior
+
+Cloud-mode projects are automatically skipped during local file sync (background sync and file watching). Their files live on the cloud instance, not locally.
+
 ## Disable Cloud Mode
 
-Return to local mode:
+Return to local mode (global):
 
 ```bash
 bm cloud logout
 ```
 
 **What this does:**
-1. Disables cloud mode in config
-2. All commands now work locally
+1. Disables global cloud mode in config
+2. All commands now work locally (unless individual projects are set to cloud via `set-cloud`)
 3. Auth token remains (can re-enable with login)
 
-**Result:** All `bm` commands work with local projects again.
+**Result:** All `bm` commands work with local projects again. Per-project cloud routing via API key continues to work independently of global cloud mode.
 
 ## Filter Configuration
 
@@ -656,9 +736,17 @@ If instance is down, wait a few minutes and retry.
 ### Cloud Mode Management
 
 ```bash
-bm cloud login              # Authenticate and enable cloud mode
-bm cloud logout             # Disable cloud mode
+bm cloud login              # Authenticate and enable global cloud mode (OAuth)
+bm cloud logout             # Disable global cloud mode
 bm cloud status             # Check cloud mode and instance health
+bm cloud promo --off        # Disable CLI cloud promo notices
+```
+
+### API Key Management
+
+```bash
+bm cloud set-key <key>      # Save a cloud API key (bmc_ prefixed)
+bm cloud create-key <name>  # Create API key via cloud API (requires OAuth login)
 ```
 
 ### Setup
@@ -672,13 +760,20 @@ bm cloud setup              # Install rclone and configure credentials
 When cloud mode is enabled:
 
 ```bash
-bm project list                           # List cloud projects
+bm project list                           # List projects with mode column
 bm project add <name>                     # Create cloud project (no sync)
 bm project add <name> --local-path <path> # Create with local sync
 bm project sync-setup <name> <path>       # Add sync to existing project
 bm project rm <name>                      # Delete project
 ```
 
+### Per-Project Routing
+
+```bash
+bm project set-cloud <name>  # Route project through cloud (requires API key)
+bm project set-local <name>  # Revert project to local mode
+```
+
 ### File Synchronization
 
 ```bash

docs/cloud-semantic-search-value.md

@@ -0,0 +1,91 @@
+# Cloud Semantic Search Value (Customer-Facing Technical Story)
+
+This document explains why teams should buy cloud semantic search even when local search exists.
+
+## Core Promise
+
+Markdown files remain the source of truth in both local and cloud modes.
+
+- Files are portable.
+- Search indexes are derived and rebuildable.
+- You never get locked into proprietary document storage.
+
+## The Customer Problem
+
+Teams paying for cloud are usually not optimizing for "can this run locally." They are optimizing for:
+
+- finding the right note the first time,
+- keeping retrieval quality high as note volume grows,
+- avoiding search slowdowns while content is actively changing,
+- getting consistent results across users, agents, and sessions.
+
+## Why Cloud Is the Aspirin
+
+Cloud semantic search is the immediate pain reliever because it fixes the problems users feel right now.
+
+### 1) Better hit rate on real queries
+
+Cloud uses stronger managed embeddings than the default local model, which improves semantic recall for paraphrases and vague questions.
+
+Customer outcome:
+
+- fewer "I know this exists but search missed it" moments,
+- less query rewording,
+- faster time to answer.
+
+### 2) Better behavior under active workloads
+
+Cloud indexing runs out of band in workers, so indexing does not compete with interactive read/write traffic.
+
+Customer outcome:
+
+- stable search responsiveness during heavy updates,
+- fresher semantic results shortly after edits,
+- less user-visible performance variance.
+
+### 3) Better consistency for shared knowledge
+
+Cloud retrieval runs against a centralized tenant index, so teams and agents resolve against the same semantic state.
+
+Customer outcome:
+
+- fewer "works on my machine" search differences,
+- more predictable agent behavior across environments,
+- easier cross-user collaboration on large knowledge bases.
+
+### 4) Better quality at higher scale
+
+With Postgres + `pgvector` per tenant, cloud can sustain larger note collections and higher query volumes than typical local setups.
+
+Customer outcome:
+
+- confidence as repositories grow to tens of thousands of notes,
+- less need for user-side tuning,
+- fewer quality regressions as usage increases.
+
+## Local Is the Vitamin
+
+Local semantic search still matters and should stay strong.
+
+- offline use,
+- privacy-first operation,
+- no cloud dependency,
+- user-controlled runtime.
+
+It compounds long-term ownership and resilience, but does not remove the immediate pain points cloud solves for teams at scale.
+
+## Recommended Messaging
+
+One-liner:
+
+"Cloud semantic search is the aspirin: it fixes retrieval quality and performance pain now. Local semantic search is the vitamin: it builds long-term control and resilience."
+
+Long form:
+
+"Basic Memory keeps markdown as the source of truth everywhere. Local gives privacy and offline control. Cloud adds immediate, measurable improvements in search quality, consistency, and responsiveness for teams and agents running at scale."
+
+## Packaging Guidance
+
+- Base: local FTS plus optional local semantic search.
+- Cloud value: higher semantic quality, stable performance under load, and consistent team-wide retrieval.
+- Keep interfaces pluggable (`EmbeddingProvider`, vector backend protocol) so implementation can evolve without changing user workflows.

docs/mcp-ui-bakeoff-instructions.md

@@ -0,0 +1,130 @@
+# MCP UI Bakeoff - Instructions & Test Plan
+
+Last updated: 2026-02-02
+
+## Scope
+
+Compare three presentation paths for Basic Memory MCP tools:
+
+1. **Tool‑UI (React)** via MCP App resources.
+2. **MCP‑UI Python SDK** embedded UI resources (legacy host path).
+3. **ASCII/ANSI** output for TUI clients.
+
+This doc is the running instruction set and test plan. Update as implementation progresses.
+
+---
+
+## Prerequisites
+
+- Repo: `basic-memory` (worktree: `basic-memory-mcp-ui-poc`)
+- Node for tool‑ui build (already used for POC)
+- Python 3.12+ with `uv`
+
+Optional (for MCP‑UI Python SDK path):
+
+- Local repo: `/Users/phernandez/dev/mcp-ui`
+- Install the server SDK into the Basic Memory venv:
+  - `uv pip install -e /Users/phernandez/dev/mcp-ui/sdks/python/server`
+
+---
+
+## Build / Refresh Steps
+
+### Tool‑UI React bundle
+
+```bash
+cd ui/tool-ui-react
+npm install
+npm run build
+```
+
+This regenerates:
+
+- `src/basic_memory/mcp/ui/html/search-results-tool-ui.html`
+- `src/basic_memory/mcp/ui/html/note-preview-tool-ui.html`
+
+---
+
+## How to Run the MCP Server
+
+```bash
+basic-memory mcp --transport stdio
+```
+
+Optional to pick UI variant for MCP App resources:
+
+```bash
+export BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_UI_VARIANT=tool-ui   # or vanilla | mcp-ui
+```
+
+---
+
+## Test Cases
+
+### 1) MCP App Resource UI (tool‑ui / vanilla / mcp‑ui)
+
+Tools:
+- `search_notes`
+- `read_note`
+
+Expect:
+- Tool meta points to `ui://basic-memory/search-results` and `ui://basic-memory/note-preview`
+- Resource content differs by `BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_UI_VARIANT`
+- Variant‑specific URIs also available:
+  - `ui://basic-memory/search-results/vanilla`
+  - `ui://basic-memory/search-results/tool-ui`
+  - `ui://basic-memory/search-results/mcp-ui`
+  - `ui://basic-memory/note-preview/vanilla`
+  - `ui://basic-memory/note-preview/tool-ui`
+  - `ui://basic-memory/note-preview/mcp-ui`
+
+Manual check:
+- Trigger tool in MCP‑App‑capable host and confirm UI renders.
+
+---
+
+### 2) ASCII / ANSI TUI Output
+
+Tools:
+- `search_notes(output_format="ascii" | "ansi")`
+- `read_note(output_format="ascii" | "ansi")`
+
+Expect:
+- ASCII table for search, header + content preview for note.
+- ANSI variants include color escape codes.
+
+Automated:
+- `uv run pytest test-int/mcp/test_output_format_ascii_integration.py`
+
+---
+
+### 3) MCP‑UI Python SDK (embedded UI resource)
+
+Tools (embedded resource responses):
+- `search_notes_ui` (MCP‑UI SDK)
+- `read_note_ui` (MCP‑UI SDK)
+
+Expected output:
+- Tool response content contains an EmbeddedResource (`type: "resource"`)
+- `mimeType` is `text/html`
+- `_meta` includes:
+  - `mcpui.dev/ui-preferred-frame-size`
+  - `mcpui.dev/ui-initial-render-data`
+
+Manual check:
+- Render tool responses using `UIResourceRenderer` (legacy host flow).
+
+Automated (if SDK installed):
+- `uv run pytest test-int/mcp/test_ui_sdk_integration.py`
+
+---
+
+## Bakeoff Notes Template
+
+Fill in after running:
+
+- Tool‑UI (React): __
+- MCP‑UI SDK (embedded): __
+- ASCII/ANSI: __
+
+Decision + rationale: __

docs/semantic-search.md

@@ -0,0 +1,265 @@
+# Semantic Search
+
+This guide covers Basic Memory's optional semantic (vector) search feature, which adds meaning-based retrieval alongside the existing full-text search.
+
+## Overview
+
+Basic Memory's default search uses full-text search (FTS) — keyword matching with boolean operators. Semantic search adds vector embeddings that capture the *meaning* of your content, enabling:
+
+- **Paraphrase matching**: Find "authentication flow" when searching for "login process"
+- **Conceptual queries**: Search for "ways to improve performance" and find notes about caching, indexing, and optimization
+- **Hybrid retrieval**: Combine the precision of keyword search with the recall of semantic similarity
+
+Semantic search is **opt-in** — existing behavior is completely unchanged unless you enable it. It works on both SQLite (local) and Postgres (cloud) backends.
+
+## Installation
+
+Semantic search dependencies (fastembed, sqlite-vec, openai) are **optional extras** — they are not installed with the base `basic-memory` package. Install them with:
+
+```bash
+pip install 'basic-memory[semantic]'
+```
+
+This keeps the base install lightweight and avoids platform-specific issues with ONNX Runtime wheels.
+
+### Platform Compatibility
+
+| Platform | FastEmbed (local) | OpenAI (API) |
+|---|---|---|
+| macOS ARM64 (Apple Silicon) | Yes | Yes |
+| macOS x86_64 (Intel Mac) | No — see workaround below | Yes |
+| Linux x86_64 | Yes | Yes |
+| Linux ARM64 | Yes | Yes |
+| Windows x86_64 | Yes | Yes |
+
+#### Intel Mac Workaround
+
+The default FastEmbed provider uses ONNX Runtime, which dropped Intel Mac (x86_64) wheels starting in v1.24. Intel Mac users have two options:
+
+**Option 1: Use OpenAI embeddings (recommended)**
+
+Install only the OpenAI dependency manually — no ONNX Runtime or FastEmbed needed:
+
+```bash
+pip install openai sqlite-vec
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED=true
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_PROVIDER=openai
+export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
+```
+
+**Option 2: Pin an older ONNX Runtime**
+
+FastEmbed's ONNX Runtime dependency is unpinned, so you can constrain it to an older version that still ships Intel Mac wheels by passing both requirements in the same install command:
+
+```bash
+pip install 'basic-memory[semantic]' 'onnxruntime<1.24'
+```
+
+## Quick Start
+
+1. Install semantic extras:
+
+```bash
+pip install 'basic-memory[semantic]'
+```
+
+2. Enable semantic search:
+
+```bash
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED=true
+```
+
+3. Build vector embeddings for your existing content:
+
+```bash
+bm reindex --embeddings
+```
+
+4. Search using semantic modes:
+
+```python
+# Pure vector similarity
+search_notes("login process", search_type="vector")
+
+# Hybrid: combines FTS precision with vector recall (recommended)
+search_notes("login process", search_type="hybrid")
+
+# Traditional full-text search (still the default)
+search_notes("login process", search_type="text")
+```
+
+## Configuration Reference
+
+All settings are fields on `BasicMemoryConfig` and can be set via environment variables (prefixed with `BASIC_MEMORY_`).
+
+| Config Field | Env Var | Default | Description |
+|---|---|---|---|
+| `semantic_search_enabled` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED` | `false` | Enable semantic search. Required before vector/hybrid modes work. |
+| `semantic_embedding_provider` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_PROVIDER` | `"fastembed"` | Embedding provider: `"fastembed"` (local) or `"openai"` (API). |
+| `semantic_embedding_model` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_MODEL` | `"bge-small-en-v1.5"` | Model identifier. Auto-adjusted per provider if left at default. |
+| `semantic_embedding_dimensions` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_DIMENSIONS` | Auto-detected | Vector dimensions. 384 for FastEmbed, 1536 for OpenAI. Override only if using a non-default model. |
+| `semantic_embedding_batch_size` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_BATCH_SIZE` | `64` | Number of texts to embed per batch. |
+| `semantic_vector_k` | `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_VECTOR_K` | `100` | Candidate count for vector nearest-neighbour retrieval. Higher values improve recall at the cost of latency. |
+
+## Embedding Providers
+
+### FastEmbed (default)
+
+FastEmbed runs entirely locally using ONNX models — no API key, no network calls, no cost.
+
+- **Model**: `BAAI/bge-small-en-v1.5`
+- **Dimensions**: 384
+- **Tradeoff**: Smaller model, fast inference, good quality for most use cases
+
+```bash
+# Install semantic extras and enable
+pip install 'basic-memory[semantic]'
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED=true
+```
+
+### OpenAI
+
+Uses OpenAI's embeddings API for higher-dimensional vectors. Requires an API key.
+
+- **Model**: `text-embedding-3-small`
+- **Dimensions**: 1536
+- **Tradeoff**: Higher quality embeddings, requires API calls and an OpenAI key
+
+```bash
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED=true
+export BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_EMBEDDING_PROVIDER=openai
+export OPENAI_API_KEY=sk-...
+```
+
+When switching from FastEmbed to OpenAI (or vice versa), you must rebuild embeddings since the vector dimensions differ:
+
+```bash
+bm reindex --embeddings
+```
+
+## Search Modes
+
+### `text` (default)
+
+Full-text keyword search using FTS5 (SQLite) or tsvector (Postgres). Supports boolean operators (`AND`, `OR`, `NOT`), phrase matching, and prefix wildcards.
+
+```python
+search_notes("project AND planning", search_type="text")
+```
+
+This is the existing default and does not require semantic search to be enabled.
+
+### `vector`
+
+Pure semantic similarity search. Embeds your query and finds the nearest content vectors. Good for conceptual or paraphrase queries where exact keywords may not appear in the content.
+
+```python
+search_notes("how to speed up the app", search_type="vector")
+```
+
+Returns results ranked by cosine similarity. Individual observations and relations surface as first-class results, not collapsed into parent entities.
+
+### `hybrid`
+
+Combines FTS and vector results using reciprocal rank fusion (RRF). This is generally the best mode when you want both keyword precision and semantic recall.
+
+```python
+search_notes("authentication security", search_type="hybrid")
+```
+
+RRF merges the two ranked lists so that items appearing in both get a score boost, while items found by only one method still appear.
+
+### When to Use Which
+
+| Mode | Best For |
+|---|---|
+| `text` | Exact keyword matching, boolean queries, tag/category searches |
+| `vector` | Conceptual queries, paraphrase matching, exploratory searches |
+| `hybrid` | General-purpose search combining precision and recall |
+
+## The Reindex Command
+
+The `bm reindex` command rebuilds search indexes without dropping the database.
+
+```bash
+# Rebuild everything (FTS + embeddings if semantic is enabled)
+bm reindex
+
+# Only rebuild vector embeddings
+bm reindex --embeddings
+
+# Only rebuild the full-text search index
+bm reindex --search
+
+# Target a specific project
+bm reindex -p my-project
+```
+
+### When You Need to Reindex
+
+- **First enable**: After turning on `semantic_search_enabled` for the first time
+- **Provider change**: After switching between `fastembed` and `openai`
+- **Model change**: After changing `semantic_embedding_model`
+- **Dimension change**: After changing `semantic_embedding_dimensions`
+
+The reindex command shows progress with embedded/skipped/error counts:
+
+```
+Project: main
+  Building vector embeddings...
+  ✓ Embeddings complete: 142 entities embedded, 0 skipped, 0 errors
+
+Reindex complete!
+```
+
+## How It Works
+
+### Chunking
+
+Each entity in the search index is split into semantic chunks before embedding:
+
+- **Headers**: Markdown headers (`#`, `##`, etc.) start new chunks
+- **Bullets**: Each bullet item (`-`, `*`) becomes its own chunk for granular fact retrieval
+- **Prose sections**: Non-bullet text is merged up to ~900 characters per chunk
+- **Long sections**: Oversized content is split with ~120 character overlap to preserve context at boundaries
+
+Each search index item type (entity, observation, relation) is chunked independently, so observations and relations are embeddable as discrete facts.
+
+### Deduplication
+
+Each chunk has a `source_hash` (SHA-256 of the chunk text). On re-sync, unchanged chunks skip re-embedding entirely. This makes incremental updates fast — only modified content triggers API calls or model inference.
+
+### Hybrid Fusion
+
+Hybrid search uses reciprocal rank fusion (RRF) to merge FTS and vector results:
+
+1. Run FTS search to get keyword-ranked results
+2. Run vector search to get similarity-ranked results
+3. For each result, compute: `score = 1/(k + fts_rank) + 1/(k + vector_rank)` where `k = 60`
+4. Sort by fused score
+
+Items found by both methods get a natural score boost. Items found by only one method still appear but rank lower.
+
+### Observation-Level Results
+
+Vector and hybrid modes return individual observations and relations as first-class search results, not just parent entities. This means a search for "water temperature for brewing" can surface the specific observation about 205°F without returning the entire "Coffee Brewing Methods" entity.
+
+## Database Backends
+
+### SQLite (local)
+
+- **Vector storage**: [sqlite-vec](https://github.com/asg017/sqlite-vec) virtual table
+- **Table creation**: At runtime when semantic search is first used — no migration needed
+- **Embedding table**: `search_vector_embeddings` using `vec0(embedding float[N])` where N is the configured dimensions
+- **Chunk metadata**: `search_vector_chunks` table stores chunk text, keys, and source hashes
+
+The sqlite-vec extension is loaded per-connection. Vector tables are created lazily on first use.
+
+### Postgres (cloud)
+
+- **Vector storage**: [pgvector](https://github.com/pgvector/pgvector) with HNSW indexing
+- **Chunk metadata table**: Created via Alembic migration (`search_vector_chunks` with `BIGSERIAL` primary key)
+- **Embedding table**: `search_vector_embeddings` created at runtime (dimension-dependent, same pattern as SQLite)
+- **Index**: HNSW index on the embedding column for fast approximate nearest-neighbour queries
+
+The Alembic migration creates the dimension-independent chunks table. The embeddings table and HNSW index are deferred to runtime because they depend on the configured vector dimensions.

docs/specs/SPEC-SCHEMA-IMPL.md

@@ -0,0 +1,365 @@
+# SPEC-SCHEMA-IMPL: Schema System Implementation Plan
+
+**Status:** Draft
+**Created:** 2025-02-06
+**Branch:** `feature/schema-system`
+**Depends on:** [SPEC-SCHEMA](SPEC-SCHEMA.md)
+
+## Overview
+
+Implementation plan for the Basic Memory Schema System. The system is entirely programmatic —
+no LLM agent runtime or API key required. The LLM already in the user's session (Claude Code,
+Claude Desktop, etc.) provides the intelligence layer by reading schema notes via existing
+MCP tools.
+
+## Architecture
+
+```
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│                   Entry Points                   │
+│  CLI (bm schema ...)  │  MCP (schema_validate)  │
+└──────────┬────────────┴──────────┬──────────────┘
+           │                       │
+           ▼                       ▼
+┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
+│              Schema Service Layer                │
+│  resolve_schema · validate · infer · diff        │
+└──────────┬────────────────────────┬──────────────┘
+           │                       │
+           ▼                       ▼
+┌──────────────────────┐ ┌────────────────────────┐
+│   Picoschema Parser  │ │   Note/Entity Access   │
+│  YAML → SchemaModel  │ │  (existing repository) │
+└──────────────────────┘ └────────────────────────┘
+```
+
+No new database tables. Schemas are notes with `type: schema` — they're already indexed.
+Validation reads observations and relations from existing data.
+
+## Components
+
+### 1. Picoschema Parser
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/schema/parser.py`
+
+Parses Picoschema YAML into an internal representation.
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class SchemaField:
+    name: str
+    type: str                    # string, integer, number, boolean, any, or EntityName
+    required: bool               # True unless field name ends with ?
+    is_array: bool               # True if (array) notation
+    is_enum: bool                # True if (enum) notation
+    enum_values: list[str]       # Populated for enums
+    description: str | None      # Text after comma
+    is_entity_ref: bool          # True if type is capitalized (entity reference)
+    children: list[SchemaField]  # For (object) types
+
+
+@dataclass
+class SchemaDefinition:
+    entity: str                  # The entity type this schema describes
+    version: int                 # Schema version
+    fields: list[SchemaField]    # Parsed fields
+    validation_mode: str         # "warn" | "strict" | "off"
+
+
+def parse_picoschema(yaml_dict: dict) -> list[SchemaField]:
+    """Parse a Picoschema YAML dict into a list of SchemaField objects."""
+
+
+def parse_schema_note(frontmatter: dict) -> SchemaDefinition:
+    """Parse a full schema note's frontmatter into a SchemaDefinition."""
+```
+
+**Input/Output:**
+```yaml
+# Input (YAML dict from frontmatter)
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+```
+
+```python
+# Output
+[
+    SchemaField(name="name", type="string", required=True, description="full name", ...),
+    SchemaField(name="role", type="string", required=False, description="job title", ...),
+    SchemaField(name="works_at", type="Organization", required=False, is_entity_ref=True, ...),
+    SchemaField(name="expertise", type="string", required=False, is_array=True, ...),
+]
+```
+
+### 2. Schema Resolver
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/schema/resolver.py`
+
+Finds the applicable schema for a note using the resolution order.
+
+```python
+async def resolve_schema(
+    note_frontmatter: dict,
+    search_fn: Callable,          # injected search capability
+) -> SchemaDefinition | None:
+    """Resolve schema for a note.
+
+    Resolution order:
+    1. Inline schema (frontmatter['schema'] is a dict)
+    2. Explicit reference (frontmatter['schema'] is a string)
+    3. Implicit by type (frontmatter['type'] → schema note with matching entity)
+    4. No schema (returns None)
+    """
+```
+
+### 3. Schema Validator
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/schema/validator.py`
+
+Validates a note's observations and relations against a resolved schema.
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class FieldResult:
+    field: SchemaField
+    status: str                  # "present" | "missing" | "type_mismatch"
+    values: list[str]            # Matched observation values or relation targets
+    message: str | None          # Human-readable detail
+
+
+@dataclass
+class ValidationResult:
+    note_identifier: str
+    schema_entity: str
+    passed: bool                 # True if no errors (warnings are OK)
+    field_results: list[FieldResult]
+    unmatched_observations: dict[str, int]   # category → count
+    unmatched_relations: list[str]           # relation types not in schema
+    warnings: list[str]
+    errors: list[str]
+
+
+async def validate_note(
+    note: Note,
+    schema: SchemaDefinition,
+) -> ValidationResult:
+    """Validate a note against a schema definition.
+
+    Mapping rules:
+    - field: string       → observation [field] exists
+    - field?(array): type → multiple [field] observations
+    - field?: EntityType  → relation 'field [[...]]' exists
+    - field?(enum): [v]   → observation [field] value ∈ enum values
+    """
+```
+
+### 4. Schema Inference Engine
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/schema/inference.py`
+
+Analyzes notes of a given type and suggests a schema based on usage frequency.
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class FieldFrequency:
+    name: str
+    source: str                  # "observation" | "relation"
+    count: int                   # notes containing this field
+    total: int                   # total notes analyzed
+    percentage: float
+    sample_values: list[str]     # representative values
+    is_array: bool               # True if typically appears multiple times per note
+    target_type: str | None      # For relations, the most common target entity type
+
+
+@dataclass
+class InferenceResult:
+    entity_type: str
+    notes_analyzed: int
+    field_frequencies: list[FieldFrequency]
+    suggested_schema: dict       # Ready-to-use Picoschema YAML dict
+    suggested_required: list[str]
+    suggested_optional: list[str]
+    excluded: list[str]          # Below threshold
+
+
+async def infer_schema(
+    entity_type: str,
+    notes: list[Note],
+    required_threshold: float = 0.95,   # 95%+ = required
+    optional_threshold: float = 0.25,   # 25%+ = optional
+) -> InferenceResult:
+    """Analyze notes and suggest a Picoschema definition."""
+```
+
+### 5. Schema Diff
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/schema/diff.py`
+
+Compares current note usage against an existing schema definition.
+
+```python
+@dataclass
+class SchemaDrift:
+    new_fields: list[FieldFrequency]       # Fields not in schema but common in notes
+    dropped_fields: list[FieldFrequency]   # Fields in schema but rare in notes
+    cardinality_changes: list[str]         # one → many or many → one
+    type_mismatches: list[str]             # observation values don't match declared type
+
+
+async def diff_schema(
+    schema: SchemaDefinition,
+    notes: list[Note],
+) -> SchemaDrift:
+    """Compare a schema against actual note usage to detect drift."""
+```
+
+## Entry Points
+
+### CLI Commands
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/cli/schema.py`
+
+```python
+import typer
+
+schema_app = typer.Typer(name="schema", help="Schema management commands")
+
+@schema_app.command()
+async def validate(
+    target: str = typer.Argument(None, help="Note path or entity type"),
+    strict: bool = typer.Option(False, help="Override to strict mode"),
+):
+    """Validate notes against their schemas."""
+
+@schema_app.command()
+async def infer(
+    entity_type: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Entity type to analyze"),
+    threshold: float = typer.Option(0.25, help="Minimum frequency for optional fields"),
+    save: bool = typer.Option(False, help="Save to schema/ directory"),
+):
+    """Infer schema from existing notes of a type."""
+
+@schema_app.command()
+async def diff(
+    entity_type: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Entity type to diff"),
+):
+    """Show drift between schema and actual usage."""
+```
+
+Registered as subcommand: `bm schema validate`, `bm schema infer`, `bm schema diff`.
+
+### MCP Tools
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/schema.py`
+
+```python
+@mcp_tool
+async def schema_validate(
+    entity_type: str | None = None,
+    identifier: str | None = None,
+    project: str | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """Validate notes against their resolved schema."""
+
+@mcp_tool
+async def schema_infer(
+    entity_type: str,
+    threshold: float = 0.25,
+    project: str | None = None,
+) -> str:
+    """Analyze existing notes and suggest a schema definition."""
+```
+
+### API Endpoints
+
+**Location:** `src/basic_memory/api/schema_router.py`
+
+```python
+router = APIRouter(prefix="/schema", tags=["schema"])
+
+@router.post("/validate")
+async def validate_schema(...) -> ValidationReport: ...
+
+@router.post("/infer")
+async def infer_schema(...) -> InferenceResult: ...
+
+@router.get("/diff/{entity_type}")
+async def diff_schema(...) -> SchemaDrift: ...
+```
+
+MCP tools call these endpoints via the typed client pattern (consistent with existing
+architecture).
+
+## Implementation Phases
+
+### Phase 1: Parser + Resolver
+
+Build the foundation — can parse Picoschema and find schemas for notes.
+
+**Deliverables:**
+- `schema/parser.py` — Picoschema YAML → `SchemaDefinition`
+- `schema/resolver.py` — Resolution order (inline → explicit ref → implicit by type → none)
+- Unit tests for all Picoschema syntax variations
+- Unit tests for resolution order
+
+**No external dependencies.** Pure Python parsing of YAML dicts. Can develop and test
+in isolation.
+
+### Phase 2: Validator
+
+Connect schemas to notes and produce validation results.
+
+**Deliverables:**
+- `schema/validator.py` — Validate note observations/relations against schema fields
+- API endpoint: `POST /schema/validate`
+- MCP tool: `schema_validate`
+- CLI command: `bm schema validate`
+- Integration tests with real notes and schemas
+
+**Depends on:** Phase 1 (parser + resolver)
+
+### Phase 3: Inference
+
+Analyze existing notes to suggest schemas.
+
+**Deliverables:**
+- `schema/inference.py` — Frequency analysis across notes of a type
+- API endpoint: `POST /schema/infer`
+- MCP tool: `schema_infer`
+- CLI command: `bm schema infer`
+- Option to save inferred schema as a note via `write_note`
+
+**Depends on:** Phase 1 (parser for output format)
+
+### Phase 4: Diff
+
+Compare schemas against current usage.
+
+**Deliverables:**
+- `schema/diff.py` — Drift detection between schema and actual notes
+- API endpoint: `GET /schema/diff/{entity_type}`
+- CLI command: `bm schema diff`
+
+**Depends on:** Phase 1 (parser), Phase 3 (inference, for frequency analysis)
+
+## Testing Strategy
+
+- **Unit tests** (`tests/schema/`): Parser edge cases, resolution logic, validation mapping,
+  inference thresholds
+- **Integration tests** (`test-int/schema/`): End-to-end with real markdown files, schema notes
+  on disk, CLI invocation
+- Coverage target: 100% (consistent with project standard)
+
+## What This Does NOT Include
+
+- No new database tables or migrations
+- No new markdown syntax (schemas validate existing observations/relations)
+- No LLM agent runtime or API key management
+- No hook integration (deferred)
+- No schema composition/inheritance (deferred)
+- No OWL/RDF export (deferred)
+- No built-in templates (deferred)

docs/specs/SPEC-SCHEMA.md

@@ -0,0 +1,462 @@
+# SPEC-SCHEMA: Basic Memory Schema System
+
+**Status:** Draft
+**Created:** 2025-02-06
+**Branch:** `feature/schema-system`
+
+## Summary
+
+A schema system for Basic Memory that uses [Picoschema](https://genkit.dev/docs/dotprompt/)
+syntax in YAML frontmatter. Schemas validate notes against their existing observation/relation
+structure — no new data model, no migration, just a declarative lens over what's already there.
+
+## Core Principles
+
+1. **Schemas are just notes** — A schema is a note with `type: schema`, lives anywhere
+2. **Use prior art** — Picoschema syntax in YAML frontmatter, no custom notation
+3. **Validation maps to existing format** — Observations and relations, not a parallel data model
+4. **Validation is soft** — Warnings by default, not blocking errors
+5. **Inference over prescription** — Schemas describe reality, emerge from usage
+6. **No built-in agent** — Programmatic core; the LLM already in the session provides intelligence
+
+## Picoschema Syntax
+
+Picoschema is a compact schema notation from Google's Dotprompt that fits naturally in YAML
+frontmatter.
+
+### Supported Types
+
+| Type | Description |
+|------|-------------|
+| `string` | Text value |
+| `integer` | Whole number |
+| `number` | Decimal number |
+| `boolean` | True/false |
+| `any` | Any scalar type |
+| `EntityName` | Reference to another entity (capitalized = entity reference) |
+
+### Syntax Rules
+
+```yaml
+schema:
+  name: string, full name                # required field with description
+  email?: string, contact email           # ? = optional
+  role?: string, job title
+  works_at?: Organization, employer       # capitalized type = entity reference
+  tags?(array): string, categories        # array of type
+  status?(enum): [active, inactive]       # enum with allowed values
+  metadata?(object):                      # nested object
+    updated_at?: string
+    source?: string
+```
+
+- `field: type` — required field
+- `field?: type` — optional field
+- `field(array): type` — array of values
+- `field?(enum): [values]` — enumeration
+- `field?(object):` — nested object with sub-fields
+- `, description` — description after comma
+- `EntityName` as type (capitalized) — reference to another entity
+
+## Schema-to-Note Mapping
+
+Schemas validate against the existing Basic Memory note format. No new syntax for note
+authors to learn.
+
+### Mapping Rules
+
+| Schema Declaration | Grounded In | Example Match |
+|--------------------|-------------|---------------|
+| `field: string` | Observation `[field] value` | `- [name] Paul Graham` |
+| `field?(array): string` | Multiple `[field]` observations | `- [expertise] Lisp` (×N) |
+| `field?: EntityType` | Relation `field [[Target]]` | `- works_at [[Y Combinator]]` |
+| `field?(array): EntityType` | Multiple `field` relations | `- authored [[Book]]` (×N) |
+| `tags` | Frontmatter `tags` array | `tags: [startups, essays]` |
+| `field?(enum): [values]` | Observation `[field] value` where value ∈ set | `- [status] active` |
+
+### Key Insight
+
+Schemas don't introduce a new way to store data. They describe the patterns already present
+in observations and relations. A note doesn't have to change how it's written — the schema
+just says "a good Person note has a `[name]` observation and a `works_at` relation."
+
+## Schema Definition
+
+### As a Dedicated Schema Note
+
+```yaml
+# schema/Person.md
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  email?: string, contact email
+  role?: string, job title
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+settings:
+  validation: warn    # warn | strict | off
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+
+Any documentation about this entity type goes here as prose.
+```
+
+Schema notes are regular Basic Memory notes. They show up in search, can have their own
+observations and relations, and can be organized in any folder (though `schema/` is
+the suggested convention).
+
+### Inline Schema in a Note
+
+Notes can carry their own schema directly:
+
+```yaml
+# meetings/2024-01-15-standup.md
+---
+title: Team Standup 2024-01-15
+type: meeting
+schema:
+  attendees(array): string, who was there
+  decisions(array): string, what was decided
+  action_items(array): string, follow-ups
+  blockers?(array): string, anything stuck
+---
+
+# Team Standup 2024-01-15
+
+## Observations
+- [attendees] Paul
+- [attendees] Sarah
+- [decisions] Ship v2 by Friday
+- [action_items] Paul to review PR #42
+- [blockers] Waiting on API credentials
+```
+
+Good for one-off structured notes or prototyping a schema before extracting it.
+
+### Explicit Schema Reference
+
+A note can reference a schema by entity name or permalink:
+
+```yaml
+# projects/basic-memory.md
+---
+title: Basic Memory
+schema: SoftwareProject         # by entity name
+---
+
+# research/llm-memory-patterns.md
+---
+title: LLM Memory Patterns
+schema: schema/research-project  # by permalink
+---
+```
+
+Use cases:
+- Note's `type` differs from the schema it should validate against
+- Multiple schema variants exist for the same domain
+- Applying structure to existing notes without changing their type
+
+## Schema Resolution
+
+When validating a note, schemas resolve in priority order:
+
+```
+1. Inline schema     →  schema: { ... }        (dict in frontmatter)
+2. Explicit ref      →  schema: Person          (string in frontmatter)
+3. Implicit by type  →  type: Person            (lookup schema note with entity: Person)
+4. No schema         →  no validation           (perfectly fine)
+```
+
+```python
+async def resolve_schema(note: Note) -> Schema | None:
+    schema_value = note.frontmatter.get('schema')
+
+    # 1. Inline schema (dict)
+    if isinstance(schema_value, dict):
+        return parse_picoschema(schema_value)
+
+    # 2. Explicit reference (string)
+    if isinstance(schema_value, str):
+        schema_note = await find_schema_note(schema_value)
+        if schema_note:
+            return parse_picoschema(schema_note.frontmatter['schema'])
+
+    # 3. Implicit by type
+    note_type = note.frontmatter.get('type')
+    if note_type:
+        results = await search_notes(f"type:schema entity:{note_type}")
+        if results:
+            return parse_picoschema(results[0].frontmatter['schema'])
+
+    # 4. No schema
+    return None
+```
+
+## Validation
+
+### Modes
+
+Configured in the schema's `settings.validation`:
+
+| Mode | Behavior |
+|------|----------|
+| `off` | No validation |
+| `warn` | Warnings in output, doesn't block (default) |
+| `strict` | Errors that block sync, for CI/CD enforcement |
+
+### Validation Output
+
+For a note missing required fields:
+
+```
+$ bm schema validate people/ada-lovelace.md
+
+⚠ Person schema validation:
+  - Missing required field: name (expected [name] observation)
+  - Missing optional field: role
+  - Missing optional field: works_at (no relation found)
+
+ℹ Unmatched observations: [fact] ×2, [born] ×1
+ℹ Unmatched relations: collaborated_with
+```
+
+"Unmatched" items are informational — observations and relations the schema doesn't cover.
+They're valid. Schemas are a subset, not a straitjacket.
+
+### Batch Validation
+
+```
+$ bm schema validate Person
+
+Validating 30 notes against Person schema...
+
+✓ people/paul-graham.md         — all fields present
+✓ people/rich-hickey.md         — all fields present
+⚠ people/ada-lovelace.md        — missing: name
+⚠ people/alan-kay.md            — missing: name, role
+✓ people/linus-torvalds.md      — all fields present
+...
+
+Summary: 22/30 valid, 8 warnings, 0 errors
+```
+
+## Emerging Schemas
+
+### The Problem with Traditional Schemas
+
+Most schema systems require: define schema → create conforming content → fight the schema
+when reality doesn't match. This is backwards. Knowledge grows organically.
+
+### The Basic Memory Approach
+
+```
+Write notes freely → Patterns emerge → Crystallize into schema → Validate future notes
+```
+
+### Schema Inference
+
+Generate schemas from existing notes by analyzing observation and relation frequency:
+
+```
+$ bm schema infer Person
+
+Analyzing 30 notes with type: Person...
+
+Observations found:
+  [name]        30/30  100%  → name: string
+  [role]        27/30   90%  → role?: string
+  [fact]        25/30   83%  (generic — no single field)
+  [expertise]   18/30   60%  → expertise?(array): string
+  [email]        8/30   27%  → email?: string
+  [born]         6/30   20%  (below threshold)
+
+Relations found:
+  works_at      22/30   73%  → works_at?: Organization
+  authored      11/30   37%  → authored?(array): string
+
+Suggested schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+
+Save to schema/Person.md? [y/n]
+```
+
+Frequency thresholds:
+- 100% present → required field
+- 25%+ present → optional field
+- Below 25% → excluded from suggestion (but noted)
+
+### Schema Drift Detection
+
+Track how usage patterns shift over time:
+
+```
+$ bm schema diff Person
+
+Schema drift detected:
+
++ expertise: now in 81% of notes (was 12%)
+- department: dropped to 3% of notes
+~ works_at: cardinality changed (one → many)
+
+Update schema? [y/n/review]
+```
+
+## LLM Integration (AI Guidance)
+
+No agent runtime or API key required. The LLM already in the session uses schemas as
+context for note creation.
+
+### Flow
+
+1. User asks LLM to "write a note about Rich Hickey"
+2. LLM determines `type: Person` is appropriate
+3. LLM calls `search_notes("type:schema entity:Person")` → finds schema
+4. LLM reads schema fields: required `name`, optional `role`, `works_at`, `expertise`
+5. LLM calls `write_note` with observations and relations that satisfy the schema
+
+The schema acts as a creation template. The LLM knows what a "complete" note looks like
+without any custom agent infrastructure.
+
+### MCP Tools
+
+```python
+@mcp_tool
+async def schema_validate(
+    entity_type: str | None = None,
+    identifier: str | None = None,
+    project: str | None = None,
+) -> ValidationReport:
+    """Validate notes against their resolved schema.
+
+    Validates a specific note (by identifier) or all notes of a given type.
+    Returns warnings/errors based on the schema's validation mode.
+    """
+
+@mcp_tool
+async def schema_infer(
+    entity_type: str,
+    threshold: float = 0.25,
+    project: str | None = None,
+) -> SuggestedSchema:
+    """Analyze existing notes and suggest a schema definition.
+
+    Examines observation categories and relation types across all notes
+    of the given type. Returns frequency analysis and suggested Picoschema.
+    """
+```
+
+## CLI Commands
+
+```bash
+# Validate a specific note
+bm schema validate people/ada-lovelace.md
+
+# Validate all notes of a type
+bm schema validate Person
+
+# Validate everything with a schema
+bm schema validate
+
+# Infer schema from existing notes
+bm schema infer Person
+
+# Show schema drift from current definition
+bm schema diff Person
+
+# List all schema notes
+bm search "type:schema"
+```
+
+## Examples
+
+### Complete Person Workflow
+
+**Schema:**
+```yaml
+# schema/Person.md
+---
+title: Person
+type: schema
+entity: Person
+version: 1
+schema:
+  name: string, full name
+  role?: string, job title or position
+  works_at?: Organization, employer
+  expertise?(array): string, areas of knowledge
+  email?: string, contact email
+settings:
+  validation: warn
+---
+
+# Person
+
+A human individual in the knowledge graph.
+```
+
+**Valid note:**
+```yaml
+# people/paul-graham.md
+---
+title: Paul Graham
+type: Person
+tags: [startups, essays, lisp]
+---
+
+# Paul Graham
+
+## Observations
+- [name] Paul Graham
+- [role] Essayist and investor
+- [expertise] Startups
+- [expertise] Lisp
+- [expertise] Essay writing
+- [fact] Created Viaweb, the first web app
+
+## Relations
+- works_at [[Y Combinator]]
+- authored [[Hackers and Painters]]
+```
+
+**Note with warnings:**
+```yaml
+# people/ada-lovelace.md
+---
+title: Ada Lovelace
+type: Person
+---
+
+# Ada Lovelace
+
+## Observations
+- [fact] Wrote the first computer program
+- [born] 1815
+
+## Relations
+- collaborated_with [[Charles Babbage]]
+```
+
+Validation: warns about missing required `[name]` observation. Everything else is optional
+or unmatched (which is fine).
+
+## Future Considerations (Deferred)
+
+These are interesting but out of scope for the initial implementation:
+
+- **Multiple schema inheritance** — `schema: [Person, Author]`
+- **Hook integration** — Pre-write validation via the hooks system
+- **OWL/RDF export** — `bm schema export --format owl`
+- **SPARQL queries** — Schema-aware graph queries
+- **Built-in templates** — `bm schema use gtd`, `bm schema use zettelkasten`
+- **Schema versioning/migration** — Tracking breaking changes across versions

justfile

@@ -62,6 +62,22 @@ test-int-postgres:
         BASIC_MEMORY_TEST_POSTGRES=1 uv run pytest -p pytest_mock -v --no-cov test-int
     fi
 
+# Run tests impacted by recent changes (requires pytest-testmon)
+testmon *args:
+    BASIC_MEMORY_ENV=test uv run pytest -p pytest_mock -v --no-cov --testmon --testmon-forceselect {{args}}
+
+# Run MCP smoke test (fast end-to-end loop)
+test-smoke:
+    BASIC_MEMORY_ENV=test uv run pytest -p pytest_mock -v --no-cov -m smoke test-int/mcp/test_smoke_integration.py
+
+# Fast local loop: lint, format, typecheck, impacted tests
+fast-check:
+    just fix
+    just format
+    just typecheck
+    just testmon
+    just test-smoke
+
 # Reset Postgres test database (drops and recreates schema)
 # Useful when Alembic migration state gets out of sync during development
 # Uses credentials from docker-compose-postgres.yml
@@ -91,6 +107,13 @@ test-windows:
 test-benchmark:
     uv run pytest -p pytest_mock -v --no-cov -m benchmark tests test-int
 
+# Compare two search benchmark JSONL outputs
+# Usage:
+#   just benchmark-compare .benchmarks/search-baseline.jsonl .benchmarks/search-candidate.jsonl
+#   just benchmark-compare .benchmarks/search-baseline.jsonl .benchmarks/search-candidate.jsonl --format markdown --show-missing
+benchmark-compare baseline candidate *args:
+    uv run python test-int/compare_search_benchmarks.py "{{baseline}}" "{{candidate}}" --format table {{args}}
+
 # Run all tests including Windows, Postgres, and Benchmarks (for CI/comprehensive testing)
 # Use this before releasing to ensure everything works across all backends and platforms
 test-all:
@@ -149,6 +172,18 @@ format:
 run-inspector:
     npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector
 
+# Run doctor checks in an isolated temp home/config
+doctor:
+    #!/usr/bin/env bash
+    set -euo pipefail
+    TMP_HOME=$(mktemp -d)
+    TMP_CONFIG=$(mktemp -d)
+    HOME="$TMP_HOME" \
+    BASIC_MEMORY_ENV=test \
+    BASIC_MEMORY_HOME="$TMP_HOME/basic-memory" \
+    BASIC_MEMORY_CONFIG_DIR="$TMP_CONFIG" \
+    ./.venv/bin/python -m basic_memory.cli.main doctor --local
+
 
 # Update all dependencies to latest versions
 update-deps:

pyproject.toml

@@ -46,6 +46,12 @@ dependencies = [
     "httpx>=0.28.0",
 ]
 
+[project.optional-dependencies]
+semantic = [
+    "fastembed>=0.7.4",
+    "sqlite-vec>=0.1.6",
+    "openai>=1.100.2",
+]
 
 [project.urls]
 Homepage = "https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory"
@@ -71,6 +77,7 @@ markers = [
     "slow: Slow-running tests (deselect with '-m \"not slow\"')",
     "postgres: Tests that run against Postgres backend (deselect with '-m \"not postgres\"')",
     "windows: Windows-specific tests (deselect with '-m \"not windows\"')",
+    "smoke: Fast end-to-end smoke tests for MCP flows",
 ]
 
 [tool.ruff]
@@ -91,6 +98,7 @@ dev = [
     "testcontainers[postgres]>=4.0.0",
     "psycopg>=3.2.0",
     "pyright>=1.1.408",
+    "pytest-testmon>=2.2.0",
 ]
 
 [tool.hatch.version]

server.json

@@ -6,12 +6,12 @@
     "url": "https://github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory.git",
     "source": "github"
   },
-  "version": "0.17.8",
+  "version": "0.18.3",
   "packages": [
     {
       "registryType": "pypi",
       "identifier": "basic-memory",
-      "version": "0.17.8",
+      "version": "0.18.3",
       "runtimeHint": "uvx",
       "runtimeArguments": [
         {"type": "positional", "value": "basic-memory"},

src/basic_memory/__init__.py

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 """basic-memory - Local-first knowledge management combining Zettelkasten with knowledge graphs"""
 
 # Package version - updated by release automation
-__version__ = "0.17.8"
+__version__ = "0.18.3"
 
 # API version for FastAPI - independent of package version
 __api_version__ = "v0"

src/basic_memory/alembic/versions/d7e8f9a0b1c2_add_structured_metadata_indexes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,154 @@
+"""Add structured metadata indexes for entity frontmatter
+
+Revision ID: d7e8f9a0b1c2
+Revises: g9a0b3c4d5e6
+Create Date: 2026-01-31 12:00:00.000000
+
+"""
+
+from typing import Sequence, Union
+
+import sqlalchemy as sa
+from alembic import op
+from sqlalchemy import text
+
+
+def column_exists(connection, table: str, column: str) -> bool:
+    """Check if a column exists in a table (idempotent migration support)."""
+    if connection.dialect.name == "postgresql":
+        result = connection.execute(
+            text(
+                "SELECT 1 FROM information_schema.columns "
+                "WHERE table_name = :table AND column_name = :column"
+            ),
+            {"table": table, "column": column},
+        )
+        return result.fetchone() is not None
+    # SQLite
+    result = connection.execute(text(f"PRAGMA table_info({table})"))
+    columns = [row[1] for row in result]
+    return column in columns
+
+
+def index_exists(connection, index_name: str) -> bool:
+    """Check if an index exists (idempotent migration support)."""
+    if connection.dialect.name == "postgresql":
+        result = connection.execute(
+            text("SELECT 1 FROM pg_indexes WHERE indexname = :index_name"),
+            {"index_name": index_name},
+        )
+        return result.fetchone() is not None
+    # SQLite
+    result = connection.execute(
+        text("SELECT 1 FROM sqlite_master WHERE type='index' AND name = :index_name"),
+        {"index_name": index_name},
+    )
+    return result.fetchone() is not None
+
+
+# revision identifiers, used by Alembic.
+revision: str = "d7e8f9a0b1c2"
+down_revision: Union[str, None] = "6830751f5fb6"
+branch_labels: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+depends_on: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    """Add JSONB/GiN indexes for Postgres and generated columns for SQLite."""
+    connection = op.get_bind()
+    dialect = connection.dialect.name
+
+    if dialect == "postgresql":
+        # Ensure JSONB for efficient indexing
+        result = connection.execute(
+            text(
+                "SELECT data_type FROM information_schema.columns "
+                "WHERE table_name = 'entity' AND column_name = 'entity_metadata'"
+            )
+        ).fetchone()
+        if result and result[0] != "jsonb":
+            op.execute(
+                "ALTER TABLE entity ALTER COLUMN entity_metadata "
+                "TYPE jsonb USING entity_metadata::jsonb"
+            )
+
+        # General JSONB GIN index
+        op.execute(
+            "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_entity_metadata_gin "
+            "ON entity USING GIN (entity_metadata jsonb_path_ops)"
+        )
+
+        # Common field indexes
+        op.execute(
+            "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_entity_tags_json "
+            "ON entity USING GIN ((entity_metadata -> 'tags'))"
+        )
+        op.execute(
+            "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_type "
+            "ON entity ((entity_metadata ->> 'type'))"
+        )
+        op.execute(
+            "CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_status "
+            "ON entity ((entity_metadata ->> 'status'))"
+        )
+        return
+
+    # SQLite: add generated columns for common frontmatter fields
+    # Constraint: SQLite ALTER TABLE ADD COLUMN only supports VIRTUAL generated columns,
+    # not STORED. json_extract is deterministic so VIRTUAL columns can still be indexed.
+    if not column_exists(connection, "entity", "tags_json"):
+        op.add_column(
+            "entity",
+            sa.Column(
+                "tags_json",
+                sa.Text(),
+                sa.Computed("json_extract(entity_metadata, '$.tags')", persisted=False),
+            ),
+        )
+    if not column_exists(connection, "entity", "frontmatter_status"):
+        op.add_column(
+            "entity",
+            sa.Column(
+                "frontmatter_status",
+                sa.Text(),
+                sa.Computed("json_extract(entity_metadata, '$.status')", persisted=False),
+            ),
+        )
+    if not column_exists(connection, "entity", "frontmatter_type"):
+        op.add_column(
+            "entity",
+            sa.Column(
+                "frontmatter_type",
+                sa.Text(),
+                sa.Computed("json_extract(entity_metadata, '$.type')", persisted=False),
+            ),
+        )
+
+    # Index generated columns
+    if not index_exists(connection, "idx_entity_tags_json"):
+        op.create_index("idx_entity_tags_json", "entity", ["tags_json"])
+    if not index_exists(connection, "idx_entity_frontmatter_status"):
+        op.create_index("idx_entity_frontmatter_status", "entity", ["frontmatter_status"])
+    if not index_exists(connection, "idx_entity_frontmatter_type"):
+        op.create_index("idx_entity_frontmatter_type", "entity", ["frontmatter_type"])
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    """Best-effort downgrade (drop indexes, revert JSONB on Postgres)."""
+    connection = op.get_bind()
+    dialect = connection.dialect.name
+
+    if dialect == "postgresql":
+        op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_status")
+        op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_type")
+        op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_tags_json")
+        op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_metadata_gin")
+        op.execute(
+            "ALTER TABLE entity ALTER COLUMN entity_metadata TYPE json USING entity_metadata::json"
+        )
+        return
+
+    # SQLite: drop indexes (dropping generated columns requires table rebuild)
+    op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_status")
+    op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_frontmatter_type")
+    op.execute("DROP INDEX IF EXISTS idx_entity_tags_json")

src/basic_memory/alembic/versions/h1b2c3d4e5f6_add_postgres_vector_search_tables.py

@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+"""Add Postgres semantic vector search tables (pgvector-aware, optional)
+
+Revision ID: h1b2c3d4e5f6
+Revises: d7e8f9a0b1c2
+Create Date: 2026-02-07 00:00:00.000000
+
+"""
+
+from typing import Sequence, Union
+
+from alembic import op
+
+# revision identifiers, used by Alembic.
+revision: str = "h1b2c3d4e5f6"
+down_revision: Union[str, None] = "d7e8f9a0b1c2"
+branch_labels: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+depends_on: Union[str, Sequence[str], None] = None
+
+
+def upgrade() -> None:
+    """Create Postgres vector chunk metadata table.
+
+    Trigger: database backend is PostgreSQL.
+    Why: search_vector_chunks stores text metadata with no vector-dimension
+    dependency, so it's safe in a migration.  search_vector_embeddings (which
+    requires pgvector and a provider-specific dimension) is created at runtime
+    by PostgresSearchRepository._ensure_vector_tables(), mirroring the SQLite
+    pattern where vector tables are created dynamically.
+    Outcome: creates the dimension-independent chunks table.  The embeddings
+    table + HNSW index are deferred to runtime.
+    """
+    connection = op.get_bind()
+    if connection.dialect.name != "postgresql":
+        return
+
+    op.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS search_vector_chunks (
+            id BIGSERIAL PRIMARY KEY,
+            entity_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+            project_id INTEGER NOT NULL,
+            chunk_key TEXT NOT NULL,
+            chunk_text TEXT NOT NULL,
+            source_hash TEXT NOT NULL,
+            updated_at TIMESTAMPTZ NOT NULL DEFAULT NOW(),
+            UNIQUE (project_id, entity_id, chunk_key)
+        )
+        """
+    )
+    op.execute(
+        """
+        CREATE INDEX IF NOT EXISTS idx_search_vector_chunks_project_entity
+        ON search_vector_chunks (project_id, entity_id)
+        """
+    )
+
+
+def downgrade() -> None:
+    """Remove Postgres vector chunk/embedding tables.
+
+    Does not drop pgvector extension because other schema objects may depend on it.
+    """
+    connection = op.get_bind()
+    if connection.dialect.name != "postgresql":
+        return
+
+    op.execute("DROP TABLE IF EXISTS search_vector_embeddings")
+    op.execute("DROP TABLE IF EXISTS search_vector_chunks")

src/basic_memory/api/app.py

@@ -2,23 +2,13 @@
 
 from contextlib import asynccontextmanager
 
-from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException
+from fastapi import FastAPI, HTTPException, Request
 from fastapi.exception_handlers import http_exception_handler
+from fastapi.routing import APIRouter
 from loguru import logger
 
 from basic_memory import __version__ as version
 from basic_memory.api.container import ApiContainer, set_container
-from basic_memory.api.routers import (
-    directory_router,
-    importer_router,
-    knowledge,
-    management,
-    memory,
-    project,
-    resource,
-    search,
-    prompt_router,
-)
 from basic_memory.api.v2.routers import (
     knowledge_router as v2_knowledge,
     project_router as v2_project,
@@ -28,8 +18,15 @@ from basic_memory.api.v2.routers import (
     directory_router as v2_directory,
     prompt_router as v2_prompt,
     importer_router as v2_importer,
+    schema_router as v2_schema,
+)
+from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.project_router import (
+    add_project,
+    list_projects,
+    synchronize_projects,
 )
 from basic_memory.config import init_api_logging
+from basic_memory.services.exceptions import EntityAlreadyExistsError
 from basic_memory.services.initialization import initialize_app
 
 
@@ -88,21 +85,44 @@ app.include_router(v2_resource, prefix="/v2/projects/{project_id}")
 app.include_router(v2_directory, prefix="/v2/projects/{project_id}")
 app.include_router(v2_prompt, prefix="/v2/projects/{project_id}")
 app.include_router(v2_importer, prefix="/v2/projects/{project_id}")
+app.include_router(v2_schema, prefix="/v2/projects/{project_id}")
 app.include_router(v2_project, prefix="/v2")
 
-# Include v1 routers (/{project} is a catch-all, must come after specific prefixes)
-app.include_router(knowledge.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(memory.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(resource.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(search.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(project.project_router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(directory_router.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(prompt_router.router, prefix="/{project}")
-app.include_router(importer_router.router, prefix="/{project}")
+# Legacy web app proxy paths (compat with /proxy/projects/projects)
+app.include_router(v2_project, prefix="/proxy/projects")
 
-# Project resource router works across projects
-app.include_router(project.project_resource_router)
-app.include_router(management.router)
+# Legacy v1 compat: older CLI versions (v0.18.0 and earlier) call /projects/...
+# Using router mount causes 307 redirect which proxy doesn't follow, so add explicit routes
+legacy_router = APIRouter(tags=["legacy"])
+legacy_router.add_api_route("/projects/projects", list_projects, methods=["GET"])
+legacy_router.add_api_route("/projects/projects", add_project, methods=["POST"])
+legacy_router.add_api_route("/projects/config/sync", synchronize_projects, methods=["POST"])
+app.include_router(legacy_router)
+
+# V2 routers are the only public API surface
+
+
+@app.exception_handler(EntityAlreadyExistsError)
+async def entity_already_exists_error_handler(request: Request, exc: EntityAlreadyExistsError):
+    """Handle entity creation conflicts (e.g., file already exists).
+
+    This is expected behavior when users try to create notes that exist,
+    so log at INFO level instead of ERROR.
+    """
+    logger.info(
+        "Entity already exists",
+        url=str(request.url),
+        method=request.method,
+        path=request.url.path,
+        error=str(exc),
+    )
+    return await http_exception_handler(
+        request,
+        HTTPException(
+            status_code=409,
+            detail="Note already exists. Use edit_note to modify it, or delete it first.",
+        ),
+    )
 
 
 @app.exception_handler(Exception)

src/basic_memory/api/routers/__init__.py

@@ -1,11 +0,0 @@
-"""API routers."""
-
-from . import knowledge_router as knowledge
-from . import management_router as management
-from . import memory_router as memory
-from . import project_router as project
-from . import resource_router as resource
-from . import search_router as search
-from . import prompt_router as prompt
-
-__all__ = ["knowledge", "management", "memory", "project", "resource", "search", "prompt"]

src/basic_memory/api/routers/directory_router.py

@@ -1,84 +0,0 @@
-"""Router for directory tree operations."""
-
-from typing import List, Optional
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, Query
-
-from basic_memory.deps import DirectoryServiceDep, ProjectIdDep
-from basic_memory.schemas.directory import DirectoryNode
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/directory", tags=["directory"])
-
-
-@router.get("/tree", response_model=DirectoryNode, response_model_exclude_none=True)
-async def get_directory_tree(
-    directory_service: DirectoryServiceDep,
-    project_id: ProjectIdDep,
-):
-    """Get hierarchical directory structure from the knowledge base.
-
-    Args:
-        directory_service: Service for directory operations
-        project_id: ID of the current project
-
-    Returns:
-        DirectoryNode representing the root of the hierarchical tree structure
-    """
-    # Get a hierarchical directory tree for the specific project
-    tree = await directory_service.get_directory_tree()
-
-    # Return the hierarchical tree
-    return tree
-
-
-@router.get("/structure", response_model=DirectoryNode, response_model_exclude_none=True)
-async def get_directory_structure(
-    directory_service: DirectoryServiceDep,
-    project_id: ProjectIdDep,
-):
-    """Get folder structure for navigation (no files).
-
-    Optimized endpoint for folder tree navigation. Returns only directory nodes
-    without file metadata. For full tree with files, use /directory/tree.
-
-    Args:
-        directory_service: Service for directory operations
-        project_id: ID of the current project
-
-    Returns:
-        DirectoryNode tree containing only folders (type="directory")
-    """
-    structure = await directory_service.get_directory_structure()
-    return structure
-
-
-@router.get("/list", response_model=List[DirectoryNode], response_model_exclude_none=True)
-async def list_directory(
-    directory_service: DirectoryServiceDep,
-    project_id: ProjectIdDep,
-    dir_name: str = Query("/", description="Directory path to list"),
-    depth: int = Query(1, ge=1, le=10, description="Recursion depth (1-10)"),
-    file_name_glob: Optional[str] = Query(
-        None, description="Glob pattern for filtering file names"
-    ),
-):
-    """List directory contents with filtering and depth control.
-
-    Args:
-        directory_service: Service for directory operations
-        project_id: ID of the current project
-        dir_name: Directory path to list (default: root "/")
-        depth: Recursion depth (1-10, default: 1 for immediate children only)
-        file_name_glob: Optional glob pattern for filtering file names (e.g., "*.md", "*meeting*")
-
-    Returns:
-        List of DirectoryNode objects matching the criteria
-    """
-    # Get directory listing with filtering
-    nodes = await directory_service.list_directory(
-        dir_name=dir_name,
-        depth=depth,
-        file_name_glob=file_name_glob,
-    )
-
-    return nodes

src/basic_memory/api/routers/importer_router.py

@@ -1,152 +0,0 @@
-"""Import router for Basic Memory API."""
-
-import json
-import logging
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, Form, HTTPException, UploadFile, status
-
-from basic_memory.deps import (
-    ChatGPTImporterDep,
-    ClaudeConversationsImporterDep,
-    ClaudeProjectsImporterDep,
-    MemoryJsonImporterDep,
-)
-from basic_memory.importers import Importer
-from basic_memory.schemas.importer import (
-    ChatImportResult,
-    EntityImportResult,
-    ProjectImportResult,
-)
-
-logger = logging.getLogger(__name__)
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/import", tags=["import"])
-
-
-@router.post("/chatgpt", response_model=ChatImportResult)
-async def import_chatgpt(
-    importer: ChatGPTImporterDep,
-    file: UploadFile,
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
-) -> ChatImportResult:
-    """Import conversations from ChatGPT JSON export.
-
-    Args:
-        file: The ChatGPT conversations.json file.
-        folder: The folder to place the files in.
-        markdown_processor: MarkdownProcessor instance.
-
-    Returns:
-        ChatImportResult with import statistics.
-
-    Raises:
-        HTTPException: If import fails.
-    """
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
-
-
-@router.post("/claude/conversations", response_model=ChatImportResult)
-async def import_claude_conversations(
-    importer: ClaudeConversationsImporterDep,
-    file: UploadFile,
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
-) -> ChatImportResult:
-    """Import conversations from Claude conversations.json export.
-
-    Args:
-        file: The Claude conversations.json file.
-        folder: The folder to place the files in.
-        markdown_processor: MarkdownProcessor instance.
-
-    Returns:
-        ChatImportResult with import statistics.
-
-    Raises:
-        HTTPException: If import fails.
-    """
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
-
-
-@router.post("/claude/projects", response_model=ProjectImportResult)
-async def import_claude_projects(
-    importer: ClaudeProjectsImporterDep,
-    file: UploadFile,
-    folder: str = Form("projects"),
-) -> ProjectImportResult:
-    """Import projects from Claude projects.json export.
-
-    Args:
-        file: The Claude projects.json file.
-        base_folder: The base folder to place the files in.
-        markdown_processor: MarkdownProcessor instance.
-
-    Returns:
-        ProjectImportResult with import statistics.
-
-    Raises:
-        HTTPException: If import fails.
-    """
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
-
-
-@router.post("/memory-json", response_model=EntityImportResult)
-async def import_memory_json(
-    importer: MemoryJsonImporterDep,
-    file: UploadFile,
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
-) -> EntityImportResult:
-    """Import entities and relations from a memory.json file.
-
-    Args:
-        file: The memory.json file.
-        destination_folder: Optional destination folder within the project.
-        markdown_processor: MarkdownProcessor instance.
-
-    Returns:
-        EntityImportResult with import statistics.
-
-    Raises:
-        HTTPException: If import fails.
-    """
-    try:
-        file_data = []
-        file_bytes = await file.read()
-        file_str = file_bytes.decode("utf-8")
-        for line in file_str.splitlines():
-            json_data = json.loads(line)
-            file_data.append(json_data)
-
-        result = await importer.import_data(file_data, folder)
-        if not result.success:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-                detail=result.error_message or "Import failed",
-            )
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.exception("Import failed")
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-            detail=f"Import failed: {str(e)}",
-        )
-    return result
-
-
-async def import_file(importer: Importer, file: UploadFile, destination_folder: str):
-    try:
-        # Process file
-        json_data = json.load(file.file)
-        result = await importer.import_data(json_data, destination_folder)
-        if not result.success:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-                detail=result.error_message or "Import failed",
-            )
-
-        return result
-
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.exception("Import failed")
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-            detail=f"Import failed: {str(e)}",
-        )

src/basic_memory/api/routers/knowledge_router.py

@@ -1,319 +0,0 @@
-"""Router for knowledge graph operations.
-
-⚠️ DEPRECATED: This v1 API is deprecated and will be removed on June 30, 2026.
-Please migrate to /v2/{project}/knowledge endpoints which use entity IDs instead
-of path-based identifiers for improved performance and stability.
-
-Migration guide: See docs/migration/v1-to-v2.md
-"""
-
-from typing import Annotated
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks, Depends, Query, Response
-from loguru import logger
-
-from basic_memory.deps import (
-    EntityServiceDep,
-    get_search_service,
-    SearchServiceDep,
-    LinkResolverDep,
-    ProjectPathDep,
-    FileServiceDep,
-    ProjectConfigDep,
-    AppConfigDep,
-    SyncServiceDep,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas import (
-    EntityListResponse,
-    EntityResponse,
-    DeleteEntitiesResponse,
-    DeleteEntitiesRequest,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas.request import EditEntityRequest, MoveEntityRequest
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import Permalink, Entity
-
-router = APIRouter(
-    prefix="/knowledge",
-    tags=["knowledge"],
-    deprecated=True,  # Marks entire router as deprecated in OpenAPI docs
-)
-
-
-async def resolve_relations_background(sync_service, entity_id: int, entity_permalink: str) -> None:
-    """Background task to resolve relations for a specific entity.
-
-    This runs asynchronously after the API response is sent, preventing
-    long delays when creating entities with many relations.
-    """
-    try:
-        # Only resolve relations for the newly created entity
-        await sync_service.resolve_relations(entity_id=entity_id)
-        logger.debug(
-            f"Background: Resolved relations for entity {entity_permalink} (id={entity_id})"
-        )
-    except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        # Log but don't fail - this is a background task.
-        # Avoid forcing synthetic failures just for coverage.
-        logger.warning(  # pragma: no cover
-            f"Background: Failed to resolve relations for entity {entity_permalink}: {e}"
-        )
-
-
-## Create endpoints
-
-
-@router.post("/entities", response_model=EntityResponse)
-async def create_entity(
-    data: Entity,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-) -> EntityResponse:
-    """Create an entity."""
-    logger.info(
-        "API request", endpoint="create_entity", entity_type=data.entity_type, title=data.title
-    )
-
-    entity = await entity_service.create_entity(data)
-
-    # reindex
-    await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
-    result = EntityResponse.model_validate(entity)
-
-    logger.info(
-        f"API response: endpoint='create_entity' title={result.title}, permalink={result.permalink}, status_code=201"
-    )
-    return result
-
-
-@router.put("/entities/{permalink:path}", response_model=EntityResponse)
-async def create_or_update_entity(
-    project: ProjectPathDep,
-    permalink: Permalink,
-    data: Entity,
-    response: Response,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    file_service: FileServiceDep,
-    sync_service: SyncServiceDep,
-) -> EntityResponse:
-    """Create or update an entity. If entity exists, it will be updated, otherwise created."""
-    logger.info(
-        f"API request: create_or_update_entity for {project=}, {permalink=}, {data.entity_type=}, {data.title=}"
-    )
-
-    # Validate permalink matches
-    if data.permalink != permalink:
-        logger.warning(
-            f"API validation error: creating/updating entity with permalink mismatch - url={permalink}, data={data.permalink}",
-        )
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=400,
-            detail=f"Entity permalink {data.permalink} must match URL path: '{permalink}'",
-        )
-
-    # Try create_or_update operation
-    entity, created = await entity_service.create_or_update_entity(data)
-    response.status_code = 201 if created else 200
-
-    # reindex
-    await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
-
-    # Schedule relation resolution as a background task for new entities
-    # This prevents blocking the API response while resolving potentially many relations
-    if created:
-        background_tasks.add_task(
-            resolve_relations_background, sync_service, entity.id, entity.permalink or ""
-        )
-
-    result = EntityResponse.model_validate(entity)
-
-    logger.info(
-        f"API response: {result.title=}, {result.permalink=}, {created=}, status_code={response.status_code}"
-    )
-    return result
-
-
-@router.patch("/entities/{identifier:path}", response_model=EntityResponse)
-async def edit_entity(
-    identifier: str,
-    data: EditEntityRequest,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-) -> EntityResponse:
-    """Edit an existing entity using various operations like append, prepend, find_replace, or replace_section.
-
-    This endpoint allows for targeted edits without requiring the full entity content.
-    """
-    logger.info(
-        f"API request: endpoint='edit_entity', identifier='{identifier}', operation='{data.operation}'"
-    )
-
-    try:
-        # Edit the entity using the service
-        entity = await entity_service.edit_entity(
-            identifier=identifier,
-            operation=data.operation,
-            content=data.content,
-            section=data.section,
-            find_text=data.find_text,
-            expected_replacements=data.expected_replacements,
-        )
-
-        # Reindex the updated entity
-        await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
-
-        # Return the updated entity response
-        result = EntityResponse.model_validate(entity)
-
-        logger.info(
-            "API response",
-            endpoint="edit_entity",
-            identifier=identifier,
-            operation=data.operation,
-            permalink=result.permalink,
-            status_code=200,
-        )
-
-        return result
-
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.error(f"Error editing entity: {e}")
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
-
-
-@router.post("/move")
-async def move_entity(
-    data: MoveEntityRequest,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    project_config: ProjectConfigDep,
-    app_config: AppConfigDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-) -> EntityResponse:
-    """Move an entity to a new file location with project consistency.
-
-    This endpoint moves a note to a different path while maintaining project
-    consistency and optionally updating permalinks based on configuration.
-    """
-    logger.info(
-        f"API request: endpoint='move_entity', identifier='{data.identifier}', destination='{data.destination_path}'"
-    )
-
-    try:
-        # Move the entity using the service
-        moved_entity = await entity_service.move_entity(
-            identifier=data.identifier,
-            destination_path=data.destination_path,
-            project_config=project_config,
-            app_config=app_config,
-        )
-
-        # Get the moved entity to reindex it
-        entity = await entity_service.link_resolver.resolve_link(data.destination_path)
-        if entity:
-            await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
-
-        logger.info(
-            "API response",
-            endpoint="move_entity",
-            identifier=data.identifier,
-            destination=data.destination_path,
-            status_code=200,
-        )
-        result = EntityResponse.model_validate(moved_entity)
-        return result
-
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.error(f"Error moving entity: {e}")
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
-
-
-## Read endpoints
-
-
-@router.get("/entities/{identifier:path}", response_model=EntityResponse)
-async def get_entity(
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    link_resolver: LinkResolverDep,
-    identifier: str,
-) -> EntityResponse:
-    """Get a specific entity by file path or permalink..
-
-    Args:
-        identifier: Entity file path or permalink
-        :param entity_service: EntityService
-        :param link_resolver: LinkResolver
-    """
-    logger.info(f"request: get_entity with identifier={identifier}")
-    entity = await link_resolver.resolve_link(identifier)
-    if not entity:
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=f"Entity {identifier} not found")
-
-    result = EntityResponse.model_validate(entity)
-    return result
-
-
-@router.get("/entities", response_model=EntityListResponse)
-async def get_entities(
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    permalink: Annotated[list[str] | None, Query()] = None,
-) -> EntityListResponse:
-    """Open specific entities"""
-    logger.info(f"request: get_entities with permalinks={permalink}")
-
-    entities = await entity_service.get_entities_by_permalinks(permalink) if permalink else []
-    result = EntityListResponse(
-        entities=[EntityResponse.model_validate(entity) for entity in entities]
-    )
-    return result
-
-
-## Delete endpoints
-
-
-@router.delete("/entities/{identifier:path}", response_model=DeleteEntitiesResponse)
-async def delete_entity(
-    identifier: str,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    link_resolver: LinkResolverDep,
-    search_service=Depends(get_search_service),
-) -> DeleteEntitiesResponse:
-    """Delete a single entity and remove from search index."""
-    logger.info(f"request: delete_entity with identifier={identifier}")
-
-    entity = await link_resolver.resolve_link(identifier)
-    if entity is None:
-        return DeleteEntitiesResponse(deleted=False)
-
-    # Delete the entity
-    deleted = await entity_service.delete_entity(entity.permalink or entity.id)
-
-    # Remove from search index (entity, observations, and relations)
-    background_tasks.add_task(search_service.handle_delete, entity)
-
-    result = DeleteEntitiesResponse(deleted=deleted)
-    return result
-
-
-@router.post("/entities/delete", response_model=DeleteEntitiesResponse)
-async def delete_entities(
-    data: DeleteEntitiesRequest,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    search_service=Depends(get_search_service),
-) -> DeleteEntitiesResponse:
-    """Delete entities and remove from search index."""
-    logger.info(f"request: delete_entities with data={data}")
-    deleted = False
-
-    # Remove each deleted entity from search index
-    for permalink in data.permalinks:
-        deleted = await entity_service.delete_entity(permalink)
-        background_tasks.add_task(search_service.delete_by_permalink, permalink)
-
-    result = DeleteEntitiesResponse(deleted=deleted)
-    return result

src/basic_memory/api/routers/management_router.py

@@ -1,80 +0,0 @@
-"""Management router for basic-memory API."""
-
-import asyncio
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, Request
-from loguru import logger
-from pydantic import BaseModel
-
-from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
-from basic_memory.deps import SyncServiceDep, ProjectRepositoryDep
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/management", tags=["management"])
-
-
-class WatchStatusResponse(BaseModel):
-    """Response model for watch status."""
-
-    running: bool
-    """Whether the watch service is currently running."""
-
-
-@router.get("/watch/status", response_model=WatchStatusResponse)
-async def get_watch_status(request: Request) -> WatchStatusResponse:
-    """Get the current status of the watch service."""
-    return WatchStatusResponse(
-        running=request.app.state.watch_task is not None and not request.app.state.watch_task.done()
-    )
-
-
-@router.post("/watch/start", response_model=WatchStatusResponse)
-async def start_watch_service(
-    request: Request, project_repository: ProjectRepositoryDep, sync_service: SyncServiceDep
-) -> WatchStatusResponse:
-    """Start the watch service if it's not already running."""
-
-    # needed because of circular imports from sync -> app
-    from basic_memory.sync import WatchService
-    from basic_memory.sync.background_sync import create_background_sync_task
-
-    if request.app.state.watch_task is not None and not request.app.state.watch_task.done():
-        # Watch service is already running
-        return WatchStatusResponse(running=True)
-
-    app_config = ConfigManager().config
-
-    # Create and start a new watch service
-    logger.info("Starting watch service via management API")
-
-    # Get services needed for the watch task
-    watch_service = WatchService(
-        app_config=app_config,
-        project_repository=project_repository,
-    )
-
-    # Create and store the task
-    watch_task = create_background_sync_task(sync_service, watch_service)
-    request.app.state.watch_task = watch_task
-
-    return WatchStatusResponse(running=True)
-
-
-@router.post("/watch/stop", response_model=WatchStatusResponse)
-async def stop_watch_service(request: Request) -> WatchStatusResponse:  # pragma: no cover
-    """Stop the watch service if it's running."""
-    if request.app.state.watch_task is None or request.app.state.watch_task.done():
-        # Watch service is not running
-        return WatchStatusResponse(running=False)
-
-    # Cancel the running task
-    logger.info("Stopping watch service via management API")
-    request.app.state.watch_task.cancel()
-
-    # Wait for it to be properly cancelled
-    try:
-        await request.app.state.watch_task
-    except asyncio.CancelledError:
-        pass
-
-    request.app.state.watch_task = None
-    return WatchStatusResponse(running=False)

src/basic_memory/api/routers/memory_router.py

@@ -1,90 +0,0 @@
-"""Routes for memory:// URI operations."""
-
-from typing import Annotated, Optional
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, Query
-from loguru import logger
-
-from basic_memory.deps import ContextServiceDep, EntityRepositoryDep
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame, parse_timeframe
-from basic_memory.schemas.memory import (
-    GraphContext,
-    normalize_memory_url,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_graph_context
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/memory", tags=["memory"])
-
-
-@router.get("/recent", response_model=GraphContext)
-async def recent(
-    context_service: ContextServiceDep,
-    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryDep,
-    type: Annotated[list[SearchItemType] | None, Query()] = None,
-    depth: int = 1,
-    timeframe: TimeFrame = "7d",
-    page: int = 1,
-    page_size: int = 10,
-    max_related: int = 10,
-) -> GraphContext:
-    # return all types by default
-    types = (
-        [SearchItemType.ENTITY, SearchItemType.RELATION, SearchItemType.OBSERVATION]
-        if not type
-        else type
-    )
-
-    logger.debug(
-        f"Getting recent context: `{types}` depth: `{depth}` timeframe: `{timeframe}` page: `{page}` page_size: `{page_size}` max_related: `{max_related}`"
-    )
-    # Parse timeframe
-    since = parse_timeframe(timeframe)
-    limit = page_size
-    offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-
-    # Build context
-    context = await context_service.build_context(
-        types=types, depth=depth, since=since, limit=limit, offset=offset, max_related=max_related
-    )
-    recent_context = await to_graph_context(
-        context, entity_repository=entity_repository, page=page, page_size=page_size
-    )
-    logger.debug(f"Recent context: {recent_context.model_dump_json()}")
-    return recent_context
-
-
-# get_memory_context needs to be declared last so other paths can match
-
-
-@router.get("/{uri:path}", response_model=GraphContext)
-async def get_memory_context(
-    context_service: ContextServiceDep,
-    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryDep,
-    uri: str,
-    depth: int = 1,
-    timeframe: Optional[TimeFrame] = None,
-    page: int = 1,
-    page_size: int = 10,
-    max_related: int = 10,
-) -> GraphContext:
-    """Get rich context from memory:// URI."""
-    # add the project name from the config to the url as the "host
-    # Parse URI
-    logger.debug(
-        f"Getting context for URI: `{uri}` depth: `{depth}` timeframe: `{timeframe}` page: `{page}` page_size: `{page_size}` max_related: `{max_related}`"
-    )
-    memory_url = normalize_memory_url(uri)
-
-    # Parse timeframe
-    since = parse_timeframe(timeframe) if timeframe else None
-    limit = page_size
-    offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-
-    # Build context
-    context = await context_service.build_context(
-        memory_url, depth=depth, since=since, limit=limit, offset=offset, max_related=max_related
-    )
-    return await to_graph_context(
-        context, entity_repository=entity_repository, page=page, page_size=page_size
-    )

src/basic_memory/api/routers/project_router.py

@@ -1,472 +0,0 @@
-"""Router for project management."""
-
-import os
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, Path, Body, BackgroundTasks, Response, Query
-from typing import Optional
-from loguru import logger
-
-from basic_memory.deps import (
-    ProjectConfigDep,
-    ProjectServiceDep,
-    ProjectPathDep,
-    SyncServiceDep,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas import ProjectInfoResponse, SyncReportResponse
-from basic_memory.schemas.project_info import (
-    ProjectList,
-    ProjectItem,
-    ProjectInfoRequest,
-    ProjectStatusResponse,
-)
-from basic_memory.utils import normalize_project_path
-
-# Router for resources in a specific project
-# The ProjectPathDep is used in the path as a prefix, so the request path is like /{project}/project/info
-project_router = APIRouter(prefix="/project", tags=["project"])
-
-# Router for managing project resources
-project_resource_router = APIRouter(prefix="/projects", tags=["project_management"])
-
-
-@project_router.get("/info", response_model=ProjectInfoResponse)
-async def get_project_info(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-    project: ProjectPathDep,
-) -> ProjectInfoResponse:
-    """Get comprehensive information about the specified Basic Memory project."""
-    return await project_service.get_project_info(project)
-
-
-@project_router.get("/item", response_model=ProjectItem)
-async def get_project(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-    project: ProjectPathDep,
-) -> ProjectItem:
-    """Get bassic info about the specified Basic Memory project."""
-    found_project = await project_service.get_project(project)
-    if not found_project:
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=404, detail=f"Project: '{project}' does not exist"
-        )  # pragma: no cover
-
-    return ProjectItem(
-        id=found_project.id,
-        external_id=found_project.external_id,
-        name=found_project.name,
-        path=normalize_project_path(found_project.path),
-        is_default=found_project.is_default or False,
-    )
-
-
-# Update a project
-@project_router.patch("/{name}", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
-async def update_project(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-    name: str = Path(..., description="Name of the project to update"),
-    path: Optional[str] = Body(None, description="New absolute path for the project"),
-    is_active: Optional[bool] = Body(None, description="Status of the project (active/inactive)"),
-) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
-    """Update a project's information in configuration and database.
-
-    Args:
-        name: The name of the project to update
-        path: Optional new absolute path for the project
-        is_active: Optional status update for the project
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming the project was updated
-    """
-    try:
-        # Validate that path is absolute if provided
-        if path and not os.path.isabs(path):
-            raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail="Path must be absolute")
-
-        # Get original project info for the response
-        old_project = await project_service.get_project(name)
-        if not old_project:
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=400, detail=f"Project '{name}' not found in configuration"
-            )
-
-        old_project_info = ProjectItem(
-            id=old_project.id,
-            external_id=old_project.external_id,
-            name=old_project.name,
-            path=old_project.path,
-            is_default=old_project.is_default or False,
-        )
-
-        if path:
-            await project_service.move_project(name, path)
-        elif is_active is not None:
-            await project_service.update_project(name, is_active=is_active)
-
-        # Get updated project info
-        updated_project = await project_service.get_project(name)
-        if not updated_project:
-            raise HTTPException(  # pragma: no cover
-                status_code=404, detail=f"Project '{name}' not found after update"
-            )
-
-        return ProjectStatusResponse(
-            message=f"Project '{name}' updated successfully",
-            status="success",
-            default=(name == project_service.default_project),
-            old_project=old_project_info,
-            new_project=ProjectItem(
-                id=updated_project.id,
-                external_id=updated_project.external_id,
-                name=updated_project.name,
-                path=updated_project.path,
-                is_default=updated_project.is_default or False,
-            ),
-        )
-    except ValueError as e:
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))  # pragma: no cover
-
-
-# Sync project filesystem
-@project_router.post("/sync")
-async def sync_project(
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    sync_service: SyncServiceDep,
-    project_config: ProjectConfigDep,
-    force_full: bool = Query(
-        False, description="Force full scan, bypassing watermark optimization"
-    ),
-    run_in_background: bool = Query(True, description="Run in background"),
-):
-    """Force project filesystem sync to database.
-
-    Scans the project directory and updates the database with any new or modified files.
-
-    Args:
-        background_tasks: FastAPI background tasks
-        sync_service: Sync service for this project
-        project_config: Project configuration
-        force_full: If True, force a full scan even if watermark exists
-        run_in_background: If True, run sync in background and return immediately
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming sync was initiated (background) or SyncReportResponse (foreground)
-    """
-    if run_in_background:
-        background_tasks.add_task(
-            sync_service.sync, project_config.home, project_config.name, force_full=force_full
-        )
-        logger.info(
-            f"Filesystem sync initiated for project: {project_config.name} (force_full={force_full})"
-        )
-
-        return {
-            "status": "sync_started",
-            "message": f"Filesystem sync initiated for project '{project_config.name}'",
-        }
-    else:
-        report = await sync_service.sync(
-            project_config.home, project_config.name, force_full=force_full
-        )
-        logger.info(
-            f"Filesystem sync completed for project: {project_config.name} (force_full={force_full})"
-        )
-        return SyncReportResponse.from_sync_report(report)
-
-
-@project_router.post("/status", response_model=SyncReportResponse)
-async def project_sync_status(
-    sync_service: SyncServiceDep,
-    project_config: ProjectConfigDep,
-) -> SyncReportResponse:
-    """Scan directory for changes compared to database state.
-
-    Args:
-        sync_service: Sync service for this project
-        project_config: Project configuration
-
-    Returns:
-        Scan report with details on files that need syncing
-    """
-    logger.info(f"Scanning filesystem for project: {project_config.name}")  # pragma: no cover
-    sync_report = await sync_service.scan(project_config.home)  # pragma: no cover
-
-    return SyncReportResponse.from_sync_report(sync_report)  # pragma: no cover
-
-
-# List all available projects
-@project_resource_router.get("/projects", response_model=ProjectList)
-async def list_projects(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-) -> ProjectList:
-    """List all configured projects.
-
-    Returns:
-        A list of all projects with metadata
-    """
-    projects = await project_service.list_projects()
-    default_project = project_service.default_project
-
-    project_items = [
-        ProjectItem(
-            id=project.id,
-            external_id=project.external_id,
-            name=project.name,
-            path=normalize_project_path(project.path),
-            is_default=project.is_default or False,
-        )
-        for project in projects
-    ]
-
-    return ProjectList(
-        projects=project_items,
-        default_project=default_project,
-    )
-
-
-# Add a new project
-@project_resource_router.post("/projects", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse, status_code=201)
-async def add_project(
-    response: Response,
-    project_data: ProjectInfoRequest,
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
-    """Add a new project to configuration and database.
-
-    Args:
-        project_data: The project name and path, with option to set as default
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming the project was added
-    """
-    # Check if project already exists before attempting to add
-    existing_project = await project_service.get_project(project_data.name)
-    if existing_project:
-        # Project exists - check if paths match for true idempotency
-        # Normalize paths for comparison (resolve symlinks, etc.)
-        from pathlib import Path
-
-        requested_path = Path(project_data.path).resolve()
-        existing_path = Path(existing_project.path).resolve()
-
-        if requested_path == existing_path:
-            # Same name, same path - return 200 OK (idempotent)
-            response.status_code = 200
-            return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
-                message=f"Project '{project_data.name}' already exists",
-                status="success",
-                default=existing_project.is_default or False,
-                new_project=ProjectItem(
-                    id=existing_project.id,
-                    external_id=existing_project.external_id,
-                    name=existing_project.name,
-                    path=existing_project.path,
-                    is_default=existing_project.is_default or False,
-                ),
-            )
-        else:
-            # Same name, different path - this is an error
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=400,
-                detail=f"Project '{project_data.name}' already exists with different path. Existing: {existing_project.path}, Requested: {project_data.path}",
-            )
-
-    try:  # pragma: no cover
-        # The service layer now handles cloud mode validation and path sanitization
-        await project_service.add_project(
-            project_data.name, project_data.path, set_default=project_data.set_default
-        )
-
-        # Fetch the newly created project to get its ID
-        new_project = await project_service.get_project(project_data.name)
-        if not new_project:
-            raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail="Failed to retrieve newly created project")
-
-        return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
-            message=f"Project '{new_project.name}' added successfully",
-            status="success",
-            default=project_data.set_default,
-            new_project=ProjectItem(
-                id=new_project.id,
-                external_id=new_project.external_id,
-                name=new_project.name,
-                path=new_project.path,
-                is_default=new_project.is_default or False,
-            ),
-        )
-    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
-
-
-# Remove a project
-@project_resource_router.delete("/{name}", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
-async def remove_project(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-    name: str = Path(..., description="Name of the project to remove"),
-    delete_notes: bool = Query(
-        False, description="If True, delete project directory from filesystem"
-    ),
-) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
-    """Remove a project from configuration and database.
-
-    Args:
-        name: The name of the project to remove
-        delete_notes: If True, delete the project directory from the filesystem
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming the project was removed
-    """
-    try:
-        old_project = await project_service.get_project(name)
-        if not old_project:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=404, detail=f"Project: '{name}' does not exist"
-            )  # pragma: no cover
-
-        # Check if trying to delete the default project
-        # In cloud mode, database is source of truth; in local mode, check config
-        config_default = project_service.default_project
-        db_default = await project_service.repository.get_default_project()
-
-        # Use database default if available, otherwise fall back to config default
-        default_project_name = db_default.name if db_default else config_default
-
-        if name == default_project_name:
-            available_projects = await project_service.list_projects()
-            other_projects = [p.name for p in available_projects if p.name != name]
-            detail = f"Cannot delete default project '{name}'. "
-            if other_projects:
-                detail += (
-                    f"Set another project as default first. Available: {', '.join(other_projects)}"
-                )
-            else:
-                detail += "This is the only project in your configuration."
-            raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=detail)
-
-        await project_service.remove_project(name, delete_notes=delete_notes)
-
-        return ProjectStatusResponse(
-            message=f"Project '{old_project.name}' removed successfully",
-            status="success",
-            default=False,
-            old_project=ProjectItem(
-                id=old_project.id,
-                external_id=old_project.external_id,
-                name=old_project.name,
-                path=old_project.path,
-                is_default=old_project.is_default or False,
-            ),
-            new_project=None,
-        )
-    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
-
-
-# Set a project as default
-@project_resource_router.put("/{name}/default", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
-async def set_default_project(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-    name: str = Path(..., description="Name of the project to set as default"),
-) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
-    """Set a project as the default project.
-
-    Args:
-        name: The name of the project to set as default
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming the project was set as default
-    """
-    try:
-        # Get the old default project
-        default_name = project_service.default_project
-        default_project = await project_service.get_project(default_name)
-        if not default_project:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise HTTPException(  # pragma: no cover
-                status_code=404, detail=f"Default Project: '{default_name}' does not exist"
-            )
-
-        # get the new project
-        new_default_project = await project_service.get_project(name)
-        if not new_default_project:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=404, detail=f"Project: '{name}' does not exist"
-            )  # pragma: no cover
-
-        await project_service.set_default_project(name)
-
-        return ProjectStatusResponse(
-            message=f"Project '{name}' set as default successfully",
-            status="success",
-            default=True,
-            old_project=ProjectItem(
-                id=default_project.id,
-                external_id=default_project.external_id,
-                name=default_name,
-                path=default_project.path,
-                is_default=False,
-            ),
-            new_project=ProjectItem(
-                id=new_default_project.id,
-                external_id=new_default_project.external_id,
-                name=name,
-                path=new_default_project.path,
-                is_default=True,
-            ),
-        )
-    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
-
-
-# Get the default project
-@project_resource_router.get("/default", response_model=ProjectItem)
-async def get_default_project(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-) -> ProjectItem:
-    """Get the default project.
-
-    Returns:
-        Response with project default information
-    """
-    # Get the default project
-    # In cloud mode, database is source of truth; in local mode, check config
-    config_default = project_service.default_project
-    db_default = await project_service.repository.get_default_project()
-
-    # Use database default if available, otherwise fall back to config default
-    default_name = db_default.name if db_default else config_default
-    default_project = await project_service.get_project(default_name)
-    if not default_project:  # pragma: no cover
-        raise HTTPException(  # pragma: no cover
-            status_code=404, detail=f"Default Project: '{default_name}' does not exist"
-        )
-
-    return ProjectItem(
-        id=default_project.id,
-        external_id=default_project.external_id,
-        name=default_project.name,
-        path=default_project.path,
-        is_default=True,
-    )
-
-
-# Synchronize projects between config and database
-@project_resource_router.post("/config/sync", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
-async def synchronize_projects(
-    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
-) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
-    """Synchronize projects between configuration file and database.
-
-    Ensures that all projects in the configuration file exist in the database
-    and vice versa.
-
-    Returns:
-        Response confirming synchronization was completed
-    """
-    try:  # pragma: no cover
-        await project_service.synchronize_projects()
-
-        return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
-            message="Projects synchronized successfully between configuration and database",
-            status="success",
-            default=False,
-        )
-    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))

src/basic_memory/api/routers/prompt_router.py

@@ -1,260 +0,0 @@
-"""Router for prompt-related operations.
-
-This router is responsible for rendering various prompts using Handlebars templates.
-It centralizes all prompt formatting logic that was previously in the MCP prompts.
-"""
-
-from datetime import datetime, timezone
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, status
-from loguru import logger
-
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_graph_context, to_search_results
-from basic_memory.api.template_loader import template_loader
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import parse_timeframe
-from basic_memory.deps import (
-    ContextServiceDep,
-    EntityRepositoryDep,
-    SearchServiceDep,
-    EntityServiceDep,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas.prompt import (
-    ContinueConversationRequest,
-    SearchPromptRequest,
-    PromptResponse,
-    PromptMetadata,
-)
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType, SearchQuery
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/prompt", tags=["prompt"])
-
-
-@router.post("/continue-conversation", response_model=PromptResponse)
-async def continue_conversation(
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    context_service: ContextServiceDep,
-    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryDep,
-    request: ContinueConversationRequest,
-) -> PromptResponse:
-    """Generate a prompt for continuing a conversation.
-
-    This endpoint takes a topic and/or timeframe and generates a prompt with
-    relevant context from the knowledge base.
-
-    Args:
-        request: The request parameters
-
-    Returns:
-        Formatted continuation prompt with context
-    """
-    logger.info(
-        f"Generating continue conversation prompt, topic: {request.topic}, timeframe: {request.timeframe}"
-    )
-
-    since = parse_timeframe(request.timeframe) if request.timeframe else None
-
-    # Initialize search results
-    search_results = []
-
-    # Get data needed for template
-    if request.topic:
-        query = SearchQuery(text=request.topic, after_date=request.timeframe)
-        results = await search_service.search(query, limit=request.search_items_limit)
-        search_results = await to_search_results(entity_service, results)
-
-        # Build context from results
-        all_hierarchical_results = []
-        for result in search_results:
-            if hasattr(result, "permalink") and result.permalink:
-                # Get hierarchical context using the new dataclass-based approach
-                context_result = await context_service.build_context(
-                    result.permalink,
-                    depth=request.depth,
-                    since=since,
-                    max_related=request.related_items_limit,
-                    include_observations=True,  # Include observations for entities
-                )
-
-                # Process results into the schema format
-                graph_context = await to_graph_context(
-                    context_result, entity_repository=entity_repository
-                )
-
-                # Add results to our collection (limit to top results for each permalink)
-                if graph_context.results:
-                    all_hierarchical_results.extend(graph_context.results[:3])
-
-        # Limit to a reasonable number of total results
-        all_hierarchical_results = all_hierarchical_results[:10]
-
-        template_context = {
-            "topic": request.topic,
-            "timeframe": request.timeframe,
-            "hierarchical_results": all_hierarchical_results,
-            "has_results": len(all_hierarchical_results) > 0,
-        }
-    else:
-        # If no topic, get recent activity
-        context_result = await context_service.build_context(
-            types=[SearchItemType.ENTITY],
-            depth=request.depth,
-            since=since,
-            max_related=request.related_items_limit,
-            include_observations=True,
-        )
-        recent_context = await to_graph_context(context_result, entity_repository=entity_repository)
-
-        hierarchical_results = recent_context.results[:5]  # Limit to top 5 recent items
-
-        template_context = {
-            "topic": f"Recent Activity from ({request.timeframe})",
-            "timeframe": request.timeframe,
-            "hierarchical_results": hierarchical_results,
-            "has_results": len(hierarchical_results) > 0,
-        }
-
-    try:
-        # Render template
-        rendered_prompt = await template_loader.render(
-            "prompts/continue_conversation.hbs", template_context
-        )
-
-        # Calculate metadata
-        # Count items of different types
-        observation_count = 0
-        relation_count = 0
-        entity_count = 0
-
-        # Get the hierarchical results from the template context
-        hierarchical_results_for_count = template_context.get("hierarchical_results", [])
-
-        # For topic-based search
-        if request.topic:
-            for item in hierarchical_results_for_count:
-                if hasattr(item, "observations"):
-                    observation_count += len(item.observations) if item.observations else 0
-
-                if hasattr(item, "related_results"):
-                    for related in item.related_results or []:
-                        if hasattr(related, "type"):
-                            if related.type == "relation":
-                                relation_count += 1
-                            elif related.type == "entity":  # pragma: no cover
-                                entity_count += 1  # pragma: no cover
-        # For recent activity
-        else:
-            for item in hierarchical_results_for_count:
-                if hasattr(item, "observations"):
-                    observation_count += len(item.observations) if item.observations else 0
-
-                if hasattr(item, "related_results"):
-                    for related in item.related_results or []:
-                        if hasattr(related, "type"):
-                            if related.type == "relation":
-                                relation_count += 1
-                            elif related.type == "entity":  # pragma: no cover
-                                entity_count += 1  # pragma: no cover
-
-        # Build metadata
-        metadata = {
-            "query": request.topic,
-            "timeframe": request.timeframe,
-            "search_count": len(search_results)
-            if request.topic
-            else 0,  # Original search results count
-            "context_count": len(hierarchical_results_for_count),
-            "observation_count": observation_count,
-            "relation_count": relation_count,
-            "total_items": (
-                len(hierarchical_results_for_count)
-                + observation_count
-                + relation_count
-                + entity_count
-            ),
-            "search_limit": request.search_items_limit,
-            "context_depth": request.depth,
-            "related_limit": request.related_items_limit,
-            "generated_at": datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat(),
-        }
-
-        prompt_metadata = PromptMetadata(**metadata)
-
-        return PromptResponse(
-            prompt=rendered_prompt, context=template_context, metadata=prompt_metadata
-        )
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.error(f"Error rendering continue conversation template: {e}")
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-            detail=f"Error rendering prompt template: {str(e)}",
-        )
-
-
-@router.post("/search", response_model=PromptResponse)
-async def search_prompt(
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    request: SearchPromptRequest,
-    page: int = 1,
-    page_size: int = 10,
-) -> PromptResponse:
-    """Generate a prompt for search results.
-
-    This endpoint takes a search query and formats the results into a helpful
-    prompt with context and suggestions.
-
-    Args:
-        request: The search parameters
-        page: The page number for pagination
-        page_size: The number of results per page, defaults to 10
-
-    Returns:
-        Formatted search results prompt with context
-    """
-    logger.info(f"Generating search prompt, query: {request.query}, timeframe: {request.timeframe}")
-
-    limit = page_size
-    offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-
-    query = SearchQuery(text=request.query, after_date=request.timeframe)
-    results = await search_service.search(query, limit=limit, offset=offset)
-    search_results = await to_search_results(entity_service, results)
-
-    template_context = {
-        "query": request.query,
-        "timeframe": request.timeframe,
-        "results": search_results,
-        "has_results": len(search_results) > 0,
-        "result_count": len(search_results),
-    }
-
-    try:
-        # Render template
-        rendered_prompt = await template_loader.render("prompts/search.hbs", template_context)
-
-        # Build metadata
-        metadata = {
-            "query": request.query,
-            "timeframe": request.timeframe,
-            "search_count": len(search_results),
-            "context_count": len(search_results),
-            "observation_count": 0,  # Search results don't include observations
-            "relation_count": 0,  # Search results don't include relations
-            "total_items": len(search_results),
-            "search_limit": limit,
-            "context_depth": 0,  # No context depth for basic search
-            "related_limit": 0,  # No related items for basic search
-            "generated_at": datetime.now(timezone.utc).isoformat(),
-        }
-
-        prompt_metadata = PromptMetadata(**metadata)
-
-        return PromptResponse(
-            prompt=rendered_prompt, context=template_context, metadata=prompt_metadata
-        )
-    except Exception as e:
-        logger.error(f"Error rendering search template: {e}")
-        raise HTTPException(
-            status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-            detail=f"Error rendering prompt template: {str(e)}",
-        )

src/basic_memory/api/routers/resource_router.py

@@ -1,252 +0,0 @@
-"""Routes for getting entity content."""
-
-import tempfile
-import uuid
-from pathlib import Path
-from typing import Annotated, Union
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks, Body, Response
-from fastapi.responses import FileResponse, JSONResponse
-from loguru import logger
-
-from basic_memory.deps import (
-    ProjectConfigDep,
-    LinkResolverDep,
-    SearchServiceDep,
-    EntityServiceDep,
-    FileServiceDep,
-    EntityRepositoryDep,
-)
-from basic_memory.repository.search_repository import SearchIndexRow
-from basic_memory.schemas.memory import normalize_memory_url
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery, SearchItemType
-from basic_memory.models.knowledge import Entity as EntityModel
-from datetime import datetime
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/resource", tags=["resources"])
-
-
-def _mtime_to_datetime(entity: EntityModel) -> datetime:
-    """Convert entity mtime (file modification time) to datetime.
-
-    Returns the file's actual modification time, falling back to updated_at
-    if mtime is not available.
-    """
-    if entity.mtime:  # pragma: no cover
-        return datetime.fromtimestamp(entity.mtime).astimezone()  # pragma: no cover
-    return entity.updated_at
-
-
-def get_entity_ids(item: SearchIndexRow) -> set[int]:
-    match item.type:
-        case SearchItemType.ENTITY:
-            return {item.id}
-        case SearchItemType.OBSERVATION:
-            return {item.entity_id}  # pyright: ignore [reportReturnType]
-        case SearchItemType.RELATION:
-            from_entity = item.from_id
-            to_entity = item.to_id  # pyright: ignore [reportReturnType]
-            return {from_entity, to_entity} if to_entity else {from_entity}  # pyright: ignore [reportReturnType]
-        case _:  # pragma: no cover
-            raise ValueError(f"Unexpected type: {item.type}")
-
-
-@router.get("/{identifier:path}", response_model=None)
-async def get_resource_content(
-    config: ProjectConfigDep,
-    link_resolver: LinkResolverDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    file_service: FileServiceDep,
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    identifier: str,
-    page: int = 1,
-    page_size: int = 10,
-) -> Union[Response, FileResponse]:
-    """Get resource content by identifier: name or permalink."""
-    logger.debug(f"Getting content for: {identifier}")
-
-    # Find single entity by permalink
-    entity = await link_resolver.resolve_link(identifier)
-    results = [entity] if entity else []
-
-    # pagination for multiple results
-    limit = page_size
-    offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-
-    # search using the identifier as a permalink
-    if not results:
-        # if the identifier contains a wildcard, use GLOB search
-        query = (
-            SearchQuery(permalink_match=identifier)
-            if "*" in identifier
-            else SearchQuery(permalink=identifier)
-        )
-        search_results = await search_service.search(query, limit, offset)
-        if not search_results:
-            raise HTTPException(status_code=404, detail=f"Resource not found: {identifier}")
-
-        # get the deduplicated entities related to the search results
-        entity_ids = {id for result in search_results for id in get_entity_ids(result)}
-        results = await entity_service.get_entities_by_id(list(entity_ids))
-
-    # return single response
-    if len(results) == 1:
-        entity = results[0]
-        # Check file exists via file_service (for cloud compatibility)
-        if not await file_service.exists(entity.file_path):
-            raise HTTPException(
-                status_code=404,
-                detail=f"File not found: {entity.file_path}",
-            )
-        # Read content via file_service as bytes (works with both local and S3)
-        content = await file_service.read_file_bytes(entity.file_path)
-        content_type = file_service.content_type(entity.file_path)
-        return Response(content=content, media_type=content_type)
-
-    # for multiple files, initialize a temporary file for writing the results
-    with tempfile.NamedTemporaryFile(delete=False, mode="w", suffix=".md") as tmp_file:
-        temp_file_path = tmp_file.name
-
-        for result in results:
-            # Read content for each entity
-            content = await file_service.read_entity_content(result)
-            memory_url = normalize_memory_url(result.permalink)
-            modified_date = _mtime_to_datetime(result).isoformat()
-            checksum = result.checksum[:8] if result.checksum else ""
-
-            # Prepare the delimited content
-            response_content = f"--- {memory_url} {modified_date} {checksum}\n"
-            response_content += f"\n{content}\n"
-            response_content += "\n"
-
-            # Write content directly to the temporary file in append mode
-            tmp_file.write(response_content)
-
-        # Ensure all content is written to disk
-        tmp_file.flush()
-
-    # Schedule the temporary file to be deleted after the response
-    background_tasks.add_task(cleanup_temp_file, temp_file_path)
-
-    # Return the file response
-    return FileResponse(path=temp_file_path)
-
-
-def cleanup_temp_file(file_path: str):
-    """Delete the temporary file."""
-    try:
-        Path(file_path).unlink()  # Deletes the file
-        logger.debug(f"Temporary file deleted: {file_path}")
-    except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        logger.error(f"Error deleting temporary file {file_path}: {e}")
-
-
-@router.put("/{file_path:path}")
-async def write_resource(
-    config: ProjectConfigDep,
-    file_service: FileServiceDep,
-    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryDep,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    file_path: str,
-    content: Annotated[str, Body()],
-) -> JSONResponse:
-    """Write content to a file in the project.
-
-    This endpoint allows writing content directly to a file in the project.
-    Also creates an entity record and indexes the file for search.
-
-    Args:
-        file_path: Path to write to, relative to project root
-        request: Contains the content to write
-
-    Returns:
-        JSON response with file information
-    """
-    try:
-        # Get content from request body
-
-        # Defensive type checking: ensure content is a string
-        # FastAPI should validate this, but if a dict somehow gets through
-        # (e.g., via JSON body parsing), we need to catch it here
-        if isinstance(content, dict):
-            logger.error(  # pragma: no cover
-                f"Error writing resource {file_path}: "
-                f"content is a dict, expected string. Keys: {list(content.keys())}"
-            )
-            raise HTTPException(  # pragma: no cover
-                status_code=400,
-                detail="content must be a string, not a dict. "
-                "Ensure request body is sent as raw string content, not JSON object.",
-            )
-
-        # Ensure it's UTF-8 string content
-        if isinstance(content, bytes):  # pragma: no cover
-            content_str = content.decode("utf-8")
-        else:
-            content_str = str(content)
-
-        # Cloud compatibility: do not assume a local filesystem path structure.
-        # Delegate directory creation + writes to the configured FileService (local or S3).
-        await file_service.ensure_directory(Path(file_path).parent)
-        checksum = await file_service.write_file(file_path, content_str)
-
-        # Get file info
-        file_metadata = await file_service.get_file_metadata(file_path)
-
-        # Determine file details
-        file_name = Path(file_path).name
-        content_type = file_service.content_type(file_path)
-
-        entity_type = "canvas" if file_path.endswith(".canvas") else "file"
-
-        # Check if entity already exists
-        existing_entity = await entity_repository.get_by_file_path(file_path)
-
-        if existing_entity:
-            # Update existing entity
-            entity = await entity_repository.update(
-                existing_entity.id,
-                {
-                    "title": file_name,
-                    "entity_type": entity_type,
-                    "content_type": content_type,
-                    "file_path": file_path,
-                    "checksum": checksum,
-                    "updated_at": file_metadata.modified_at,
-                },
-            )
-            status_code = 200
-        else:
-            # Create a new entity model
-            # Explicitly set external_id to ensure NOT NULL constraint is satisfied (fixes #512)
-            entity = EntityModel(
-                external_id=str(uuid.uuid4()),
-                title=file_name,
-                entity_type=entity_type,
-                content_type=content_type,
-                file_path=file_path,
-                checksum=checksum,
-                created_at=file_metadata.created_at,
-                updated_at=file_metadata.modified_at,
-            )
-            entity = await entity_repository.add(entity)
-            status_code = 201
-
-        # Index the file for search
-        await search_service.index_entity(entity)  # pyright: ignore
-
-        # Return success response
-        return JSONResponse(
-            status_code=status_code,
-            content={
-                "file_path": file_path,
-                "checksum": checksum,
-                "size": file_metadata.size,
-                "created_at": file_metadata.created_at.timestamp(),
-                "modified_at": file_metadata.modified_at.timestamp(),
-            },
-        )
-    except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        logger.error(f"Error writing resource {file_path}: {e}")
-        raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail=f"Failed to write resource: {str(e)}")

src/basic_memory/api/routers/search_router.py

@@ -1,36 +0,0 @@
-"""Router for search operations."""
-
-from fastapi import APIRouter, BackgroundTasks
-
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_search_results
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery, SearchResponse
-from basic_memory.deps import SearchServiceDep, EntityServiceDep
-
-router = APIRouter(prefix="/search", tags=["search"])
-
-
-@router.post("/", response_model=SearchResponse)
-async def search(
-    query: SearchQuery,
-    search_service: SearchServiceDep,
-    entity_service: EntityServiceDep,
-    page: int = 1,
-    page_size: int = 10,
-):
-    """Search across all knowledge and documents."""
-    limit = page_size
-    offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-    results = await search_service.search(query, limit=limit, offset=offset)
-    search_results = await to_search_results(entity_service, results)
-    return SearchResponse(
-        results=search_results,
-        current_page=page,
-        page_size=page_size,
-    )
-
-
-@router.post("/reindex")
-async def reindex(background_tasks: BackgroundTasks, search_service: SearchServiceDep):
-    """Recreate and populate the search index."""
-    await search_service.reindex_all(background_tasks=background_tasks)
-    return {"status": "ok", "message": "Reindex initiated"}

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/__init__.py

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.resource_router import router as resource_route
 from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.directory_router import router as directory_router
 from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.prompt_router import router as prompt_router
 from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.importer_router import router as importer_router
+from basic_memory.api.v2.routers.schema_router import router as schema_router
 
 __all__ = [
     "knowledge_router",
@@ -18,4 +19,5 @@ __all__ = [
     "directory_router",
     "prompt_router",
     "importer_router",
+    "schema_router",
 ]

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/importer_router.py

@@ -32,14 +32,14 @@ async def import_chatgpt(
     importer: ChatGPTImporterV2ExternalDep,
     file: UploadFile,
     project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
+    directory: str = Form("conversations"),
 ) -> ChatImportResult:
     """Import conversations from ChatGPT JSON export.
 
     Args:
         project_id: Project external UUID from URL path
         file: The ChatGPT conversations.json file.
-        folder: The folder to place the files in.
+        directory: The directory to place the files in.
         importer: ChatGPT importer instance.
 
     Returns:
@@ -49,7 +49,7 @@ async def import_chatgpt(
         HTTPException: If import fails.
     """
     logger.info(f"V2 Importing ChatGPT conversations for project {project_id}")
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
+    return await import_file(importer, file, directory)
 
 
 @router.post("/claude/conversations", response_model=ChatImportResult)
@@ -57,14 +57,14 @@ async def import_claude_conversations(
     importer: ClaudeConversationsImporterV2ExternalDep,
     file: UploadFile,
     project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
+    directory: str = Form("conversations"),
 ) -> ChatImportResult:
     """Import conversations from Claude conversations.json export.
 
     Args:
         project_id: Project external UUID from URL path
         file: The Claude conversations.json file.
-        folder: The folder to place the files in.
+        directory: The directory to place the files in.
         importer: Claude conversations importer instance.
 
     Returns:
@@ -74,7 +74,7 @@ async def import_claude_conversations(
         HTTPException: If import fails.
     """
     logger.info(f"V2 Importing Claude conversations for project {project_id}")
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
+    return await import_file(importer, file, directory)
 
 
 @router.post("/claude/projects", response_model=ProjectImportResult)
@@ -82,14 +82,14 @@ async def import_claude_projects(
     importer: ClaudeProjectsImporterV2ExternalDep,
     file: UploadFile,
     project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
-    folder: str = Form("projects"),
+    directory: str = Form("projects"),
 ) -> ProjectImportResult:
     """Import projects from Claude projects.json export.
 
     Args:
         project_id: Project external UUID from URL path
         file: The Claude projects.json file.
-        folder: The base folder to place the files in.
+        directory: The base directory to place the files in.
         importer: Claude projects importer instance.
 
     Returns:
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ async def import_claude_projects(
         HTTPException: If import fails.
     """
     logger.info(f"V2 Importing Claude projects for project {project_id}")
-    return await import_file(importer, file, folder)
+    return await import_file(importer, file, directory)
 
 
 @router.post("/memory-json", response_model=EntityImportResult)
@@ -107,14 +107,14 @@ async def import_memory_json(
     importer: MemoryJsonImporterV2ExternalDep,
     file: UploadFile,
     project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
-    folder: str = Form("conversations"),
+    directory: str = Form("conversations"),
 ) -> EntityImportResult:
     """Import entities and relations from a memory.json file.
 
     Args:
         project_id: Project external UUID from URL path
         file: The memory.json file.
-        folder: Optional destination folder within the project.
+        directory: Optional destination directory within the project.
         importer: Memory JSON importer instance.
 
     Returns:
@@ -132,7 +132,7 @@ async def import_memory_json(
             json_data = json.loads(line)
             file_data.append(json_data)
 
-        result = await importer.import_data(file_data, folder)
+        result = await importer.import_data(file_data, directory)
         if not result.success:  # pragma: no cover
             raise HTTPException(
                 status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
@@ -147,13 +147,13 @@ async def import_memory_json(
     return result
 
 
-async def import_file(importer: Importer, file: UploadFile, destination_folder: str):
+async def import_file(importer: Importer, file: UploadFile, destination_directory: str):
     """Helper function to import a file using an importer instance.
 
     Args:
         importer: The importer instance to use
         file: The file to import
-        destination_folder: Destination folder for imported content
+        destination_directory: Destination directory for imported content
 
     Returns:
         Import result from the importer
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ async def import_file(importer: Importer, file: UploadFile, destination_folder:
     try:
         # Process file
         json_data = json.load(file.file)
-        result = await importer.import_data(json_data, destination_folder)
+        result = await importer.import_data(json_data, destination_directory)
         if not result.success:  # pragma: no cover
             raise HTTPException(
                 status_code=status.HTTP_500_INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/knowledge_router.py

@@ -10,7 +10,7 @@ Key improvements:
 - Simplified caching strategies
 """
 
-from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks, Depends, Response, Path
+from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, BackgroundTasks, Depends, Response, Path, Query
 from loguru import logger
 
 from basic_memory.deps import (
@@ -19,9 +19,10 @@ from basic_memory.deps import (
     LinkResolverV2ExternalDep,
     ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
     AppConfigDep,
-    SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
     EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
     ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+    TaskSchedulerDep,
+    FileServiceV2ExternalDep,
 )
 from basic_memory.schemas import DeleteEntitiesResponse
 from basic_memory.schemas.base import Entity
@@ -31,27 +32,27 @@ from basic_memory.schemas.v2 import (
     EntityResolveResponse,
     EntityResponseV2,
     MoveEntityRequestV2,
+    MoveDirectoryRequestV2,
+    DeleteDirectoryRequestV2,
 )
+from basic_memory.schemas.response import DirectoryMoveResult, DirectoryDeleteResult
 
 router = APIRouter(prefix="/knowledge", tags=["knowledge-v2"])
 
 
-async def resolve_relations_background(sync_service, entity_id: int, entity_permalink: str) -> None:
-    """Background task to resolve relations for a specific entity.
-
-    This runs asynchronously after the API response is sent, preventing
-    long delays when creating entities with many relations.
-    """
-    try:  # pragma: no cover
-        # Only resolve relations for the newly created entity
-        await sync_service.resolve_relations(entity_id=entity_id)  # pragma: no cover
-        logger.debug(  # pragma: no cover
-            f"Background: Resolved relations for entity {entity_permalink} (id={entity_id})"
-        )
-    except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
-        # Log but don't fail - this is a background task
-        logger.warning(  # pragma: no cover
-            f"Background: Failed to resolve relations for entity {entity_permalink}: {e}"
+def _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+    *,
+    task_scheduler,
+    app_config,
+    entity_id: int,
+    project_id: int,
+) -> None:
+    """Schedule out-of-band vector sync only when semantic search is enabled."""
+    if app_config.semantic_search_enabled:
+        task_scheduler.schedule(
+            "sync_entity_vectors",
+            entity_id=entity_id,
+            project_id=project_id,
         )
 
 
@@ -100,8 +101,12 @@ async def resolve_identifier(
     resolution_method = "external_id" if entity else "search"
 
     # If not found by external_id, try other resolution methods
+    # Pass source_path for context-aware resolution (prefers notes closer to source)
+    # Pass strict to control fuzzy search fallback (default False allows fuzzy matching)
     if not entity:
-        entity = await link_resolver.resolve_link(data.identifier)
+        entity = await link_resolver.resolve_link(
+            data.identifier, source_path=data.source_path, strict=data.strict
+        )
         if entity:
             # Determine resolution method
             if entity.permalink == data.identifier:
@@ -179,24 +184,50 @@ async def create_entity(
     background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
     entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
     search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+    file_service: FileServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
+    fast: bool = Query(
+        True, description="If true, write quickly and defer indexing to background tasks."
+    ),
 ) -> EntityResponseV2:
     """Create a new entity.
 
     Args:
         data: Entity data to create
+        fast: If True, defer indexing to background tasks
 
     Returns:
-        Created entity with generated external_id (UUID)
+        Created entity with generated external_id (UUID) and file content
     """
     logger.info(
         "API v2 request", endpoint="create_entity", entity_type=data.entity_type, title=data.title
     )
 
-    entity = await entity_service.create_entity(data)
+    if fast:
+        entity = await entity_service.fast_write_entity(data)
+        task_scheduler.schedule(
+            "reindex_entity",
+            entity_id=entity.id,
+            project_id=project_id,
+        )
+    else:
+        entity = await entity_service.create_entity(data)
+        await search_service.index_entity(entity)
+        _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+            task_scheduler=task_scheduler,
+            app_config=app_config,
+            entity_id=entity.id,
+            project_id=project_id,
+        )
 
-    # reindex
-    await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
     result = EntityResponseV2.model_validate(entity)
+    if fast:
+        result = result.model_copy(update={"observations": [], "relations": []})
+
+    # Always read and return file content
+    content = await file_service.read_file_content(entity.file_path)
+    result = result.model_copy(update={"content": content})
 
     logger.info(
         f"API v2 response: endpoint='create_entity' external_id={entity.external_id}, title={result.title}, permalink={result.permalink}, status_code=201"
@@ -215,9 +246,14 @@ async def update_entity_by_id(
     project_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
     entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
     search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
-    sync_service: SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
     entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+    file_service: FileServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
     entity_id: str = Path(..., description="Entity external ID (UUID)"),
+    fast: bool = Query(
+        True, description="If true, write quickly and defer indexing to background tasks."
+    ),
 ) -> EntityResponseV2:
     """Update an entity by external ID.
 
@@ -226,30 +262,61 @@ async def update_entity_by_id(
     Args:
         entity_id: External ID (UUID string)
         data: Updated entity data
+        fast: If True, defer indexing to background tasks
 
     Returns:
-        Updated entity
+        Updated entity with file content
     """
     logger.info(f"API v2 request: update_entity_by_id entity_id={entity_id}")
 
-    # Check if entity exists
+    # Check if entity exists (external_id is the source of truth for v2)
     existing = await entity_repository.get_by_external_id(entity_id)
     created = existing is None
 
-    # Perform update or create
-    entity, _ = await entity_service.create_or_update_entity(data)
-    response.status_code = 201 if created else 200
+    if fast:
+        entity = await entity_service.fast_write_entity(data, external_id=entity_id)
+        response.status_code = 200 if existing else 201
+        task_scheduler.schedule(
+            "reindex_entity",
+            entity_id=entity.id,
+            project_id=project_id,
+            resolve_relations=created,
+        )
+    else:
+        if existing:
+            # Update the existing entity in-place to avoid path-based duplication
+            entity = await entity_service.update_entity(existing, data)
+            response.status_code = 200
+        else:
+            # Create new entity, then bind external_id to the requested UUID
+            entity = await entity_service.create_entity(data)
+            if entity.external_id != entity_id:
+                entity = await entity_repository.update(
+                    entity.id,
+                    {"external_id": entity_id},
+                )
+                if not entity:
+                    raise HTTPException(
+                        status_code=404,
+                        detail=f"Entity with external_id '{entity_id}' not found",
+                    )
+            response.status_code = 201
 
-    # reindex
-    await search_service.index_entity(entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
-
-    # Schedule relation resolution for new entities
-    if created:
-        background_tasks.add_task(  # pragma: no cover
-            resolve_relations_background, sync_service, entity.id, entity.permalink or ""
+        await search_service.index_entity(entity)
+        _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+            task_scheduler=task_scheduler,
+            app_config=app_config,
+            entity_id=entity.id,
+            project_id=project_id,
         )
 
     result = EntityResponseV2.model_validate(entity)
+    if fast:
+        result = result.model_copy(update={"observations": [], "relations": []})
+
+    # Always read and return file content
+    content = await file_service.read_file_content(entity.file_path)
+    result = result.model_copy(update={"content": content})
 
     logger.info(
         f"API v2 response: external_id={entity_id}, created={created}, status_code={response.status_code}"
@@ -265,16 +332,23 @@ async def edit_entity_by_id(
     entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
     search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
     entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+    file_service: FileServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
     entity_id: str = Path(..., description="Entity external ID (UUID)"),
+    fast: bool = Query(
+        True, description="If true, write quickly and defer indexing to background tasks."
+    ),
 ) -> EntityResponseV2:
     """Edit an existing entity by external ID using operations like append, prepend, etc.
 
     Args:
         entity_id: External ID (UUID string)
         data: Edit operation details
+        fast: If True, defer indexing to background tasks
 
     Returns:
-        Updated entity
+        Updated entity with file content
 
     Raises:
         HTTPException: 404 if entity not found, 400 if edit fails
@@ -291,21 +365,47 @@ async def edit_entity_by_id(
         )
 
     try:
-        # Edit using the entity's permalink or path
-        identifier = entity.permalink or entity.file_path
-        updated_entity = await entity_service.edit_entity(
-            identifier=identifier,
-            operation=data.operation,
-            content=data.content,
-            section=data.section,
-            find_text=data.find_text,
-            expected_replacements=data.expected_replacements,
-        )
+        if fast:
+            updated_entity = await entity_service.fast_edit_entity(
+                entity=entity,
+                operation=data.operation,
+                content=data.content,
+                section=data.section,
+                find_text=data.find_text,
+                expected_replacements=data.expected_replacements,
+            )
+            task_scheduler.schedule(
+                "reindex_entity",
+                entity_id=updated_entity.id,
+                project_id=project_id,
+            )
+        else:
+            # Edit using the entity's permalink or path
+            identifier = entity.permalink or entity.file_path
+            updated_entity = await entity_service.edit_entity(
+                identifier=identifier,
+                operation=data.operation,
+                content=data.content,
+                section=data.section,
+                find_text=data.find_text,
+                expected_replacements=data.expected_replacements,
+            )
 
-        # Reindex
-        await search_service.index_entity(updated_entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
+            await search_service.index_entity(updated_entity)
+            _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+                task_scheduler=task_scheduler,
+                app_config=app_config,
+                entity_id=updated_entity.id,
+                project_id=project_id,
+            )
 
         result = EntityResponseV2.model_validate(updated_entity)
+        if fast:
+            result = result.model_copy(update={"observations": [], "relations": []})
+
+        # Always read and return file content
+        content = await file_service.read_file_content(updated_entity.file_path)
+        result = result.model_copy(update={"content": content})
 
         logger.info(
             f"API v2 response: external_id={entity_id}, operation='{data.operation}', status_code=200"
@@ -372,6 +472,7 @@ async def move_entity(
     project_config: ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
     app_config: AppConfigDep,
     search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
     entity_id: str = Path(..., description="Entity external ID (UUID)"),
 ) -> EntityResponseV2:
     """Move an entity to a new file location.
@@ -410,7 +511,13 @@ async def move_entity(
         # Reindex at new location
         reindexed_entity = await entity_service.link_resolver.resolve_link(data.destination_path)
         if reindexed_entity:
-            await search_service.index_entity(reindexed_entity, background_tasks=background_tasks)
+            await search_service.index_entity(reindexed_entity)
+            _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+                task_scheduler=task_scheduler,
+                app_config=app_config,
+                entity_id=reindexed_entity.id,
+                project_id=project_id,
+            )
 
         result = EntityResponseV2.model_validate(moved_entity)
 
@@ -423,3 +530,107 @@ async def move_entity(
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error moving entity: {e}")
         raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
+
+
+## Move directory endpoint
+
+
+@router.post("/move-directory", response_model=DirectoryMoveResult)
+async def move_directory(
+    data: MoveDirectoryRequestV2,
+    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
+    project_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+    entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    project_config: ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
+    search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+) -> DirectoryMoveResult:
+    """Move all entities in a directory to a new location.
+
+    V2 API uses project external_id in the URL path for stable references.
+    Moves all files within a source directory to a destination directory,
+    updating database records and optionally updating permalinks.
+
+    Args:
+        project_id: Project external ID from URL path
+        data: Move request with source and destination directories
+
+    Returns:
+        DirectoryMoveResult with counts and details of moved files
+    """
+    logger.info(
+        f"API v2 request: move_directory source='{data.source_directory}', destination='{data.destination_directory}'"
+    )
+
+    try:
+        # Move the directory using the service
+        result = await entity_service.move_directory(
+            source_directory=data.source_directory,
+            destination_directory=data.destination_directory,
+            project_config=project_config,
+            app_config=app_config,
+        )
+
+        # Reindex moved entities
+        for file_path in result.moved_files:
+            entity = await entity_service.link_resolver.resolve_link(file_path)
+            if entity:
+                await search_service.index_entity(entity)
+                _schedule_vector_sync_if_enabled(
+                    task_scheduler=task_scheduler,
+                    app_config=app_config,
+                    entity_id=entity.id,
+                    project_id=project_id,
+                )
+
+        logger.info(
+            f"API v2 response: move_directory "
+            f"total={result.total_files}, success={result.successful_moves}, failed={result.failed_moves}"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error moving directory: {e}")
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
+
+
+## Delete directory endpoint
+
+
+@router.post("/delete-directory", response_model=DirectoryDeleteResult)
+async def delete_directory(
+    data: DeleteDirectoryRequestV2,
+    project_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+    entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
+) -> DirectoryDeleteResult:
+    """Delete all entities in a directory.
+
+    V2 API uses project external_id in the URL path for stable references.
+    Deletes all files within a directory, updating database records and
+    removing files from the filesystem.
+
+    Args:
+        project_id: Project external ID from URL path
+        data: Delete request with directory path
+
+    Returns:
+        DirectoryDeleteResult with counts and details of deleted files
+    """
+    logger.info(f"API v2 request: delete_directory directory='{data.directory}'")
+
+    try:
+        # Delete the directory using the service
+        result = await entity_service.delete_directory(
+            directory=data.directory,
+        )
+
+        logger.info(
+            f"API v2 response: delete_directory "
+            f"total={result.total_files}, success={result.successful_deletes}, failed={result.failed_deletes}"
+        )
+        return result
+
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Error deleting directory: {e}")
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/memory_router.py

@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@ from basic_memory.schemas.memory import (
     normalize_memory_url,
 )
 from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_graph_context
+from basic_memory.api.v2.utils import to_graph_context
 
 # Note: No prefix here - it's added during registration as /v2/{project_id}/memory
 router = APIRouter(tags=["memory"])

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/project_router.py

@@ -19,9 +19,17 @@ from loguru import logger
 from basic_memory.deps import (
     ProjectServiceDep,
     ProjectRepositoryDep,
+    ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
+    SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    TaskSchedulerDep,
+    ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
 )
+from basic_memory.schemas import SyncReportResponse
 from basic_memory.schemas.project_info import (
     ProjectItem,
+    ProjectList,
+    ProjectInfoRequest,
+    ProjectInfoResponse,
     ProjectStatusResponse,
 )
 from basic_memory.schemas.v2 import ProjectResolveRequest, ProjectResolveResponse
@@ -30,6 +38,175 @@ from basic_memory.utils import normalize_project_path, generate_permalink
 router = APIRouter(prefix="/projects", tags=["project_management-v2"])
 
 
+@router.get("/", response_model=ProjectList)
+async def list_projects(
+    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
+) -> ProjectList:
+    """List all configured projects.
+
+    Returns:
+        A list of all projects with metadata
+    """
+    projects = await project_service.list_projects()
+    default_project = project_service.default_project
+
+    project_items = [
+        ProjectItem(
+            id=project.id,
+            external_id=project.external_id,
+            name=project.name,
+            path=normalize_project_path(project.path),
+            is_default=project.is_default or False,
+        )
+        for project in projects
+    ]
+
+    return ProjectList(
+        projects=project_items,
+        default_project=default_project,
+    )
+
+
+@router.post("/", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse, status_code=201)
+async def add_project(
+    project_data: ProjectInfoRequest,
+    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
+) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
+    """Add a new project to configuration and database.
+
+    Args:
+        project_data: The project name and path, with option to set as default
+
+    Returns:
+        Response confirming the project was added
+    """
+    # Check if project already exists before attempting to add
+    existing_project = await project_service.get_project(project_data.name)
+    if existing_project:
+        # Project exists - check if paths match for true idempotency
+        # Normalize paths for comparison (resolve symlinks, etc.)
+        requested_path = os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser(project_data.path))
+        existing_path = os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser(existing_project.path))
+
+        if requested_path == existing_path:
+            # Same name, same path - return 200 OK (idempotent)
+            return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
+                message=f"Project '{project_data.name}' already exists",
+                status="success",
+                default=existing_project.is_default or False,
+                new_project=ProjectItem(
+                    id=existing_project.id,
+                    external_id=existing_project.external_id,
+                    name=existing_project.name,
+                    path=existing_project.path,
+                    is_default=existing_project.is_default or False,
+                ),
+            )
+        else:
+            # Same name, different path - this is an error
+            raise HTTPException(
+                status_code=400,
+                detail=(
+                    f"Project '{project_data.name}' already exists with different path. "
+                    f"Existing: {existing_project.path}, Requested: {project_data.path}"
+                ),
+            )
+
+    try:  # pragma: no cover
+        # The service layer handles cloud mode validation and path sanitization
+        await project_service.add_project(
+            project_data.name, project_data.path, set_default=project_data.set_default
+        )
+
+        # Fetch the newly created project to get its ID
+        new_project = await project_service.get_project(project_data.name)
+        if not new_project:
+            raise HTTPException(status_code=500, detail="Failed to retrieve newly created project")
+
+        return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
+            message=f"Project '{new_project.name}' added successfully",
+            status="success",
+            default=project_data.set_default,
+            new_project=ProjectItem(
+                id=new_project.id,
+                external_id=new_project.external_id,
+                name=new_project.name,
+                path=new_project.path,
+                is_default=new_project.is_default or False,
+            ),
+        )
+    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
+
+
+@router.post("/config/sync", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
+async def synchronize_projects(
+    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
+) -> ProjectStatusResponse:
+    """Synchronize projects between configuration file and database."""
+    try:  # pragma: no cover
+        await project_service.synchronize_projects()
+
+        return ProjectStatusResponse(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
+            message="Projects synchronized successfully between configuration and database",
+            status="success",
+            default=False,
+        )
+    except ValueError as e:  # pragma: no cover
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(e))
+
+
+@router.post("/{project_id}/sync")
+async def sync_project(
+    sync_service: SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    project_config: ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+    project_internal_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+    force_full: bool = Query(
+        False, description="Force full scan, bypassing watermark optimization"
+    ),
+    run_in_background: bool = Query(True, description="Run in background"),
+):
+    """Force project filesystem sync to database."""
+    if run_in_background:
+        task_scheduler.schedule(
+            "sync_project",
+            project_id=project_internal_id,
+            force_full=force_full,
+        )
+        logger.info(
+            f"Filesystem sync initiated for project: {project_config.name} (force_full={force_full})"
+        )
+
+        return {
+            "status": "sync_started",
+            "message": f"Filesystem sync initiated for project '{project_config.name}'",
+        }
+
+    report = await sync_service.sync(
+        project_config.home, project_config.name, force_full=force_full
+    )
+    logger.info(
+        f"Filesystem sync completed for project: {project_config.name} (force_full={force_full})"
+    )
+    return SyncReportResponse.from_sync_report(report)
+
+
+@router.post("/{project_id}/status", response_model=SyncReportResponse)
+async def get_project_status(
+    sync_service: SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    project_config: ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
+    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external ID (UUID)"),
+    force_full: bool = Query(
+        False, description="Force full scan, bypassing watermark optimization"
+    ),
+) -> SyncReportResponse:
+    """Get sync status of files vs database for a project."""
+    logger.info(f"API v2 request: get_project_status for project_id={project_id}")
+    report = await sync_service.scan(project_config.home, force_full=force_full)
+    return SyncReportResponse.from_sync_report(report)
+
+
 @router.post("/resolve", response_model=ProjectResolveResponse)
 async def resolve_project_identifier(
     data: ProjectResolveRequest,
@@ -147,6 +324,22 @@ async def get_project_by_id(
     )
 
 
+@router.get("/{project_id}/info", response_model=ProjectInfoResponse)
+async def get_project_info_by_id(
+    project_service: ProjectServiceDep,
+    project_repository: ProjectRepositoryDep,
+    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external ID (UUID)"),
+) -> ProjectInfoResponse:
+    """Get detailed project information by external ID."""
+    logger.info(f"API v2 request: get_project_info_by_id for project_id={project_id}")
+    project = await project_repository.get_by_external_id(project_id)
+    if not project:
+        raise HTTPException(
+            status_code=404, detail=f"Project with external_id '{project_id}' not found"
+        )
+    return await project_service.get_project_info(project.name)
+
+
 @router.patch("/{project_id}", response_model=ProjectStatusResponse)
 async def update_project_by_id(
     project_service: ProjectServiceDep,

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/prompt_router.py

@@ -9,7 +9,7 @@ from datetime import datetime, timezone
 from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, status, Path
 from loguru import logger
 
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_graph_context, to_search_results
+from basic_memory.api.v2.utils import to_graph_context, to_search_results
 from basic_memory.api.template_loader import template_loader
 from basic_memory.schemas.base import parse_timeframe
 from basic_memory.deps import (

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/schema_router.py

@@ -0,0 +1,305 @@
+"""V2 router for schema operations.
+
+Provides endpoints for schema validation, inference, and drift detection.
+The schema system validates notes against Picoschema definitions without
+introducing any new data model -- it works entirely with existing
+observations and relations.
+
+Flow: Entity loaded with eager observations/relations -> convert to tuples -> core functions.
+"""
+
+from fastapi import APIRouter, Path, Query
+
+from basic_memory.deps import (
+    SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+)
+from basic_memory.models.knowledge import Entity
+from basic_memory.schemas.schema import (
+    ValidationReport,
+    InferenceReport,
+    DriftReport,
+    NoteValidationResponse,
+    FieldResultResponse,
+    FieldFrequencyResponse,
+    DriftFieldResponse,
+)
+from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery
+from basic_memory.schema.resolver import resolve_schema
+from basic_memory.schema.validator import validate_note
+from basic_memory.schema.inference import infer_schema, NoteData, ObservationData, RelationData
+from basic_memory.schema.diff import diff_schema
+
+# Note: No prefix here -- it's added during registration as /v2/{project_id}/schema
+router = APIRouter(tags=["schema"])
+
+
+# --- ORM to core data conversion ---
+
+
+def _entity_observations(entity: Entity) -> list[ObservationData]:
+    """Extract ObservationData from an entity's observations."""
+    return [ObservationData(obs.category, obs.content) for obs in entity.observations]
+
+
+def _entity_relations(entity: Entity) -> list[RelationData]:
+    """Extract RelationData from an entity's outgoing relations.
+
+    Carries the target entity's type on each relation so the inference engine
+    can suggest correct types (e.g. works_at -> Organization, not the source type).
+    """
+    return [
+        RelationData(
+            relation_type=rel.relation_type,
+            target_name=rel.to_name,
+            target_entity_type=rel.to_entity.entity_type if rel.to_entity else None,
+        )
+        for rel in entity.outgoing_relations
+    ]
+
+
+def _entity_to_note_data(entity: Entity) -> NoteData:
+    """Convert an ORM Entity to a NoteData for inference/diff analysis."""
+    return NoteData(
+        identifier=entity.permalink or entity.file_path,
+        observations=_entity_observations(entity),
+        relations=_entity_relations(entity),
+    )
+
+
+def _entity_frontmatter(entity: Entity) -> dict:
+    """Build a frontmatter dict from an entity for schema resolution."""
+    frontmatter = dict(entity.entity_metadata) if entity.entity_metadata else {}
+    if entity.entity_type:
+        frontmatter.setdefault("type", entity.entity_type)
+    return frontmatter
+
+
+# --- Validation ---
+
+
+@router.post("/schema/validate", response_model=ValidationReport)
+async def validate_schema(
+    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
+    entity_type: str | None = Query(None, description="Entity type to validate"),
+    identifier: str | None = Query(None, description="Specific note identifier"),
+):
+    """Validate notes against their resolved schemas.
+
+    Validates a specific note (by identifier) or all notes of a given type.
+    Returns warnings/errors based on the schema's validation mode.
+    """
+    results: list[NoteValidationResponse] = []
+
+    async def search_fn(query: str) -> list:
+        # Search for schema notes, then load full entity_metadata from the entity table.
+        # The search index only stores minimal metadata (e.g., {"entity_type": "schema"}),
+        # but parse_schema_note needs the full frontmatter with entity/schema/version keys.
+        results = await search_service.search(SearchQuery(text=query, types=["schema"]), limit=5)
+        frontmatters = []
+        for row in results:
+            if row.permalink:
+                entity = await entity_repository.get_by_permalink(row.permalink)
+                if entity:
+                    frontmatters.append(_entity_frontmatter(entity))
+        return frontmatters
+
+    # --- Single note validation ---
+    if identifier:
+        entity = await entity_repository.get_by_permalink(identifier)
+        if not entity:
+            return ValidationReport(entity_type=entity_type, total_notes=0, results=[])
+
+        schema_def = await resolve_schema(_entity_frontmatter(entity), search_fn)
+        if schema_def:
+            result = validate_note(
+                entity.permalink or identifier,
+                schema_def,
+                _entity_observations(entity),
+                _entity_relations(entity),
+            )
+            results.append(_to_note_validation_response(result))
+
+        return ValidationReport(
+            entity_type=entity_type or entity.entity_type,
+            total_notes=1,
+            valid_count=1 if (results and results[0].passed) else 0,
+            warning_count=sum(len(r.warnings) for r in results),
+            error_count=sum(len(r.errors) for r in results),
+            results=results,
+        )
+
+    # --- Batch validation by entity type ---
+    entities = await _find_by_entity_type(entity_repository, entity_type) if entity_type else []
+
+    for entity in entities:
+        schema_def = await resolve_schema(_entity_frontmatter(entity), search_fn)
+        if schema_def:
+            result = validate_note(
+                entity.permalink or entity.file_path,
+                schema_def,
+                _entity_observations(entity),
+                _entity_relations(entity),
+            )
+            results.append(_to_note_validation_response(result))
+
+    valid = sum(1 for r in results if r.passed)
+    return ValidationReport(
+        entity_type=entity_type,
+        total_notes=len(results),
+        valid_count=valid,
+        warning_count=sum(len(r.warnings) for r in results),
+        error_count=sum(len(r.errors) for r in results),
+        results=results,
+    )
+
+
+# --- Inference ---
+
+
+@router.post("/schema/infer", response_model=InferenceReport)
+async def infer_schema_endpoint(
+    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
+    entity_type: str = Query(..., description="Entity type to analyze"),
+    threshold: float = Query(0.25, description="Minimum frequency for optional fields"),
+):
+    """Infer a schema from existing notes of a given type.
+
+    Examines observation categories and relation types across all notes
+    of the given type. Returns frequency analysis and suggested Picoschema.
+    """
+    entities = await _find_by_entity_type(entity_repository, entity_type)
+    notes_data = [_entity_to_note_data(entity) for entity in entities]
+
+    result = infer_schema(entity_type, notes_data, optional_threshold=threshold)
+
+    return InferenceReport(
+        entity_type=result.entity_type,
+        notes_analyzed=result.notes_analyzed,
+        field_frequencies=[
+            FieldFrequencyResponse(
+                name=f.name,
+                source=f.source,
+                count=f.count,
+                total=f.total,
+                percentage=f.percentage,
+                sample_values=f.sample_values,
+                is_array=f.is_array,
+                target_type=f.target_type,
+            )
+            for f in result.field_frequencies
+        ],
+        suggested_schema=result.suggested_schema,
+        suggested_required=result.suggested_required,
+        suggested_optional=result.suggested_optional,
+        excluded=result.excluded,
+    )
+
+
+# --- Drift Detection ---
+
+
+@router.get("/schema/diff/{entity_type}", response_model=DriftReport)
+async def diff_schema_endpoint(
+    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    entity_type: str = Path(..., description="Entity type to check for drift"),
+    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
+):
+    """Show drift between a schema definition and actual note usage.
+
+    Compares the existing schema for an entity type against how notes
+    of that type are actually structured. Identifies new fields, dropped
+    fields, and cardinality changes.
+    """
+
+    async def search_fn(query: str) -> list:
+        # Search for schema notes, then load full entity_metadata from the entity table.
+        # The search index only stores minimal metadata (e.g., {"entity_type": "schema"}),
+        # but parse_schema_note needs the full frontmatter with entity/schema/version keys.
+        results = await search_service.search(SearchQuery(text=query, types=["schema"]), limit=5)
+        frontmatters = []
+        for row in results:
+            if row.permalink:
+                entity = await entity_repository.get_by_permalink(row.permalink)
+                if entity:
+                    frontmatters.append(_entity_frontmatter(entity))
+        return frontmatters
+
+    # Resolve schema by entity type
+    schema_frontmatter = {"type": entity_type}
+    schema_def = await resolve_schema(schema_frontmatter, search_fn)
+
+    if not schema_def:
+        return DriftReport(entity_type=entity_type)
+
+    # Collect all notes of this type
+    entities = await _find_by_entity_type(entity_repository, entity_type)
+    notes_data = [_entity_to_note_data(entity) for entity in entities]
+
+    result = diff_schema(schema_def, notes_data)
+
+    return DriftReport(
+        entity_type=entity_type,
+        new_fields=[
+            DriftFieldResponse(
+                name=f.name,
+                source=f.source,
+                count=f.count,
+                total=f.total,
+                percentage=f.percentage,
+            )
+            for f in result.new_fields
+        ],
+        dropped_fields=[
+            DriftFieldResponse(
+                name=f.name,
+                source=f.source,
+                count=f.count,
+                total=f.total,
+                percentage=f.percentage,
+            )
+            for f in result.dropped_fields
+        ],
+        cardinality_changes=result.cardinality_changes,
+    )
+
+
+# --- Helpers ---
+
+
+async def _find_by_entity_type(
+    entity_repository: EntityRepositoryV2ExternalDep,
+    entity_type: str,
+) -> list[Entity]:
+    """Find all entities of a given type using the repository's select pattern."""
+    query = entity_repository.select().where(Entity.entity_type == entity_type)
+    result = await entity_repository.execute_query(query)
+    return list(result.scalars().all())
+
+
+def _to_note_validation_response(result) -> NoteValidationResponse:
+    """Convert a core ValidationResult to a Pydantic response model."""
+    return NoteValidationResponse(
+        note_identifier=result.note_identifier,
+        schema_entity=result.schema_entity,
+        passed=result.passed,
+        field_results=[
+            FieldResultResponse(
+                field_name=fr.field.name,
+                field_type=fr.field.type,
+                required=fr.field.required,
+                status=fr.status,
+                values=fr.values,
+                message=fr.message,
+            )
+            for fr in result.field_results
+        ],
+        unmatched_observations=result.unmatched_observations,
+        unmatched_relations=result.unmatched_relations,
+        warnings=result.warnings,
+        errors=result.errors,
+    )

src/basic_memory/api/v2/routers/search_router.py

@@ -4,11 +4,20 @@ This router uses external_id UUIDs for stable, API-friendly routing.
 V1 uses string-based project names which are less efficient and less stable.
 """
 
-from fastapi import APIRouter, BackgroundTasks, Path
+from fastapi import APIRouter, HTTPException, Path
 
-from basic_memory.api.routers.utils import to_search_results
+from basic_memory.api.v2.utils import to_search_results
+from basic_memory.repository.semantic_errors import (
+    SemanticDependenciesMissingError,
+    SemanticSearchDisabledError,
+)
 from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery, SearchResponse
-from basic_memory.deps import SearchServiceV2ExternalDep, EntityServiceV2ExternalDep
+from basic_memory.deps import (
+    SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    TaskSchedulerDep,
+    ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+)
 
 # Note: No prefix here - it's added during registration as /v2/{project_id}/search
 router = APIRouter(tags=["search"])
@@ -40,7 +49,14 @@ async def search(
     """
     limit = page_size
     offset = (page - 1) * page_size
-    results = await search_service.search(query, limit=limit, offset=offset)
+    try:
+        results = await search_service.search(query, limit=limit, offset=offset)
+    except SemanticSearchDisabledError as exc:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(exc)) from exc
+    except SemanticDependenciesMissingError as exc:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(exc)) from exc
+    except ValueError as exc:
+        raise HTTPException(status_code=400, detail=str(exc)) from exc
     search_results = await to_search_results(entity_service, results)
     return SearchResponse(
         results=search_results,
@@ -51,9 +67,8 @@ async def search(
 
 @router.post("/search/reindex")
 async def reindex(
-    background_tasks: BackgroundTasks,
-    search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
-    project_id: str = Path(..., description="Project external UUID"),
+    task_scheduler: TaskSchedulerDep,
+    project_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
 ):
     """Recreate and populate the search index for a project.
 
@@ -63,11 +78,10 @@ async def reindex(
 
     Args:
         project_id: Project external UUID from URL path
-        background_tasks: FastAPI background tasks handler
-        search_service: Search service scoped to project
+        task_scheduler: Task scheduler for background work
 
     Returns:
         Status message indicating reindex has been initiated
     """
-    await search_service.reindex_all(background_tasks=background_tasks)
+    task_scheduler.schedule("reindex_project", project_id=project_id)
     return {"status": "ok", "message": "Reindex initiated"}

src/basic_memory/api/v2/utils.py

@@ -24,29 +24,42 @@ async def to_graph_context(
     page: Optional[int] = None,
     page_size: Optional[int] = None,
 ):
-    # First pass: collect all entity IDs needed for relations
+    # First pass: collect all entity IDs needed for external_id lookup
+    # This includes: entity primary results, observation parent entities, relation from/to entities
     entity_ids_needed: set[int] = set()
     for context_item in context_result.results:
         for item in (
             [context_item.primary_result] + context_item.observations + context_item.related_results
         ):
-            if item.type == SearchItemType.RELATION:
+            if item.type == SearchItemType.ENTITY:
+                # Entity's own ID for its external_id
+                entity_ids_needed.add(item.id)
+            elif item.type == SearchItemType.OBSERVATION:
+                # Parent entity ID for entity_external_id
+                if item.entity_id:  # pyright: ignore
+                    entity_ids_needed.add(item.entity_id)  # pyright: ignore
+            elif item.type == SearchItemType.RELATION:
+                # Source and target entity IDs for external_ids
                 if item.from_id:  # pyright: ignore
                     entity_ids_needed.add(item.from_id)  # pyright: ignore
                 if item.to_id:
                     entity_ids_needed.add(item.to_id)
 
-    # Batch fetch all entities at once
-    entity_lookup: dict[int, str] = {}
+    # Batch fetch all entities at once - get both title and external_id
+    entity_title_lookup: dict[int, str] = {}
+    entity_external_id_lookup: dict[int, str] = {}
     if entity_ids_needed:
         entities = await entity_repository.find_by_ids(list(entity_ids_needed))
-        entity_lookup = {e.id: e.title for e in entities}
+        for e in entities:
+            entity_title_lookup[e.id] = e.title
+            entity_external_id_lookup[e.id] = e.external_id
 
     # Helper function to convert items to summaries
     def to_summary(item: SearchIndexRow | ContextResultRow):
         match item.type:
             case SearchItemType.ENTITY:
                 return EntitySummary(
+                    external_id=entity_external_id_lookup.get(item.id, ""),
                     entity_id=item.id,
                     title=item.title,  # pyright: ignore
                     permalink=item.permalink,
@@ -55,10 +68,14 @@ async def to_graph_context(
                     created_at=item.created_at,
                 )
             case SearchItemType.OBSERVATION:
+                entity_ext_id = None
+                if item.entity_id:  # pyright: ignore
+                    entity_ext_id = entity_external_id_lookup.get(item.entity_id)  # pyright: ignore
                 return ObservationSummary(
                     observation_id=item.id,
                     entity_id=item.entity_id,  # pyright: ignore
-                    title=item.title,  # pyright: ignore
+                    entity_external_id=entity_ext_id,
+                    title=entity_title_lookup.get(item.entity_id),  # pyright: ignore
                     file_path=item.file_path,
                     category=item.category,  # pyright: ignore
                     content=item.content,  # pyright: ignore
@@ -66,8 +83,10 @@ async def to_graph_context(
                     created_at=item.created_at,
                 )
             case SearchItemType.RELATION:
-                from_title = entity_lookup.get(item.from_id) if item.from_id else None  # pyright: ignore
-                to_title = entity_lookup.get(item.to_id) if item.to_id else None
+                from_title = entity_title_lookup.get(item.from_id) if item.from_id else None  # pyright: ignore
+                to_title = entity_title_lookup.get(item.to_id) if item.to_id else None
+                from_ext_id = entity_external_id_lookup.get(item.from_id) if item.from_id else None  # pyright: ignore
+                to_ext_id = entity_external_id_lookup.get(item.to_id) if item.to_id else None
                 return RelationSummary(
                     relation_id=item.id,
                     entity_id=item.entity_id,  # pyright: ignore
@@ -77,8 +96,10 @@ async def to_graph_context(
                     relation_type=item.relation_type,  # pyright: ignore
                     from_entity=from_title,
                     from_entity_id=item.from_id,  # pyright: ignore
+                    from_entity_external_id=from_ext_id,
                     to_entity=to_title,
                     to_entity_id=item.to_id,
+                    to_entity_external_id=to_ext_id,
                     created_at=item.created_at,
                 )
             case _:  # pragma: no cover

src/basic_memory/cli/app.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from typing import Optional  # noqa: E402
 import typer  # noqa: E402
 
 from basic_memory.cli.container import CliContainer, set_container  # noqa: E402
+from basic_memory.cli.promo import maybe_show_cloud_promo  # noqa: E402
 from basic_memory.config import init_cli_logging  # noqa: E402
 
 
@@ -46,11 +47,23 @@ def app_callback(
     container = CliContainer.create()
     set_container(container)
 
+    maybe_show_cloud_promo(ctx.invoked_subcommand)
+
     # Run initialization for commands that don't use the API
     # Skip for 'mcp' command - it has its own lifespan that handles initialization
     # Skip for API-using commands (status, sync, etc.) - they handle initialization via deps.py
     # Skip for 'reset' command - it manages its own database lifecycle
-    skip_init_commands = {"mcp", "status", "sync", "project", "tool", "reset"}
+    skip_init_commands = {
+        "doctor",
+        "mcp",
+        "status",
+        "sync",
+        "project",
+        "tool",
+        "reset",
+        "reindex",
+        "watch",
+    }
     if (
         not version
         and ctx.invoked_subcommand is not None

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/__init__.py

@@ -1,11 +1,12 @@
 """CLI commands for basic-memory."""
 
-from . import status, db, import_memory_json, mcp, import_claude_conversations
-from . import import_claude_projects, import_chatgpt, tool, project, format
+from . import status, db, doctor, import_memory_json, mcp, import_claude_conversations
+from . import import_claude_projects, import_chatgpt, tool, project, format, schema, watch
 
 __all__ = [
     "status",
     "db",
+    "doctor",
     "import_memory_json",
     "mcp",
     "import_claude_conversations",
@@ -14,4 +15,6 @@ __all__ = [
     "tool",
     "project",
     "format",
+    "schema",
+    "watch",
 ]

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/cloud/cloud_utils.py

@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ async def fetch_cloud_projects(
         config = config_manager.config
         host_url = config.cloud_host.rstrip("/")
 
-        response = await api_request(method="GET", url=f"{host_url}/proxy/projects/projects")
+        response = await api_request(method="GET", url=f"{host_url}/proxy/v2/projects/")
 
         return CloudProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
     except Exception as e:
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ async def create_cloud_project(
 
         response = await api_request(
             method="POST",
-            url=f"{host_url}/proxy/projects/projects",
+            url=f"{host_url}/proxy/v2/projects/",
             headers={"Content-Type": "application/json"},
             json_data=project_data.model_dump(),
         )

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/cloud/core_commands.py

@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@ from rich.console import Console
 from basic_memory.cli.app import cloud_app
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import run_with_cleanup
 from basic_memory.cli.auth import CLIAuth
+from basic_memory.cli.promo import OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE
 from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.cloud.api_client import (
     CloudAPIError,
@@ -57,6 +58,10 @@ def login():
         except SubscriptionRequiredError as e:
             console.print("\n[red]Subscription Required[/red]\n")
             console.print(f"[yellow]{e.args[0]}[/yellow]\n")
+            console.print(
+                f"OSS discount code: [bold]{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}[/bold] "
+                "(20% off for 3 months)\n"
+            )
             console.print(f"Subscribe at: [blue underline]{e.subscribe_url}[/blue underline]\n")
             console.print(
                 "[dim]Once you have an active subscription, run [bold]bm cloud login[/bold] again.[/dim]"
@@ -191,3 +196,93 @@ def setup() -> None:
     except Exception as e:
         console.print(f"\n[red]Unexpected error during setup: {e}[/red]")
         raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+
+@cloud_app.command("promo")
+def promo(enabled: bool = typer.Option(True, "--on/--off", help="Enable or disable CLI promos.")):
+    """Enable or disable CLI cloud promo messages."""
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    config = config_manager.load_config()
+    config.cloud_promo_opt_out = not enabled
+    config_manager.save_config(config)
+
+    if enabled:
+        console.print("[green]Cloud promo messages enabled[/green]")
+    else:
+        console.print("[yellow]Cloud promo messages disabled[/yellow]")
+
+
+@cloud_app.command("set-key")
+def set_key(
+    api_key: str = typer.Argument(..., help="API key (bmc_ prefixed) for cloud access"),
+) -> None:
+    """Save a cloud API key for per-project cloud routing.
+
+    The API key is account-level and used by projects set to cloud mode.
+    Create a key in the web app or use 'bm cloud create-key'.
+
+    Example:
+      bm cloud set-key bmc_abc123...
+    """
+    if not api_key.startswith("bmc_"):
+        console.print("[red]Error: API key must start with 'bmc_'[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    config = config_manager.load_config()
+    config.cloud_api_key = api_key
+    config_manager.save_config(config)
+
+    console.print("[green]API key saved[/green]")
+    console.print("[dim]Projects set to cloud mode will use this key for authentication[/dim]")
+    console.print("[dim]Set a project to cloud mode: bm project set-cloud <name>[/dim]")
+
+
+@cloud_app.command("create-key")
+def create_key(
+    name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Human-readable name for the API key"),
+) -> None:
+    """Create a new cloud API key and save it locally.
+
+    Requires active OAuth session (run 'bm cloud login' first).
+    The key is created via the cloud API and saved to local config.
+
+    Example:
+      bm cloud create-key "my-laptop"
+    """
+
+    async def _create_key():
+        _, _, host_url = get_cloud_config()
+        host_url = host_url.rstrip("/")
+
+        console.print(f"[dim]Creating API key '{name}'...[/dim]")
+        response = await make_api_request(
+            method="POST",
+            url=f"{host_url}/api/keys",
+            json_data={"name": name},
+        )
+
+        key_data = response.json()
+        api_key = key_data.get("key")
+        if not api_key:
+            console.print("[red]Error: No key returned from API[/red]")
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        # Save to config
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        config = config_manager.load_config()
+        config.cloud_api_key = api_key
+        config_manager.save_config(config)
+
+        console.print(f"[green]API key '{name}' created and saved[/green]")
+        console.print("[dim]Projects set to cloud mode will use this key for authentication[/dim]")
+        console.print("[dim]Set a project to cloud mode: bm project set-cloud <name>[/dim]")
+
+    try:
+        run_with_cleanup(_create_key())
+    except CloudAPIError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error creating API key: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+    except Exception as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Unexpected error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/cloud/rclone_commands.py

@@ -27,6 +27,16 @@ console = Console()
 # Minimum rclone version for --create-empty-src-dirs support
 MIN_RCLONE_VERSION_EMPTY_DIRS = (1, 64, 0)
 
+# Tigris edge caching returns stale data for users outside the origin region (iad).
+# --header is rclone's global flag that applies to ALL HTTP transactions (list, download,
+# upload). This is critical because bisync starts with S3 ListObjectsV2, which is neither
+# a download nor upload — so --header-download/--header-upload would miss list requests.
+# See: https://www.tigrisdata.com/docs/objects/consistency/
+TIGRIS_CONSISTENCY_HEADERS = [
+    "--header",
+    "X-Tigris-Consistent: true",
+]
+
 
 class RunResult(Protocol):
     returncode: int
@@ -210,6 +220,7 @@ def project_sync(
         "sync",
         str(local_path),
         remote_path,
+        *TIGRIS_CONSISTENCY_HEADERS,
         "--filter-from",
         str(filter_path),
     ]
@@ -279,6 +290,7 @@ def project_bisync(
         "bisync",
         str(local_path),
         remote_path,
+        *TIGRIS_CONSISTENCY_HEADERS,
         "--resilient",
         "--conflict-resolve=newer",
         "--max-delete=25",
@@ -354,6 +366,7 @@ def project_check(
         "check",
         str(local_path),
         remote_path,
+        *TIGRIS_CONSISTENCY_HEADERS,
         "--filter-from",
         str(filter_path),
     ]
@@ -393,6 +406,6 @@ def project_ls(
     if path:
         remote_path = f"{remote_path}/{path}"
 
-    cmd = ["rclone", "ls", remote_path]
+    cmd = ["rclone", "ls", *TIGRIS_CONSISTENCY_HEADERS, remote_path]
     result = run(cmd, capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
     return result.stdout.splitlines()

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/command_utils.py

@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ async def run_sync(
     try:
         async with get_client() as client:
             project_item = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
-            url = f"{project_item.project_url}/project/sync"
+            url = f"/v2/projects/{project_item.external_id}/sync"
             params = []
             if force_full:
                 params.append("force_full=true")
@@ -92,7 +92,7 @@ async def get_project_info(project: str):
     try:
         async with get_client() as client:
             project_item = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
-            response = await call_get(client, f"{project_item.project_url}/project/info")
+            response = await call_get(client, f"/v2/projects/{project_item.external_id}/info")
             return ProjectInfoResponse.model_validate(response.json())
     except (ToolError, ValueError) as e:
         console.print(f"[red]Sync failed: {e}[/red]")

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/db.py

@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ from pathlib import Path
 import typer
 from loguru import logger
 from rich.console import Console
+from rich.progress import Progress, SpinnerColumn, TextColumn, BarColumn, TaskProgressColumn
 from sqlalchemy.exc import OperationalError
 
 from basic_memory import db
@@ -103,3 +104,118 @@ def reset(
                 # ensures db.shutdown_db() is called even if _reindex_projects changes
                 run_with_cleanup(_reindex_projects(app_config))
                 console.print("[green]Reindex complete[/green]")
+
+
+@app.command()
+def reindex(
+    embeddings: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--embeddings", "-e", help="Rebuild vector embeddings (requires semantic search)"
+    ),
+    search: bool = typer.Option(False, "--search", "-s", help="Rebuild full-text search index"),
+    project: str = typer.Option(
+        None, "--project", "-p", help="Reindex a specific project (default: all)"
+    ),
+):  # pragma: no cover
+    """Rebuild search indexes and/or vector embeddings without dropping the database.
+
+    By default rebuilds everything (search + embeddings if semantic is enabled).
+    Use --search or --embeddings to rebuild only one.
+
+    Examples:
+        bm reindex                  # Rebuild everything
+        bm reindex --embeddings     # Only rebuild vector embeddings
+        bm reindex --search         # Only rebuild FTS index
+        bm reindex -p claw          # Reindex only the 'claw' project
+    """
+    # If neither flag is set, do both
+    if not embeddings and not search:
+        embeddings = True
+        search = True
+
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    app_config = config_manager.config
+
+    if embeddings and not app_config.semantic_search_enabled:
+        console.print(
+            "[yellow]Semantic search is not enabled.[/yellow] "
+            "Set [cyan]semantic_search_enabled: true[/cyan] in config to use embeddings."
+        )
+        embeddings = False
+        if not search:
+            raise typer.Exit(0)
+
+    run_with_cleanup(_reindex(app_config, search=search, embeddings=embeddings, project=project))
+
+
+async def _reindex(app_config, search: bool, embeddings: bool, project: str | None):
+    """Run reindex operations."""
+    from basic_memory.repository import EntityRepository
+    from basic_memory.repository.search_repository import create_search_repository
+    from basic_memory.services.search_service import SearchService
+    from basic_memory.services.file_service import FileService
+    from basic_memory.markdown.markdown_processor import MarkdownProcessor
+    from basic_memory.markdown.entity_parser import EntityParser
+
+    try:
+        await reconcile_projects_with_config(app_config)
+
+        _, session_maker = await db.get_or_create_db(
+            db_path=app_config.database_path,
+            db_type=db.DatabaseType.FILESYSTEM,
+        )
+        project_repository = ProjectRepository(session_maker)
+        projects = await project_repository.get_active_projects()
+
+        if project:
+            projects = [p for p in projects if p.name == project]
+            if not projects:
+                console.print(f"[red]Project '{project}' not found.[/red]")
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        for proj in projects:
+            console.print(f"\n[bold]Project: [cyan]{proj.name}[/cyan][/bold]")
+
+            if search:
+                console.print("  Rebuilding full-text search index...")
+                sync_service = await get_sync_service(proj)
+                sync_dir = Path(proj.path)
+                await sync_service.sync(sync_dir, project_name=proj.name)
+                console.print("  [green]✓[/green] Full-text search index rebuilt")
+
+            if embeddings:
+                console.print("  Building vector embeddings...")
+                entity_repository = EntityRepository(session_maker, project_id=proj.id)
+                search_repository = create_search_repository(
+                    session_maker, project_id=proj.id, app_config=app_config
+                )
+                project_path = Path(proj.path)
+                entity_parser = EntityParser(project_path)
+                markdown_processor = MarkdownProcessor(entity_parser, app_config=app_config)
+                file_service = FileService(project_path, markdown_processor, app_config=app_config)
+                search_service = SearchService(search_repository, entity_repository, file_service)
+
+                with Progress(
+                    SpinnerColumn(),
+                    TextColumn("[progress.description]{task.description}"),
+                    BarColumn(),
+                    TaskProgressColumn(),
+                    console=console,
+                ) as progress:
+                    task = progress.add_task("  Embedding entities...", total=None)
+
+                    def on_progress(entity_id, index, total):
+                        progress.update(task, total=total, completed=index)
+
+                    stats = await search_service.reindex_vectors(progress_callback=on_progress)
+                    progress.update(task, completed=stats["total_entities"])
+
+                console.print(
+                    f"  [green]✓[/green] Embeddings complete: "
+                    f"{stats['embedded']} entities embedded, "
+                    f"{stats['skipped']} skipped, "
+                    f"{stats['errors']} errors"
+                )
+
+        console.print("\n[green]Reindex complete![/green]")
+    finally:
+        await db.shutdown_db()

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/doctor.py

@@ -0,0 +1,153 @@
+"""Doctor command for local consistency checks."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+import tempfile
+import uuid
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from loguru import logger
+from mcp.server.fastmcp.exceptions import ToolError
+from rich.console import Console
+import typer
+
+from basic_memory.cli.app import app
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import run_with_cleanup
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.routing import force_routing, validate_routing_flags
+from basic_memory.markdown.entity_parser import EntityParser
+from basic_memory.markdown.markdown_processor import MarkdownProcessor
+from basic_memory.markdown.schemas import EntityFrontmatter, EntityMarkdown
+from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.clients import KnowledgeClient, ProjectClient, SearchClient
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post
+from basic_memory.schemas.base import Entity
+from basic_memory.schemas.project_info import ProjectInfoRequest
+from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchQuery
+from basic_memory.schemas import SyncReportResponse
+
+console = Console()
+
+
+async def run_doctor() -> None:
+    """Run local consistency checks for file <-> database flows."""
+    console.print("[blue]Running Basic Memory doctor checks...[/blue]")
+
+    project_name = f"doctor-{uuid.uuid4().hex[:8]}"
+    api_note_title = "Doctor API Note"
+    manual_note_title = "Doctor Manual Note"
+    manual_permalink = "doctor/manual-note"
+
+    with tempfile.TemporaryDirectory() as temp_dir:
+        temp_path = Path(temp_dir)
+
+        async with get_client() as client:
+            project_client = ProjectClient(client)
+            project_request = ProjectInfoRequest(
+                name=project_name,
+                path=str(temp_path),
+                set_default=False,
+            )
+
+            project_id: str | None = None
+
+            try:
+                status = await project_client.create_project(project_request.model_dump())
+                if not status.new_project:
+                    raise ValueError("Failed to create doctor project")
+                project_id = status.new_project.external_id
+                console.print(f"[green]OK[/green] Created doctor project: {project_name}")
+
+                # --- DB -> File: create an entity via API ---
+                knowledge_client = KnowledgeClient(client, project_id)
+                api_note = Entity(
+                    title=api_note_title,
+                    directory="doctor",
+                    entity_type="note",
+                    content_type="text/markdown",
+                    content=f"# {api_note_title}\n\n- [note] API to file check",
+                    entity_metadata={"tags": ["doctor"]},
+                )
+                api_result = await knowledge_client.create_entity(api_note.model_dump(), fast=False)
+
+                api_file = temp_path / api_result.file_path
+                if not api_file.exists():
+                    raise ValueError(f"API note file missing: {api_result.file_path}")
+
+                api_text = api_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+                if api_note_title not in api_text:
+                    raise ValueError("API note content missing from file")
+
+                console.print("[green]OK[/green] API write created file")
+
+                # --- File -> DB: write markdown file directly, then sync ---
+                parser = EntityParser(temp_path)
+                processor = MarkdownProcessor(parser)
+                manual_markdown = EntityMarkdown(
+                    frontmatter=EntityFrontmatter(
+                        metadata={
+                            "title": manual_note_title,
+                            "type": "note",
+                            "permalink": manual_permalink,
+                            "tags": ["doctor"],
+                        }
+                    ),
+                    content=f"# {manual_note_title}\n\n- [note] File to DB check",
+                )
+
+                manual_path = temp_path / "doctor" / "manual-note.md"
+                await processor.write_file(manual_path, manual_markdown)
+                console.print("[green]OK[/green] Manual file written")
+
+                sync_response = await call_post(
+                    client,
+                    f"/v2/projects/{project_id}/sync?force_full=true&run_in_background=false",
+                )
+                sync_report = SyncReportResponse.model_validate(sync_response.json())
+                if sync_report.total == 0:
+                    raise ValueError("Sync did not detect any changes")
+
+                console.print("[green]OK[/green] Sync indexed manual file")
+
+                search_client = SearchClient(client, project_id)
+                search_query = SearchQuery(title=manual_note_title)
+                search_results = await search_client.search(
+                    search_query.model_dump(), page=1, page_size=5
+                )
+                if not any(result.title == manual_note_title for result in search_results.results):
+                    raise ValueError("Manual note not found in search index")
+
+                console.print("[green]OK[/green] Search confirmed manual file")
+
+                status_response = await call_post(client, f"/v2/projects/{project_id}/status")
+                status_report = SyncReportResponse.model_validate(status_response.json())
+                if status_report.total != 0:
+                    raise ValueError("Project status not clean after sync")
+
+                console.print("[green]OK[/green] Status clean after sync")
+
+            finally:
+                if project_id:
+                    await project_client.delete_project(project_id)
+
+    console.print("[green]Doctor checks passed.[/green]")
+
+
+@app.command()
+def doctor(
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
+) -> None:
+    """Run local consistency checks to verify file/database sync."""
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            run_with_cleanup(run_doctor())
+    except (ToolError, ValueError) as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Doctor failed: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(code=1)
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.error(f"Doctor failed: {e}")
+        typer.echo(f"Doctor failed: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(code=1)  # pragma: no cover

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/mcp.py

@@ -1,76 +1,88 @@
 """MCP server command with streamable HTTP transport."""
 
 import os
+from typing import Any, Optional
+
 import typer
-from typing import Optional
+from loguru import logger
 
 from basic_memory.cli.app import app
 from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager, init_mcp_logging
 
-# Import mcp instance (has lifespan that handles initialization and file sync)
-from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp as mcp_server  # pragma: no cover
 
-# Import mcp tools to register them
-import basic_memory.mcp.tools  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
+class _DeferredMcpServer:
+    def run(self, *args: Any, **kwargs: Any) -> None:  # pragma: no cover
+        from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp as live_mcp_server
 
-# Import prompts to register them
-import basic_memory.mcp.prompts  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
-from loguru import logger
+        live_mcp_server.run(*args, **kwargs)
 
-config = ConfigManager().config
 
-if not config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+# Keep module-level attribute for tests/monkeypatching while deferring heavy import.
+mcp_server = _DeferredMcpServer()
 
-    @app.command()
-    def mcp(
-        transport: str = typer.Option(
-            "stdio", help="Transport type: stdio, streamable-http, or sse"
-        ),
-        host: str = typer.Option(
-            "0.0.0.0", help="Host for HTTP transports (use 0.0.0.0 to allow external connections)"
-        ),
-        port: int = typer.Option(8000, help="Port for HTTP transports"),
-        path: str = typer.Option("/mcp", help="Path prefix for streamable-http transport"),
-        project: Optional[str] = typer.Option(None, help="Restrict MCP server to single project"),
-    ):  # pragma: no cover
-        """Run the MCP server with configurable transport options.
 
-        This command starts an MCP server using one of three transport options:
+@app.command()
+def mcp(
+    transport: str = typer.Option("stdio", help="Transport type: stdio, streamable-http, or sse"),
+    host: str = typer.Option(
+        "0.0.0.0", help="Host for HTTP transports (use 0.0.0.0 to allow external connections)"
+    ),
+    port: int = typer.Option(8000, help="Port for HTTP transports"),
+    path: str = typer.Option("/mcp", help="Path prefix for streamable-http transport"),
+    project: Optional[str] = typer.Option(None, help="Restrict MCP server to single project"),
+):  # pragma: no cover
+    """Run the MCP server with configurable transport options.
 
-        - stdio: Standard I/O (good for local usage)
-        - streamable-http: Recommended for web deployments (default)
-        - sse: Server-Sent Events (for compatibility with existing clients)
+    This command starts an MCP server using one of three transport options:
 
-        Initialization, file sync, and cleanup are handled by the MCP server's lifespan.
-        """
-        # Initialize logging for MCP (file only, stdout breaks protocol)
-        init_mcp_logging()
+    - stdio: Standard I/O (good for local usage)
+    - streamable-http: Recommended for web deployments (default)
+    - sse: Server-Sent Events (for compatibility with existing clients)
 
-        # Validate and set project constraint if specified
-        if project:
-            config_manager = ConfigManager()
-            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
-            if not project_name:
-                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
-                raise typer.Exit(1)
+    Initialization, file sync, and cleanup are handled by the MCP server's lifespan.
 
-            # Set env var with validated project name
-            os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_PROJECT"] = project_name
-            logger.info(f"MCP server constrained to project: {project_name}")
+    Note: This command is available regardless of cloud mode setting.
+    Users who have cloud mode enabled can still use local MCP for Claude Code
+    and Claude Desktop while using cloud MCP for web and mobile access.
+    """
+    # Force local routing for local MCP server
+    # Why: The local MCP server should always talk to the local API, not the cloud proxy.
+    # Even when cloud_mode_enabled is True, stdio MCP runs locally and needs local API access.
+    os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL"] = "true"
 
-        # Run the MCP server (blocks)
-        # Lifespan handles: initialization, migrations, file sync, cleanup
-        logger.info(f"Starting MCP server with {transport.upper()} transport")
+    # Import mcp tools/prompts to register them with the server
+    import basic_memory.mcp.tools  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
+    import basic_memory.mcp.prompts  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
+    import basic_memory.mcp.resources  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
 
-        if transport == "stdio":
-            mcp_server.run(
-                transport=transport,
-            )
-        elif transport == "streamable-http" or transport == "sse":
-            mcp_server.run(
-                transport=transport,
-                host=host,
-                port=port,
-                path=path,
-                log_level="INFO",
-            )
+    # Initialize logging for MCP (file only, stdout breaks protocol)
+    init_mcp_logging()
+
+    # Validate and set project constraint if specified
+    if project:
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+        if not project_name:
+            typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        # Set env var with validated project name
+        os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_PROJECT"] = project_name
+        logger.info(f"MCP server constrained to project: {project_name}")
+
+    # Run the MCP server (blocks)
+    # Lifespan handles: initialization, migrations, file sync, cleanup
+    logger.info(f"Starting MCP server with {transport.upper()} transport")
+
+    if transport == "stdio":
+        mcp_server.run(
+            transport=transport,
+        )
+    elif transport == "streamable-http" or transport == "sse":
+        mcp_server.run(
+            transport=transport,
+            host=host,
+            port=port,
+            path=path,
+            log_level="INFO",
+        )

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/project.py

@@ -1,32 +1,33 @@
 """Command module for basic-memory project management."""
 
+import json
 import os
+from datetime import datetime
 from pathlib import Path
 
 import typer
 from rich.console import Console
+from rich.panel import Panel
 from rich.table import Table
 
 from basic_memory.cli.app import app
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import get_project_info, run_with_cleanup
-from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
-import json
-from datetime import datetime
-
-from rich.panel import Panel
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.routing import force_routing, validate_routing_flags
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager, ProjectMode
 from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get, call_post, call_delete, call_put, call_patch
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_delete, call_get, call_patch, call_post, call_put
 from basic_memory.schemas.project_info import ProjectList, ProjectStatusResponse
+from basic_memory.schemas.v2 import ProjectResolveResponse
 from basic_memory.utils import generate_permalink, normalize_project_path
 
 # Import rclone commands for project sync
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.cloud.rclone_commands import (
-    SyncProject,
     RcloneError,
-    project_sync,
+    SyncProject,
     project_bisync,
     project_check,
     project_ls,
+    project_sync,
 )
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.cloud.bisync_commands import get_mount_info
 
@@ -46,40 +47,57 @@ def format_path(path: str) -> str:
 
 
 @project_app.command("list")
-def list_projects() -> None:
-    """List all Basic Memory projects."""
+def list_projects(
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
+) -> None:
+    """List all Basic Memory projects.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
 
     async def _list_projects():
         async with get_client() as client:
-            response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+            response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
             return ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
 
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_list_projects())
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_list_projects())
         config = ConfigManager().config
 
         table = Table(title="Basic Memory Projects")
         table.add_column("Name", style="cyan")
         table.add_column("Path", style="green")
+        table.add_column("Mode", style="blue")
 
-        # Add Local Path column if in cloud mode
-        if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+        # Add Local Path column if in cloud mode and not forcing local
+        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local:
             table.add_column("Local Path", style="yellow", no_wrap=True, overflow="fold")
 
         # Show Default column in local mode or if default_project_mode is enabled in cloud mode
-        show_default_column = not config.cloud_mode_enabled or config.default_project_mode
+        show_default_column = local or not config.cloud_mode_enabled or config.default_project_mode
         if show_default_column:
             table.add_column("Default", style="magenta")
 
         for project in result.projects:
             is_default = "[X]" if project.is_default else ""
             normalized_path = normalize_project_path(project.path)
+            project_mode = config.get_project_mode(project.name).value
 
             # Build row based on mode
-            row = [project.name, format_path(normalized_path)]
+            row = [project.name, format_path(normalized_path), project_mode]
 
-            # Add local path if in cloud mode
-            if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+            # Add local path if in cloud mode and not forcing local
+            if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local:
                 local_path = ""
                 if project.name in config.cloud_projects:
                     local_path = config.cloud_projects[project.name].local_path or ""
@@ -108,9 +126,16 @@ def add_project(
         None, "--local-path", help="Local sync path for cloud mode (optional)"
     ),
     set_default: bool = typer.Option(False, "--default", help="Set as default project"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ) -> None:
     """Add a new project.
 
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+
     Cloud mode examples:\n
         bm project add research                           # No local sync\n
         bm project add research --local-path ~/docs       # With local sync\n
@@ -118,14 +143,23 @@ def add_project(
     Local mode example:\n
         bm project add research ~/Documents/research
     """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
     config = ConfigManager().config
 
+    # Determine effective mode: local flag forces local mode behavior
+    effective_cloud_mode = config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local
+
     # Resolve local sync path early (needed for both cloud and local mode)
     local_sync_path: str | None = None
     if local_path:
         local_sync_path = Path(os.path.abspath(os.path.expanduser(local_path))).as_posix()
 
-    if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+    if effective_cloud_mode:
         # Cloud mode: path auto-generated from name, local sync is optional
 
         async def _add_project():
@@ -136,7 +170,7 @@ def add_project(
                     "local_sync_path": local_sync_path,
                     "set_default": set_default,
                 }
-                response = await call_post(client, "/projects/projects", json=data)
+                response = await call_post(client, "/v2/projects/", json=data)
                 return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())
     else:
         # Local mode: path is required
@@ -150,15 +184,16 @@ def add_project(
         async def _add_project():
             async with get_client() as client:
                 data = {"name": name, "path": resolved_path, "set_default": set_default}
-                response = await call_post(client, "/projects/projects", json=data)
+                response = await call_post(client, "/v2/projects/", json=data)
                 return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_add_project())
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_add_project())
         console.print(f"[green]{result.message}[/green]")
 
         # Save local sync path to config if in cloud mode
-        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and local_sync_path:
+        if effective_cloud_mode and local_sync_path:
             from basic_memory.config import CloudProjectConfig
 
             # Create local directory if it doesn't exist
@@ -202,7 +237,7 @@ def setup_project_sync(
     async def _verify_project_exists():
         """Verify the project exists on cloud by listing all projects."""
         async with get_client() as client:
-            response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+            response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
             project_list = response.json()
             project_names = [p["name"] for p in project_list["projects"]]
             if name not in project_names:
@@ -243,8 +278,21 @@ def remove_project(
     delete_notes: bool = typer.Option(
         False, "--delete-notes", help="Delete project files from disk"
     ),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ) -> None:
-    """Remove a project."""
+    """Remove a project.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
 
     async def _remove_project():
         async with get_client() as client:
@@ -265,11 +313,11 @@ def remove_project(
     try:
         # Get config to check for local sync path and bisync state
         config = ConfigManager().config
-        local_path = None
+        local_path_config = None
         has_bisync_state = False
 
-        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and name in config.cloud_projects:
-            local_path = config.cloud_projects[name].local_path
+        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local and name in config.cloud_projects:
+            local_path_config = config.cloud_projects[name].local_path
 
             # Check for bisync state
             from basic_memory.cli.commands.cloud.rclone_commands import get_project_bisync_state
@@ -278,17 +326,18 @@ def remove_project(
             has_bisync_state = bisync_state_path.exists()
 
         # Remove project from cloud/API
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_remove_project())
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_remove_project())
         console.print(f"[green]{result.message}[/green]")
 
         # Clean up local sync directory if it exists and delete_notes is True
-        if delete_notes and local_path:
-            local_dir = Path(local_path)
+        if delete_notes and local_path_config:
+            local_dir = Path(local_path_config)
             if local_dir.exists():
                 import shutil
 
                 shutil.rmtree(local_dir)
-                console.print(f"[green]Removed local sync directory: {local_path}[/green]")
+                console.print(f"[green]Removed local sync directory: {local_path_config}[/green]")
 
         # Clean up bisync state if it exists
         if has_bisync_state:
@@ -301,14 +350,14 @@ def remove_project(
                 console.print("[green]Removed bisync state[/green]")
 
         # Clean up cloud_projects config entry
-        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and name in config.cloud_projects:
+        if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local and name in config.cloud_projects:
             del config.cloud_projects[name]
             ConfigManager().save_config(config)
 
         # Show informative message if files were not deleted
         if not delete_notes:
-            if local_path:
-                console.print(f"[yellow]Note: Local files remain at {local_path}[/yellow]")
+            if local_path_config:
+                console.print(f"[yellow]Note: Local files remain at {local_path_config}[/yellow]")
 
     except Exception as e:
         console.print(f"[red]Error removing project: {str(e)}[/red]")
@@ -318,15 +367,24 @@ def remove_project(
 @project_app.command("default")
 def set_default_project(
     name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Name of the project to set as CLI default"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (required in cloud mode)"
+    ),
 ) -> None:
     """Set the default project when 'config.default_project_mode' is set.
 
-    Note: This command is only available in local mode.
+    In cloud mode, use --local to modify the local configuration.
     """
     config = ConfigManager().config
 
-    if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
-        console.print("[red]Error: 'default' command is not available in cloud mode[/red]")
+    # Trigger: cloud mode enabled without --local flag
+    # Why: default project is a local configuration concept
+    # Outcome: require explicit --local flag to modify local config in cloud mode
+    if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local:
+        console.print(
+            "[red]Error: 'default' command requires --local flag in cloud mode[/red]\n"
+            "[yellow]Hint: Use 'bm project default <name> --local' to set local default[/yellow]"
+        )
         raise typer.Exit(1)
 
     async def _set_default():
@@ -346,7 +404,8 @@ def set_default_project(
             return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_set_default())
+        with force_routing(local=local):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_set_default())
         console.print(f"[green]{result.message}[/green]")
     except Exception as e:
         console.print(f"[red]Error setting default project: {str(e)}[/red]")
@@ -354,24 +413,35 @@ def set_default_project(
 
 
 @project_app.command("sync-config")
-def synchronize_projects() -> None:
+def synchronize_projects(
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (required in cloud mode)"
+    ),
+) -> None:
     """Synchronize project config between configuration file and database.
 
-    Note: This command is only available in local mode.
+    In cloud mode, use --local to sync local configuration.
     """
     config = ConfigManager().config
 
-    if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
-        console.print("[red]Error: 'sync-config' command is not available in cloud mode[/red]")
+    # Trigger: cloud mode enabled without --local flag
+    # Why: sync-config syncs local config file with local database
+    # Outcome: require explicit --local flag to clarify intent in cloud mode
+    if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local:
+        console.print(
+            "[red]Error: 'sync-config' command requires --local flag in cloud mode[/red]\n"
+            "[yellow]Hint: Use 'bm project sync-config --local' to sync local config[/yellow]"
+        )
         raise typer.Exit(1)
 
     async def _sync_config():
         async with get_client() as client:
-            response = await call_post(client, "/projects/config/sync")
+            response = await call_post(client, "/v2/projects/config/sync")
             return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_sync_config())
+        with force_routing(local=local):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_sync_config())
         console.print(f"[green]{result.message}[/green]")
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         console.print(f"[red]Error synchronizing projects: {str(e)}[/red]")
@@ -382,15 +452,24 @@ def synchronize_projects() -> None:
 def move_project(
     name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Name of the project to move"),
     new_path: str = typer.Argument(..., help="New absolute path for the project"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (required in cloud mode)"
+    ),
 ) -> None:
     """Move a project to a new location.
 
-    Note: This command is only available in local mode.
+    In cloud mode, use --local to modify local project paths.
     """
     config = ConfigManager().config
 
-    if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
-        console.print("[red]Error: 'move' command is not available in cloud mode[/red]")
+    # Trigger: cloud mode enabled without --local flag
+    # Why: moving a project is a local file system operation
+    # Outcome: require explicit --local flag to clarify intent in cloud mode
+    if config.cloud_mode_enabled and not local:
+        console.print(
+            "[red]Error: 'move' command requires --local flag in cloud mode[/red]\n"
+            "[yellow]Hint: Use 'bm project move <name> <path> --local' to move local project[/yellow]"
+        )
         raise typer.Exit(1)
 
     # Resolve to absolute path
@@ -399,14 +478,20 @@ def move_project(
     async def _move_project():
         async with get_client() as client:
             data = {"path": resolved_path}
-            project_permalink = generate_permalink(name)
-
-            # TODO fix route to use ProjectPathDep
-            response = await call_patch(client, f"/{name}/project/{project_permalink}", json=data)
+            resolve_response = await call_post(
+                client,
+                "/v2/projects/resolve",
+                json={"identifier": name},
+            )
+            project_info = ProjectResolveResponse.model_validate(resolve_response.json())
+            response = await call_patch(
+                client, f"/v2/projects/{project_info.external_id}", json=data
+            )
             return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(_move_project())
+        with force_routing(local=local):
+            result = run_with_cleanup(_move_project())
         console.print(f"[green]{result.message}[/green]")
 
         # Show important file movement reminder
@@ -428,6 +513,74 @@ def move_project(
         raise typer.Exit(1)
 
 
+@project_app.command("set-cloud")
+def set_cloud(
+    name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Name of the project to route through cloud"),
+) -> None:
+    """Set a project to cloud mode (route through cloud API).
+
+    Requires either an API key or an active OAuth session.
+
+    Examples:
+      bm cloud set-key bmc_abc123...   # save API key, then:
+      bm project set-cloud research    # route "research" through cloud
+
+      bm cloud login                   # OAuth login, then:
+      bm project set-cloud research    # route "research" through cloud
+    """
+    from basic_memory.cli.auth import CLIAuth
+
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    config = config_manager.config
+
+    # Validate project exists in config
+    if name not in config.projects:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: Project '{name}' not found in config[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+    # Validate credentials: API key or OAuth session
+    has_api_key = bool(config.cloud_api_key)
+    has_oauth = False
+    if not has_api_key:
+        auth = CLIAuth(client_id=config.cloud_client_id, authkit_domain=config.cloud_domain)
+        has_oauth = auth.load_tokens() is not None
+
+    if not has_api_key and not has_oauth:
+        console.print("[red]Error: No cloud credentials found[/red]")
+        console.print("[dim]Run 'bm cloud set-key <key>' or 'bm cloud login' first[/dim]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+    config.set_project_mode(name, ProjectMode.CLOUD)
+    config_manager.save_config(config)
+
+    console.print(f"[green]Project '{name}' set to cloud mode[/green]")
+    console.print("[dim]MCP tools and CLI commands for this project will route through cloud[/dim]")
+
+
+@project_app.command("set-local")
+def set_local(
+    name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Name of the project to revert to local mode"),
+) -> None:
+    """Revert a project to local mode (use in-process ASGI transport).
+
+    Example:
+      bm project set-local research
+    """
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    config = config_manager.config
+
+    # Validate project exists in config
+    if name not in config.projects:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: Project '{name}' not found in config[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+    config.set_project_mode(name, ProjectMode.LOCAL)
+    config_manager.save_config(config)
+
+    console.print(f"[green]Project '{name}' set to local mode[/green]")
+    console.print("[dim]MCP tools and CLI commands for this project will use local transport[/dim]")
+
+
 @project_app.command("sync")
 def sync_project_command(
     name: str = typer.Option(..., "--name", help="Project name to sync"),
@@ -453,7 +606,7 @@ def sync_project_command(
         # Get project info
         async def _get_project():
             async with get_client() as client:
-                response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+                response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
                 projects_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
                 for proj in projects_list.projects:
                     if generate_permalink(proj.name) == generate_permalink(name):
@@ -494,9 +647,10 @@ def sync_project_command(
 
                 async def _trigger_db_sync():
                     async with get_client() as client:
-                        permalink = generate_permalink(name)
                         response = await call_post(
-                            client, f"/{permalink}/project/sync?force_full=true", json={}
+                            client,
+                            f"/v2/projects/{project_data.external_id}/sync?force_full=true",
+                            json={},
                         )
                         return response.json()
 
@@ -544,7 +698,7 @@ def bisync_project_command(
         # Get project info
         async def _get_project():
             async with get_client() as client:
-                response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+                response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
                 projects_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
                 for proj in projects_list.projects:
                     if generate_permalink(proj.name) == generate_permalink(name):
@@ -592,9 +746,10 @@ def bisync_project_command(
 
                 async def _trigger_db_sync():
                     async with get_client() as client:
-                        permalink = generate_permalink(name)
                         response = await call_post(
-                            client, f"/{permalink}/project/sync?force_full=true", json={}
+                            client,
+                            f"/v2/projects/{project_data.external_id}/sync?force_full=true",
+                            json={},
                         )
                         return response.json()
 
@@ -638,7 +793,7 @@ def check_project_command(
         # Get project info
         async def _get_project():
             async with get_client() as client:
-                response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+                response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
                 projects_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
                 for proj in projects_list.projects:
                     if generate_permalink(proj.name) == generate_permalink(name):
@@ -739,7 +894,7 @@ def ls_project_command(
         # Get project info
         async def _get_project():
             async with get_client() as client:
-                response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+                response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
                 projects_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
                 for proj in projects_list.projects:
                     if generate_permalink(proj.name) == generate_permalink(name):
@@ -779,11 +934,26 @@ def ls_project_command(
 def display_project_info(
     name: str = typer.Argument(..., help="Name of the project"),
     json_output: bool = typer.Option(False, "--json", help="Output in JSON format"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Display detailed information and statistics about the current project."""
+    """Display detailed information and statistics about the current project.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+
     try:
         # Get project info
-        info = run_with_cleanup(get_project_info(name))
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            info = run_with_cleanup(get_project_info(name))
 
         if json_output:
             # Convert to JSON and print

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/routing.py

@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+"""CLI routing utilities for --local/--cloud flag handling.
+
+This module provides utilities for CLI commands to override the default routing
+behavior (determined by cloud_mode_enabled in config). This allows users to:
+
+1. Use local MCP server even when cloud mode is enabled
+2. Force local routing for specific CLI commands with --local flag
+3. Force cloud routing with --cloud flag (requires authentication)
+
+The routing is controlled via environment variables:
+- BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL: When "true", forces local ASGI transport
+- These are checked in basic_memory.mcp.async_client.get_client()
+"""
+
+import os
+from contextlib import contextmanager
+from typing import Generator
+
+
+@contextmanager
+def force_routing(local: bool = False, cloud: bool = False) -> Generator[None, None, None]:
+    """Context manager to temporarily override routing mode.
+
+    Sets environment variables that are checked by get_client() to determine
+    whether to use local ASGI transport or cloud proxy transport.
+
+    Args:
+        local: If True, force local ASGI transport (ignores cloud_mode_enabled)
+        cloud: If True, clear force_local to allow cloud routing
+
+    Usage:
+        with force_routing(local=True):
+            # All API calls will use local ASGI transport
+            await some_api_call()
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If both local and cloud are True
+    """
+    if local and cloud:
+        raise ValueError("Cannot specify both --local and --cloud")
+
+    # Save original values
+    original_force_local = os.environ.get("BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL")
+
+    try:
+        if local:
+            # Force local routing by setting the env var
+            os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL"] = "true"
+        elif cloud:
+            # Ensure force_local is NOT set, let cloud_mode_enabled take effect
+            os.environ.pop("BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL", None)
+        # If neither is set, don't change anything (use default behavior)
+        yield
+    finally:
+        # Restore original value
+        if original_force_local is None:
+            os.environ.pop("BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL", None)
+        else:
+            os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL"] = original_force_local
+
+
+def validate_routing_flags(local: bool, cloud: bool) -> None:
+    """Validate that --local and --cloud flags are not both specified.
+
+    Args:
+        local: Value of --local flag
+        cloud: Value of --cloud flag
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If both flags are True
+    """
+    if local and cloud:
+        raise ValueError("Cannot specify both --local and --cloud flags")

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/schema.py

@@ -0,0 +1,336 @@
+"""Schema management CLI commands for Basic Memory.
+
+Provides CLI access to schema validation, inference, and drift detection.
+Registered as a subcommand group: `bm schema validate`, `bm schema infer`, `bm schema diff`.
+"""
+
+import json
+from typing import Annotated, Optional
+
+import typer
+from loguru import logger
+from rich.console import Console
+from rich.panel import Panel
+from rich.table import Table
+
+from basic_memory.cli.app import app
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import run_with_cleanup
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.routing import force_routing, validate_routing_flags
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
+from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+
+console = Console()
+
+schema_app = typer.Typer(help="Schema management commands")
+app.add_typer(schema_app, name="schema")
+
+
+def _resolve_project_name(project: Optional[str]) -> Optional[str]:
+    """Resolve project name from CLI argument or config default."""
+    config_manager = ConfigManager()
+    if project is not None:
+        project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+        if not project_name:
+            typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+        return project_name
+    return config_manager.default_project
+
+
+# --- Validate ---
+
+
+async def _run_validate(
+    target: Optional[str] = None,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    strict: bool = False,
+):
+    """Run schema validation via the API."""
+    from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
+        schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+        # Determine if target is a note identifier or entity type
+        # Heuristic: if target contains / or ., treat as identifier
+        entity_type = None
+        identifier = None
+        if target:
+            if "/" in target or "." in target:
+                identifier = target
+            else:
+                entity_type = target
+
+        report = await schema_client.validate(
+            entity_type=entity_type,
+            identifier=identifier,
+        )
+
+        # --- Display results ---
+        if report.total_notes == 0:
+            console.print("[yellow]No notes matched for validation.[/yellow]")
+            return
+
+        table = Table(title=f"Schema Validation: {entity_type or identifier or 'all'}")
+        table.add_column("Note", style="cyan")
+        table.add_column("Status", justify="center")
+        table.add_column("Warnings", justify="right")
+        table.add_column("Errors", justify="right")
+
+        for result in report.results:
+            if result.passed and not result.warnings:
+                status = "[green]pass[/green]"
+            elif result.passed:
+                status = "[yellow]warn[/yellow]"
+            else:
+                status = "[red]fail[/red]"
+
+            table.add_row(
+                result.note_identifier,
+                status,
+                str(len(result.warnings)),
+                str(len(result.errors)),
+            )
+
+        console.print(table)
+        console.print(
+            f"\nSummary: {report.valid_count}/{report.total_notes} valid, "
+            f"{report.warning_count} warnings, {report.error_count} errors"
+        )
+
+        # Exit with error code in strict mode if there are failures
+        if strict and report.error_count > 0:
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+
+@schema_app.command()
+def validate(
+    target: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Argument(help="Note path or entity type to validate"),
+    ] = None,
+    project: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option(help="The project name."),
+    ] = None,
+    strict: bool = typer.Option(False, "--strict", help="Exit with error on validation failures"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
+):
+    """Validate notes against their schemas.
+
+    TARGET can be a note path (e.g., people/ada-lovelace.md) or an entity type
+    (e.g., Person). If omitted, validates all notes that have schemas.
+
+    Use --strict to exit with error code 1 if any validation errors are found.
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+        project_name = _resolve_project_name(project)
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            run_with_cleanup(_run_validate(target, project_name, strict))
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+    except Exception as e:
+        if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
+            logger.error(f"Error during schema validate: {e}")
+            typer.echo(f"Error during schema validate: {e}", err=True)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+        raise
+
+
+# --- Infer ---
+
+
+async def _run_infer(
+    entity_type: str,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    threshold: float = 0.25,
+    save: bool = False,
+):
+    """Run schema inference via the API."""
+    from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
+        schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+        report = await schema_client.infer(entity_type, threshold=threshold)
+
+        if report.notes_analyzed == 0:
+            console.print(f"[yellow]No notes found with type: {entity_type}[/yellow]")
+            return
+
+        # --- Display frequency analysis ---
+        console.print(
+            f"\n[bold]Analyzing {report.notes_analyzed} notes with type: {entity_type}...[/bold]\n"
+        )
+
+        table = Table(title="Field Frequencies")
+        table.add_column("Field", style="cyan")
+        table.add_column("Source")
+        table.add_column("Count", justify="right")
+        table.add_column("Percentage", justify="right")
+        table.add_column("Suggested")
+
+        for freq in report.field_frequencies:
+            pct = f"{freq.percentage:.0%}"
+            if freq.name in report.suggested_required:
+                suggested = "[green]required[/green]"
+            elif freq.name in report.suggested_optional:
+                suggested = "[yellow]optional[/yellow]"
+            else:
+                suggested = "[dim]excluded[/dim]"
+
+            table.add_row(
+                freq.name,
+                freq.source,
+                str(freq.count),
+                pct,
+                suggested,
+            )
+
+        console.print(table)
+
+        # --- Display suggested schema ---
+        console.print("\n[bold]Suggested schema:[/bold]")
+        console.print(Panel(json.dumps(report.suggested_schema, indent=2), title="Picoschema"))
+
+        if save:
+            console.print(
+                f"\n[yellow]--save not yet implemented. "
+                f"Copy the schema above into schema/{entity_type}.md[/yellow]"
+            )
+
+
+@schema_app.command()
+def infer(
+    entity_type: Annotated[
+        str,
+        typer.Argument(help="Entity type to analyze (e.g., Person, meeting)"),
+    ],
+    project: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option(help="The project name."),
+    ] = None,
+    threshold: float = typer.Option(
+        0.25, "--threshold", help="Minimum frequency for optional fields (0-1)"
+    ),
+    save: bool = typer.Option(False, "--save", help="Save inferred schema to schema/ directory"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
+):
+    """Infer schema from existing notes of a type.
+
+    Analyzes all notes with the given entity type and suggests a Picoschema
+    definition based on observation and relation frequency.
+
+    Fields present in 95%+ of notes become required. Fields above the
+    threshold (default 25%) become optional. Fields below threshold are excluded.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+        project_name = _resolve_project_name(project)
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            run_with_cleanup(_run_infer(entity_type, project_name, threshold, save))
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+    except Exception as e:
+        if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
+            logger.error(f"Error during schema infer: {e}")
+            typer.echo(f"Error during schema infer: {e}", err=True)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+        raise
+
+
+# --- Diff ---
+
+
+async def _run_diff(
+    entity_type: str,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+):
+    """Run schema drift detection via the API."""
+    from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
+        schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+        report = await schema_client.diff(entity_type)
+
+        has_drift = report.new_fields or report.dropped_fields or report.cardinality_changes
+
+        if not has_drift:
+            console.print(f"[green]No drift detected for {entity_type} schema.[/green]")
+            return
+
+        console.print(f"\n[bold]Schema drift detected for {entity_type}:[/bold]\n")
+
+        if report.new_fields:
+            console.print("[green]+ New fields (common in notes, not in schema):[/green]")
+            for f in report.new_fields:
+                console.print(f"  + {f.name}: {f.percentage:.0%} of notes ({f.source})")
+
+        if report.dropped_fields:
+            console.print("[red]- Dropped fields (in schema, rare in notes):[/red]")
+            for f in report.dropped_fields:
+                console.print(f"  - {f.name}: {f.percentage:.0%} of notes ({f.source})")
+
+        if report.cardinality_changes:
+            console.print("[yellow]~ Cardinality changes:[/yellow]")
+            for change in report.cardinality_changes:
+                console.print(f"  ~ {change}")
+
+
+@schema_app.command()
+def diff(
+    entity_type: Annotated[
+        str,
+        typer.Argument(help="Entity type to check for drift"),
+    ],
+    project: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option(help="The project name."),
+    ] = None,
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
+):
+    """Show drift between schema and actual usage.
+
+    Compares the existing schema definition for an entity type against
+    how notes of that type are actually structured. Identifies new fields,
+    dropped fields, and cardinality changes.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
+    try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+        project_name = _resolve_project_name(project)
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            run_with_cleanup(_run_diff(entity_type, project_name))
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
+    except Exception as e:
+        if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
+            logger.error(f"Error during schema diff: {e}")
+            typer.echo(f"Error during schema diff: {e}", err=True)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
+        raise

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/status.py

@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@ from rich.panel import Panel
 from rich.tree import Tree
 
 from basic_memory.cli.app import app
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.routing import force_routing, validate_routing_flags
 from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post
 from basic_memory.schemas import SyncReportResponse
@@ -145,7 +146,7 @@ async def run_status(project: Optional[str] = None, verbose: bool = False):  # p
     try:
         async with get_client() as client:
             project_item = await get_active_project(client, project, None)
-            response = await call_post(client, f"{project_item.project_url}/project/status")
+            response = await call_post(client, f"/v2/projects/{project_item.external_id}/status")
             sync_report = SyncReportResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
             display_changes(project_item.name, "Status", sync_report, verbose)
@@ -162,12 +163,25 @@ def status(
         typer.Option(help="The project name."),
     ] = None,
     verbose: bool = typer.Option(False, "--verbose", "-v", help="Show detailed file information"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Show sync status between files and database."""
+    """Show sync status between files and database.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import run_with_cleanup
 
     try:
-        run_with_cleanup(run_status(project, verbose))  # pragma: no cover
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            run_with_cleanup(run_status(project, verbose))  # pragma: no cover
+    except ValueError as e:
+        console.print(f"[red]Error: {e}[/red]")
+        raise typer.Exit(code=1)
     except Exception as e:
         logger.error(f"Error checking status: {e}")
         typer.echo(f"Error checking status: {e}", err=True)

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/tool.py

@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 """CLI tool commands for Basic Memory."""
 
+import json
 import sys
 from typing import Annotated, List, Optional
 
@@ -9,7 +10,15 @@ from rich import print as rprint
 
 from basic_memory.cli.app import app
 from basic_memory.cli.commands.command_utils import run_with_cleanup
+from basic_memory.cli.commands.routing import force_routing, validate_routing_flags
 from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
+from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.clients import KnowledgeClient, ResourceClient
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get
+from basic_memory.schemas.base import Entity, TimeFrame
+from basic_memory.schemas.memory import GraphContext, MemoryUrl, memory_url_path
+from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
 
 # Import prompts
 from basic_memory.mcp.prompts.continue_conversation import (
@@ -23,14 +32,128 @@ from basic_memory.mcp.tools import read_note as mcp_read_note
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools import recent_activity as mcp_recent_activity
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools import search_notes as mcp_search
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools import write_note as mcp_write_note
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
-from basic_memory.schemas.memory import MemoryUrl
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
 
 tool_app = typer.Typer()
 app.add_typer(tool_app, name="tool", help="Access to MCP tools via CLI")
 
 
+# --- JSON output helpers ---
+# These async functions bypass the MCP tool (which returns formatted strings)
+# and use API clients directly to return structured data for --format json.
+
+
+async def _write_note_json(
+    title: str, content: str, folder: str, project_name: Optional[str], tags: Optional[List[str]]
+) -> dict:
+    """Write a note and return structured JSON metadata."""
+    # Use the MCP tool to create/update the entity (handles create-or-update logic)
+    await mcp_write_note.fn(title, content, folder, project_name, tags)
+
+    # Resolve the entity to get metadata back
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project_name)
+        knowledge_client = KnowledgeClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+        entity = Entity(title=title, directory=folder)
+        if not entity.permalink:
+            raise ValueError(f"Could not generate permalink for title={title}, folder={folder}")
+        entity_id = await knowledge_client.resolve_entity(entity.permalink)
+        entity = await knowledge_client.get_entity(entity_id)
+
+        return {
+            "title": entity.title,
+            "permalink": entity.permalink,
+            "content": content,
+            "file_path": entity.file_path,
+        }
+
+
+async def _read_note_json(
+    identifier: str, project_name: Optional[str], page: int, page_size: int
+) -> dict:
+    """Read a note and return structured JSON with content and metadata."""
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project_name)
+        knowledge_client = KnowledgeClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+        resource_client = ResourceClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+        # Try direct resolution first (works for permalinks and memory URLs)
+        entity_path = memory_url_path(identifier)
+        entity_id = None
+        try:
+            entity_id = await knowledge_client.resolve_entity(entity_path)
+        except Exception:
+            logger.info(f"Direct lookup failed for '{entity_path}', trying title search")
+
+        # Fallback: title search (handles plain titles like "My Note")
+        if entity_id is None:
+            from basic_memory.mcp.tools.search import search_notes as mcp_search_tool
+
+            title_results = await mcp_search_tool.fn(
+                query=identifier, search_type="title", project=project_name
+            )
+            if title_results and hasattr(title_results, "results") and title_results.results:
+                result = title_results.results[0]
+                if result.permalink:
+                    entity_id = await knowledge_client.resolve_entity(result.permalink)
+
+        if entity_id is None:
+            raise ValueError(f"Could not find note matching: {identifier}")
+
+        entity = await knowledge_client.get_entity(entity_id)
+        response = await resource_client.read(entity_id, page=page, page_size=page_size)
+
+        return {
+            "title": entity.title,
+            "permalink": entity.permalink,
+            "content": response.text,
+            "file_path": entity.file_path,
+        }
+
+
+async def _recent_activity_json(
+    type: Optional[List[SearchItemType]],
+    depth: Optional[int],
+    timeframe: Optional[TimeFrame],
+    project_name: Optional[str] = None,
+    page: int = 1,
+    page_size: int = 50,
+) -> list:
+    """Get recent activity and return structured JSON list."""
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        # Build query params matching the MCP tool's logic
+        params: dict = {"page": page, "page_size": page_size, "max_related": 10}
+        if depth:
+            params["depth"] = depth
+        if timeframe:
+            params["timeframe"] = timeframe
+        if type:
+            params["type"] = [t.value for t in type]
+
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project_name)
+        response = await call_get(
+            client,
+            f"/v2/projects/{active_project.external_id}/memory/recent",
+            params=params,
+        )
+        activity_data = GraphContext.model_validate(response.json())
+
+        # Extract entity results
+        results = []
+        for result in activity_data.results:
+            pr = result.primary_result
+            if pr.type == "entity":
+                results.append(
+                    {
+                        "title": pr.title,
+                        "permalink": pr.permalink,
+                        "file_path": pr.file_path,
+                        "created_at": str(pr.created_at) if pr.created_at else None,
+                    }
+                )
+        return results
+
+
 @tool_app.command()
 def write_note(
     title: Annotated[str, typer.Option(help="The title of the note")],
@@ -50,6 +173,11 @@ def write_note(
     tags: Annotated[
         Optional[List[str]], typer.Option(help="A list of tags to apply to the note")
     ] = None,
+    format: str = typer.Option("text", "--format", help="Output format: text or json"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
     """Create or update a markdown note. Content can be provided as an argument or read from stdin.
 
@@ -57,6 +185,9 @@ def write_note(
     1. Using the --content parameter
     2. Piping content through stdin (if --content is not provided)
 
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+
     Examples:
 
     # Using content parameter
@@ -77,8 +208,13 @@ def write_note(
 
     # Reading from a file
     cat document.md | basic-memory tools write-note --title "Document" --folder "docs"
+
+    # Force local routing in cloud mode
+    basic-memory tools write-note --title "My Note" --folder "notes" --content "..." --local
     """
     try:
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+
         # If content is not provided, read from stdin
         if content is None:
             # Check if we're getting data from a pipe or redirect
@@ -109,8 +245,23 @@ def write_note(
         # use the project name, or the default from the config
         project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
 
-        note = run_with_cleanup(mcp_write_note.fn(title, content, folder, project_name, tags))
-        rprint(note)
+        # content is validated non-None above (stdin or --content)
+        assert content is not None
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            if format == "json":
+                result = run_with_cleanup(
+                    _write_note_json(title, content, folder, project_name, tags)
+                )
+                print(json.dumps(result, indent=2, ensure_ascii=True, default=str))
+            else:
+                note = run_with_cleanup(
+                    mcp_write_note.fn(title, content, folder, project_name, tags)
+                )
+                rprint(note)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             typer.echo(f"Error during write_note: {e}", err=True)
@@ -129,24 +280,44 @@ def read_note(
     ] = None,
     page: int = 1,
     page_size: int = 10,
+    format: str = typer.Option("text", "--format", help="Output format: text or json"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Read a markdown note from the knowledge base."""
-
-    # look for the project in the config
-    config_manager = ConfigManager()
-    project_name = None
-    if project is not None:
-        project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
-        if not project_name:
-            typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
-            raise typer.Exit(1)
-
-    # use the project name, or the default from the config
-    project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+    """Read a markdown note from the knowledge base.
 
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     try:
-        note = run_with_cleanup(mcp_read_note.fn(identifier, project_name, page, page_size))
-        rprint(note)
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+
+        # look for the project in the config
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        project_name = None
+        if project is not None:
+            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+            if not project_name:
+                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        # use the project name, or the default from the config
+        project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            if format == "json":
+                result = run_with_cleanup(
+                    _read_note_json(identifier, project_name, page, page_size)
+                )
+                print(json.dumps(result, indent=2, ensure_ascii=True, default=str))
+            else:
+                note = run_with_cleanup(mcp_read_note.fn(identifier, project_name, page, page_size))
+                rprint(note)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             typer.echo(f"Error during read_note: {e}", err=True)
@@ -166,38 +337,49 @@ def build_context(
     page: int = 1,
     page_size: int = 10,
     max_related: int = 10,
+    format: str = typer.Option("json", "--format", help="Output format: text or json"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Get context needed to continue a discussion."""
-
-    # look for the project in the config
-    config_manager = ConfigManager()
-    project_name = None
-    if project is not None:
-        project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
-        if not project_name:
-            typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
-            raise typer.Exit(1)
-
-    # use the project name, or the default from the config
-    project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+    """Get context needed to continue a discussion.
 
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     try:
-        context = run_with_cleanup(
-            mcp_build_context.fn(
-                project=project_name,
-                url=url,
-                depth=depth,
-                timeframe=timeframe,
-                page=page,
-                page_size=page_size,
-                max_related=max_related,
-            )
-        )
-        # Use json module for more controlled serialization
-        import json
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
 
+        # look for the project in the config
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        project_name = None
+        if project is not None:
+            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+            if not project_name:
+                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        # use the project name, or the default from the config
+        project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            context = run_with_cleanup(
+                mcp_build_context.fn(
+                    project=project_name,
+                    url=url,
+                    depth=depth,
+                    timeframe=timeframe,
+                    page=page,
+                    page_size=page_size,
+                    max_related=max_related,
+                )
+            )
         context_dict = context.model_dump(exclude_none=True)
         print(json.dumps(context_dict, indent=2, ensure_ascii=True, default=str))
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             typer.echo(f"Error during build_context: {e}", err=True)
@@ -208,20 +390,60 @@ def build_context(
 @tool_app.command()
 def recent_activity(
     type: Annotated[Optional[List[SearchItemType]], typer.Option()] = None,
+    project: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option(help="The project to use. If not provided, the default project will be used."),
+    ] = None,
     depth: Optional[int] = 1,
     timeframe: Optional[TimeFrame] = "7d",
+    page: int = typer.Option(1, "--page", help="Page number for pagination (JSON format)"),
+    page_size: int = typer.Option(
+        50, "--page-size", help="Number of results per page (JSON format)"
+    ),
+    format: str = typer.Option("text", "--format", help="Output format: text or json"),
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Get recent activity across the knowledge base."""
+    """Get recent activity across the knowledge base.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     try:
-        result = run_with_cleanup(
-            mcp_recent_activity.fn(
-                type=type,  # pyright: ignore [reportArgumentType]
-                depth=depth,
-                timeframe=timeframe,
-            )
-        )
-        # The tool now returns a formatted string directly
-        print(result)
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+
+        # Resolve project from config for JSON mode
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        project_name = None
+        if project is not None:
+            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+            if not project_name:
+                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+        project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            if format == "json":
+                result = run_with_cleanup(
+                    _recent_activity_json(type, depth, timeframe, project_name, page, page_size)
+                )
+                print(json.dumps(result, indent=2, ensure_ascii=True, default=str))
+            else:
+                result = run_with_cleanup(
+                    mcp_recent_activity.fn(
+                        type=type,  # pyright: ignore [reportArgumentType]
+                        depth=depth,
+                        timeframe=timeframe,
+                        project=project_name,
+                    )
+                )
+                # The tool returns a formatted string directly
+                print(result)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             typer.echo(f"Error during recent_activity: {e}", err=True)
@@ -231,9 +453,14 @@ def recent_activity(
 
 @tool_app.command("search-notes")
 def search_notes(
-    query: str,
+    query: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Argument(help="Search query string (optional when using metadata filters)"),
+    ] = "",
     permalink: Annotated[bool, typer.Option("--permalink", help="Search permalink values")] = False,
     title: Annotated[bool, typer.Option("--title", help="Search title values")] = False,
+    vector: Annotated[bool, typer.Option("--vector", help="Use vector retrieval")] = False,
+    hybrid: Annotated[bool, typer.Option("--hybrid", help="Use hybrid retrieval")] = False,
     project: Annotated[
         Optional[str],
         typer.Option(
@@ -244,56 +471,135 @@ def search_notes(
         Optional[str],
         typer.Option("--after_date", help="Search results after date, eg. '2d', '1 week'"),
     ] = None,
+    tags: Annotated[
+        Optional[List[str]],
+        typer.Option("--tag", help="Filter by frontmatter tag (repeatable)"),
+    ] = None,
+    status: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option("--status", help="Filter by frontmatter status"),
+    ] = None,
+    note_types: Annotated[
+        Optional[List[str]],
+        typer.Option("--type", help="Filter by frontmatter type (repeatable)"),
+    ] = None,
+    entity_types: Annotated[
+        Optional[List[str]],
+        typer.Option(
+            "--entity-type",
+            help="Filter by search item type: entity, observation, relation (repeatable)",
+        ),
+    ] = None,
+    meta: Annotated[
+        Optional[List[str]],
+        typer.Option("--meta", help="Filter by frontmatter key=value (repeatable)"),
+    ] = None,
+    filter_json: Annotated[
+        Optional[str],
+        typer.Option("--filter", help="JSON metadata filter (advanced)"),
+    ] = None,
     page: int = 1,
     page_size: int = 10,
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Search across all content in the knowledge base."""
-
-    # look for the project in the config
-    config_manager = ConfigManager()
-    project_name = None
-    if project is not None:
-        project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
-        if not project_name:
-            typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
-            raise typer.Exit(1)
-
-    # use the project name, or the default from the config
-    project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
-
-    if permalink and title:  # pragma: no cover
-        print("Cannot search both permalink and title")
-        raise typer.Abort()
+    """Search across all content in the knowledge base.
 
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     try:
-        if permalink and title:  # pragma: no cover
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+
+        # look for the project in the config
+        config_manager = ConfigManager()
+        project_name = None
+        if project is not None:
+            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+            if not project_name:
+                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+        # use the project name, or the default from the config
+        project_name = project_name or config_manager.default_project
+
+        mode_flags = [permalink, title, vector, hybrid]
+        if sum(1 for enabled in mode_flags if enabled) > 1:  # pragma: no cover
             typer.echo(
-                "Use either --permalink or --title, not both. Exiting.",
+                "Use only one mode flag: --permalink, --title, --vector, or --hybrid. Exiting.",
                 err=True,
             )
             raise typer.Exit(1)
 
-        # set search type
-        search_type = ("permalink" if permalink else None,)
-        search_type = ("permalink_match" if permalink and "*" in query else None,)
-        search_type = ("title" if title else None,)
-        search_type = "text" if search_type is None else search_type
+        # Build metadata filters from --filter and --meta
+        metadata_filters = {}
+        if filter_json:
+            try:
+                metadata_filters = json.loads(filter_json)
+                if not isinstance(metadata_filters, dict):
+                    raise ValueError("Metadata filter JSON must be an object")
+            except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+                typer.echo(f"Invalid JSON for --filter: {e}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
 
-        results = run_with_cleanup(
-            mcp_search.fn(
-                query,
-                project_name,
-                search_type=search_type,
-                page=page,
-                after_date=after_date,
-                page_size=page_size,
+        if meta:
+            for item in meta:
+                if "=" not in item:
+                    typer.echo(
+                        f"Invalid --meta entry '{item}'. Use key=value format.",
+                        err=True,
+                    )
+                    raise typer.Exit(1)
+                key, value = item.split("=", 1)
+                key = key.strip()
+                if not key:
+                    typer.echo(f"Invalid --meta entry '{item}'.", err=True)
+                    raise typer.Exit(1)
+                metadata_filters[key] = value
+
+        if not metadata_filters:
+            metadata_filters = None
+
+        # set search type
+        search_type = "text"
+        if permalink:
+            search_type = "permalink"
+            if query and "*" in query:
+                search_type = "permalink"
+        if title:
+            search_type = "title"
+        if vector:
+            search_type = "vector"
+        if hybrid:
+            search_type = "hybrid"
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            results = run_with_cleanup(
+                mcp_search.fn(
+                    query or "",
+                    project_name,
+                    search_type=search_type,
+                    page=page,
+                    after_date=after_date,
+                    page_size=page_size,
+                    types=note_types,
+                    entity_types=entity_types,
+                    metadata_filters=metadata_filters,
+                    tags=tags,
+                    status=status,
+                )
             )
-        )
-        # Use json module for more controlled serialization
-        import json
+        if isinstance(results, str):
+            print(results)
+            raise typer.Exit(1)
 
         results_dict = results.model_dump(exclude_none=True)
         print(json.dumps(results_dict, indent=2, ensure_ascii=True, default=str))
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             logger.exception("Error during search", e)
@@ -308,12 +614,28 @@ def continue_conversation(
     timeframe: Annotated[
         Optional[str], typer.Option(help="How far back to look for activity")
     ] = None,
+    local: bool = typer.Option(
+        False, "--local", help="Force local API routing (ignore cloud mode)"
+    ),
+    cloud: bool = typer.Option(False, "--cloud", help="Force cloud API routing"),
 ):
-    """Prompt to continue a previous conversation or work session."""
+    """Prompt to continue a previous conversation or work session.
+
+    Use --local to force local routing when cloud mode is enabled.
+    Use --cloud to force cloud routing when cloud mode is disabled.
+    """
     try:
-        # Prompt functions return formatted strings directly
-        session = run_with_cleanup(mcp_continue_conversation.fn(topic=topic, timeframe=timeframe))  # type: ignore
+        validate_routing_flags(local, cloud)
+
+        with force_routing(local=local, cloud=cloud):
+            # Prompt functions return formatted strings directly
+            session = run_with_cleanup(
+                mcp_continue_conversation.fn(topic=topic, timeframe=timeframe)  # type: ignore[arg-type]
+            )
         rprint(session)
+    except ValueError as e:
+        typer.echo(f"Error: {e}", err=True)
+        raise typer.Exit(1)
     except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
         if not isinstance(e, typer.Exit):
             logger.exception("Error continuing conversation", e)

src/basic_memory/cli/commands/watch.py

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+"""Watch command - run file watcher as a standalone long-running process."""
+
+import asyncio
+import os
+import signal
+import sys
+from typing import Optional
+
+import typer
+from loguru import logger
+
+from basic_memory import db
+from basic_memory.cli.app import app
+from basic_memory.cli.container import get_container
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
+from basic_memory.services.initialization import initialize_app
+from basic_memory.sync.coordinator import SyncCoordinator
+
+
+async def run_watch(project: Optional[str] = None) -> None:
+    """Run the file watcher as a long-running process.
+
+    This is the async core of the watch command. It:
+    1. Initializes the app (DB migrations + project reconciliation)
+    2. Validates and sets project constraint if --project given
+    3. Creates a SyncCoordinator with quiet=False for Rich console output
+    4. Blocks until SIGINT/SIGTERM, then shuts down cleanly
+    """
+    container = get_container()
+    config = container.config
+
+    # --- Initialization ---
+    # Wrapped in try/finally so DB resources are cleaned up on all exit paths,
+    # including early exits from invalid --project names.
+    await initialize_app(config)
+    sync_coordinator = None
+
+    try:
+        # --- Project constraint ---
+        if project:
+            config_manager = ConfigManager()
+            project_name, _ = config_manager.get_project(project)
+            if not project_name:
+                typer.echo(f"No project found named: {project}", err=True)
+                raise typer.Exit(1)
+
+            os.environ["BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_PROJECT"] = project_name
+            logger.info(f"Watch constrained to project: {project_name}")
+
+        # --- Sync coordinator ---
+        # quiet=False so file change events are printed to the terminal
+        sync_coordinator = SyncCoordinator(config=config, should_sync=True, quiet=False)
+
+        # --- Signal handling ---
+        shutdown_event = asyncio.Event()
+
+        def _signal_handler() -> None:
+            logger.info("Shutdown signal received")
+            shutdown_event.set()
+
+        loop = asyncio.get_running_loop()
+
+        # Windows ProactorEventLoop does not support add_signal_handler;
+        # fall back to the stdlib signal module which works cross-platform.
+        try:
+            for sig in (signal.SIGINT, signal.SIGTERM):
+                loop.add_signal_handler(sig, _signal_handler)
+        except NotImplementedError:
+            for sig in (signal.SIGINT, signal.SIGTERM):
+                signal.signal(sig, lambda _signum, _frame: _signal_handler())
+
+        # --- Run ---
+        await sync_coordinator.start()
+        logger.info("Watch service running, press Ctrl+C to stop")
+        await shutdown_event.wait()
+    finally:
+        if sync_coordinator is not None:
+            await sync_coordinator.stop()
+        await db.shutdown_db()
+        logger.info("Watch service stopped")
+
+
+@app.command()
+def watch(
+    project: Optional[str] = typer.Option(None, help="Restrict watcher to a single project"),
+) -> None:
+    """Run file watcher as a long-running process (no MCP server).
+
+    Watches for file changes in project directories and syncs them to the
+    database. Useful for running Basic Memory sync alongside external tools
+    that don't use the MCP server.
+    """
+    # On Windows, use SelectorEventLoop to avoid ProactorEventLoop cleanup issues
+    if sys.platform == "win32":  # pragma: no cover
+        asyncio.set_event_loop_policy(asyncio.WindowsSelectorEventLoopPolicy())
+
+    asyncio.run(run_watch(project=project))

src/basic_memory/cli/main.py

@@ -1,24 +1,33 @@
 """Main CLI entry point for basic-memory."""  # pragma: no cover
 
+import sys
+import warnings
+
 from basic_memory.cli.app import app  # pragma: no cover
 
-# Register commands
-from basic_memory.cli.commands import (  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
-    cloud,
-    db,
-    import_chatgpt,
-    import_claude_conversations,
-    import_claude_projects,
-    import_memory_json,
-    mcp,
-    project,
-    status,
-    tool,
-)
+def _version_only_invocation(argv: list[str]) -> bool:
+    # Trigger: invocation is exactly `bm --version` or `bm -v`
+    # Why: avoid importing command modules on the hot version path
+    # Outcome: eager version callback exits quickly with minimal startup work
+    return len(argv) == 1 and argv[0] in {"--version", "-v"}
 
-# Re-apply warning filter AFTER all imports
-# (authlib adds a DeprecationWarning filter that overrides ours)
-import warnings  # pragma: no cover
+
+if not _version_only_invocation(sys.argv[1:]):
+    # Register commands only when not short-circuiting for --version
+    from basic_memory.cli.commands import (  # noqa: F401  # pragma: no cover
+        cloud,
+        db,
+        doctor,
+        import_chatgpt,
+        import_claude_conversations,
+        import_claude_projects,
+        import_memory_json,
+        mcp,
+        project,
+        schema,
+        status,
+        tool,
+    )
 
 warnings.filterwarnings("ignore")  # pragma: no cover
 

src/basic_memory/cli/promo.py

@@ -0,0 +1,84 @@
+"""Cloud promo messaging for CLI entrypoint."""
+
+import os
+import sys
+from collections.abc import Callable
+
+import typer
+
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
+
+CLOUD_PROMO_VERSION = "2026-02-06"
+OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE = "{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}"
+
+
+def _promos_disabled_by_env() -> bool:
+    """Check environment-level kill switch for promo output."""
+    value = os.getenv("BASIC_MEMORY_NO_PROMOS", "").strip().lower()
+    return value in {"1", "true", "yes"}
+
+
+def _is_interactive_session() -> bool:
+    """Return whether stdin/stdout are interactive terminals."""
+    return sys.stdin.isatty() and sys.stdout.isatty()
+
+
+def _build_first_run_message() -> str:
+    """Build first-run cloud promo copy."""
+    return (
+        "Basic Memory initialized (local mode).\n"
+        "Cloud is optional and keeps your workflow local-first.\n"
+        "Cloud adds cross-device sync + mobile/web access.\n"
+        f"OSS discount: {OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE} (20% off for 3 months).\n"
+        "Run `bm cloud login` to enable."
+    )
+
+
+def _build_version_message() -> str:
+    """Build cloud promo copy shown after promo-version bumps."""
+    return (
+        "New in Basic Memory Cloud: cross-device sync + mobile/web access.\n"
+        f"OSS discount: {OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE} (20% off for 3 months).\n"
+        "Run `bm cloud login` to enable."
+    )
+
+
+def maybe_show_cloud_promo(
+    invoked_subcommand: str | None,
+    *,
+    config_manager: ConfigManager | None = None,
+    is_interactive: bool | None = None,
+    echo: Callable[[str], None] = typer.echo,
+) -> None:
+    """Show cloud promo copy when discovery gates are satisfied."""
+    manager = config_manager or ConfigManager()
+    config = manager.load_config()
+
+    interactive = _is_interactive_session() if is_interactive is None else is_interactive
+
+    # Trigger: environment-level promo suppression or non-interactive execution.
+    # Why: avoid polluting scripts/CI output and support a hard opt-out.
+    # Outcome: skip all promo copy for this invocation.
+    if _promos_disabled_by_env() or not interactive:
+        return
+
+    # Trigger: command context where cloud promo is not actionable.
+    # Why: mcp/stdin protocol and root help flows should stay noise-free.
+    # Outcome: command continues without promo messaging.
+    if invoked_subcommand in {None, "mcp"}:
+        return
+
+    if config.cloud_mode_enabled or config.cloud_promo_opt_out:
+        return
+
+    show_first_run = not config.cloud_promo_first_run_shown
+    show_version_notice = config.cloud_promo_last_version_shown != CLOUD_PROMO_VERSION
+    if not show_first_run and not show_version_notice:
+        return
+
+    message = _build_first_run_message() if show_first_run else _build_version_message()
+    echo(message)
+
+    config.cloud_promo_first_run_shown = True
+    config.cloud_promo_last_version_shown = CLOUD_PROMO_VERSION
+    manager.save_config(config)

src/basic_memory/config.py

@@ -24,6 +24,13 @@ WATCH_STATUS_JSON = "watch-status.json"
 Environment = Literal["test", "dev", "user"]
 
 
+class ProjectMode(str, Enum):
+    """Per-project routing mode."""
+
+    LOCAL = "local"
+    CLOUD = "cloud"
+
+
 class DatabaseBackend(str, Enum):
     """Supported database backends."""
 
@@ -37,6 +44,7 @@ class ProjectConfig:
 
     name: str
     home: Path
+    mode: ProjectMode = ProjectMode.LOCAL
 
     @property
     def project(self):
@@ -81,7 +89,7 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
         description="Name of the default project to use",
     )
     default_project_mode: bool = Field(
-        default=False,
+        default=True,
         description="When True, MCP tools automatically use default_project when no project parameter is specified. Enables simplified UX for single-project workflows.",
     )
 
@@ -99,6 +107,34 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
         description="Database connection URL. For Postgres, use postgresql+asyncpg://user:pass@host:port/db. If not set, SQLite will use default path.",
     )
 
+    # Semantic search configuration
+    semantic_search_enabled: bool = Field(
+        default=False,
+        description="Enable semantic search (vector/hybrid retrieval). Works on both SQLite and Postgres backends. Requires semantic extras.",
+    )
+    semantic_embedding_provider: str = Field(
+        default="fastembed",
+        description="Embedding provider for local semantic indexing/search.",
+    )
+    semantic_embedding_model: str = Field(
+        default="bge-small-en-v1.5",
+        description="Embedding model identifier used by the local provider.",
+    )
+    semantic_embedding_dimensions: int | None = Field(
+        default=None,
+        description="Embedding vector dimensions. Auto-detected from provider if not set (384 for FastEmbed, 1536 for OpenAI).",
+    )
+    semantic_embedding_batch_size: int = Field(
+        default=64,
+        description="Batch size for embedding generation.",
+        gt=0,
+    )
+    semantic_vector_k: int = Field(
+        default=100,
+        description="Vector candidate count for vector and hybrid retrieval.",
+        gt=0,
+    )
+
     # Database connection pool configuration (Postgres only)
     db_pool_size: int = Field(
         default=20,
@@ -221,6 +257,31 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
         description="Cloud project sync configuration mapping project names to their local paths and sync state",
     )
 
+    cloud_promo_opt_out: bool = Field(
+        default=False,
+        description="Disable CLI cloud promo messages when true.",
+    )
+
+    cloud_promo_first_run_shown: bool = Field(
+        default=False,
+        description="Tracks whether the first-run cloud promo message has been shown.",
+    )
+
+    cloud_promo_last_version_shown: Optional[str] = Field(
+        default=None,
+        description="Most recent cloud promo version shown in CLI.",
+    )
+
+    cloud_api_key: Optional[str] = Field(
+        default=None,
+        description="API key for cloud access (bmc_ prefixed). Account-level, not per-project.",
+    )
+
+    project_modes: Dict[str, ProjectMode] = Field(
+        default_factory=dict,
+        description="Per-project routing mode. Projects not listed default to LOCAL.",
+    )
+
     @property
     def is_test_env(self) -> bool:
         """Check if running in a test environment.
@@ -254,6 +315,21 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
         # Fall back to config file value
         return self.cloud_mode
 
+    def get_project_mode(self, project_name: str) -> ProjectMode:
+        """Get the routing mode for a project.
+
+        Returns the per-project mode if set, otherwise LOCAL.
+        """
+        return self.project_modes.get(project_name, ProjectMode.LOCAL)
+
+    def set_project_mode(self, project_name: str, mode: ProjectMode) -> None:
+        """Set the routing mode for a project."""
+        if mode == ProjectMode.LOCAL:
+            # Remove from dict to keep config clean — LOCAL is the default
+            self.project_modes.pop(project_name, None)
+        else:
+            self.project_modes[project_name] = mode
+
     @classmethod
     def for_cloud_tenant(
         cls,
@@ -321,8 +397,11 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
 
         This is the single database that will store all knowledge data
         across all projects.
+
+        Uses BASIC_MEMORY_CONFIG_DIR when set so each process/worktree can
+        isolate both config and database state.
         """
-        database_path = Path.home() / DATA_DIR_NAME / APP_DATABASE_NAME
+        database_path = self.data_dir_path / APP_DATABASE_NAME
         if not database_path.exists():  # pragma: no cover
             database_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
             database_path.touch()
@@ -344,7 +423,10 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
     @property
     def project_list(self) -> List[ProjectConfig]:  # pragma: no cover
         """Get all configured projects as ProjectConfig objects."""
-        return [ProjectConfig(name=name, home=Path(path)) for name, path in self.projects.items()]
+        return [
+            ProjectConfig(name=name, home=Path(path), mode=self.get_project_mode(name))
+            for name, path in self.projects.items()
+        ]
 
     @model_validator(mode="after")
     def ensure_project_paths_exists(self) -> "BasicMemoryConfig":  # pragma: no cover
@@ -368,8 +450,13 @@ class BasicMemoryConfig(BaseSettings):
         return self
 
     @property
-    def data_dir_path(self):
-        return Path.home() / DATA_DIR_NAME
+    def data_dir_path(self) -> Path:
+        """Get app state directory for config and default SQLite database."""
+        if config_dir := os.getenv("BASIC_MEMORY_CONFIG_DIR"):
+            return Path(config_dir)
+
+        home = os.getenv("HOME", Path.home())
+        return Path(home) / DATA_DIR_NAME
 
 
 # Module-level cache for configuration

src/basic_memory/deps/__init__.py

@@ -91,6 +91,8 @@ from basic_memory.deps.services import (
     FileServiceV2Dep,
     get_file_service_v2_external,
     FileServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    get_task_scheduler,
+    TaskSchedulerDep,
     get_search_service,
     SearchServiceDep,
     get_search_service_v2,
@@ -227,6 +229,8 @@ __all__ = [
     "FileServiceV2Dep",
     "get_file_service_v2_external",
     "FileServiceV2ExternalDep",
+    "get_task_scheduler",
+    "TaskSchedulerDep",
     "get_search_service",
     "SearchServiceDep",
     "get_search_service_v2",

src/basic_memory/deps/repositories.py

@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ from typing import Annotated
 
 from fastapi import Depends
 
+from basic_memory.deps.config import AppConfigDep
 from basic_memory.deps.db import SessionMakerDep
 from basic_memory.deps.projects import (
     ProjectIdDep,
@@ -147,13 +148,14 @@ RelationRepositoryV2ExternalDep = Annotated[
 async def get_search_repository(
     session_maker: SessionMakerDep,
     project_id: ProjectIdDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
 ) -> SearchRepository:
     """Create a backend-specific SearchRepository instance for the current project.
 
     Uses factory function to return SQLiteSearchRepository or PostgresSearchRepository
     based on database backend configuration.
     """
-    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id)
+    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id, app_config=app_config)
 
 
 SearchRepositoryDep = Annotated[SearchRepository, Depends(get_search_repository)]
@@ -162,9 +164,10 @@ SearchRepositoryDep = Annotated[SearchRepository, Depends(get_search_repository)
 async def get_search_repository_v2(  # pragma: no cover
     session_maker: SessionMakerDep,
     project_id: ProjectIdPathDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
 ) -> SearchRepository:
     """Create a SearchRepository instance for v2 API."""
-    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id)
+    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id, app_config=app_config)
 
 
 SearchRepositoryV2Dep = Annotated[SearchRepository, Depends(get_search_repository_v2)]
@@ -173,9 +176,10 @@ SearchRepositoryV2Dep = Annotated[SearchRepository, Depends(get_search_repositor
 async def get_search_repository_v2_external(
     session_maker: SessionMakerDep,
     project_id: ProjectExternalIdPathDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
 ) -> SearchRepository:
     """Create a SearchRepository instance for v2 API (uses external_id)."""
-    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id)
+    return create_search_repository(session_maker, project_id=project_id, app_config=app_config)
 
 
 SearchRepositoryV2ExternalDep = Annotated[

src/basic_memory/deps/services.py

@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ This module provides service-layer dependencies:
 - SyncService, ProjectService, DirectoryService
 """
 
-from typing import Annotated
+import asyncio
+from typing import Annotated, Any, Callable, Coroutine, Mapping, Protocol
 
 from fastapi import Depends
 from loguru import logger
@@ -43,7 +44,6 @@ from basic_memory.services.link_resolver import LinkResolver
 from basic_memory.services.search_service import SearchService
 from basic_memory.sync import SyncService
 
-
 # --- Entity Parser ---
 
 
@@ -430,6 +430,100 @@ async def get_sync_service_v2_external(
 SyncServiceV2ExternalDep = Annotated[SyncService, Depends(get_sync_service_v2_external)]
 
 
+# --- Background Task Scheduler ---
+
+
+class TaskScheduler(Protocol):
+    def schedule(self, task_name: str, **payload: Any) -> None:
+        """Schedule a background task by name."""
+
+
+def _log_task_failure(completed: asyncio.Task) -> None:
+    try:
+        completed.result()
+    except Exception as exc:  # pragma: no cover
+        logger.exception("Background task failed", error=str(exc))
+
+
+class LocalTaskScheduler:
+    """Default scheduler that runs tasks in-process via asyncio.create_task."""
+
+    def __init__(
+        self,
+        handlers: Mapping[str, Callable[..., Coroutine[Any, Any, None]]],
+    ) -> None:
+        self._handlers = handlers
+
+    def schedule(self, task_name: str, **payload: Any) -> None:
+        handler = self._handlers.get(task_name)
+        # Trigger: task name is not registered
+        # Why: avoid silently dropping background work
+        # Outcome: fail fast to surface misconfiguration
+        if not handler:
+            raise ValueError(f"Unknown task name: {task_name}")
+        task = asyncio.create_task(handler(**payload))
+        task.add_done_callback(_log_task_failure)
+
+
+async def get_task_scheduler(
+    entity_service: EntityServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    sync_service: SyncServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    search_service: SearchServiceV2ExternalDep,
+    project_config: ProjectConfigV2ExternalDep,
+    app_config: AppConfigDep,
+) -> TaskScheduler:
+    """Create a scheduler that maps task specs to coroutines."""
+
+    scheduler: LocalTaskScheduler | None = None
+
+    async def _reindex_entity(
+        entity_id: int,
+        resolve_relations: bool = False,
+        **_: Any,
+    ) -> None:
+        await entity_service.reindex_entity(entity_id)
+        # Trigger: caller requests relation resolution
+        # Why: resolve forward references created before the entity existed
+        # Outcome: updates unresolved relations pointing to this entity
+        if resolve_relations:
+            await sync_service.resolve_relations(entity_id=entity_id)
+        # Trigger: semantic search enabled in local config.
+        # Why: vector chunks are derived and should refresh after canonical reindex completes.
+        # Outcome: schedules out-of-band vector sync without extending write latency.
+        if app_config.semantic_search_enabled and scheduler is not None:
+            scheduler.schedule("sync_entity_vectors", entity_id=entity_id)
+
+    async def _resolve_relations(entity_id: int, **_: Any) -> None:
+        await sync_service.resolve_relations(entity_id=entity_id)
+
+    async def _sync_entity_vectors(entity_id: int, **_: Any) -> None:
+        await search_service.sync_entity_vectors(entity_id)
+
+    async def _sync_project(force_full: bool = False, **_: Any) -> None:
+        await sync_service.sync(
+            project_config.home,
+            project_config.name,
+            force_full=force_full,
+        )
+
+    async def _reindex_project(**_: Any) -> None:
+        await search_service.reindex_all()
+
+    scheduler = LocalTaskScheduler(
+        {
+            "reindex_entity": _reindex_entity,
+            "resolve_relations": _resolve_relations,
+            "sync_entity_vectors": _sync_entity_vectors,
+            "sync_project": _sync_project,
+            "reindex_project": _reindex_project,
+        }
+    )
+    return scheduler
+
+
+TaskSchedulerDep = Annotated[TaskScheduler, Depends(get_task_scheduler)]
+
+
 # --- Project Service ---
 
 

src/basic_memory/file_utils.py

@@ -450,16 +450,16 @@ def sanitize_for_filename(text: str, replacement: str = "-") -> str:
     return text.strip(replacement)
 
 
-def sanitize_for_folder(folder: str) -> str:
+def sanitize_for_directory(directory: str) -> str:
     """
-    Sanitize folder path to be safe for use in file system paths.
+    Sanitize directory path to be safe for use in file system paths.
     Removes leading/trailing whitespace, compresses multiple slashes,
     and removes special characters except for /, -, and _.
     """
-    if not folder:
+    if not directory:
         return ""
 
-    sanitized = folder.strip()
+    sanitized = directory.strip()
 
     if sanitized.startswith("./"):
         sanitized = sanitized[2:]

src/basic_memory/markdown/entity_parser.py

@@ -241,7 +241,9 @@ class EntityParser:
                 f"Failed to parse YAML frontmatter in {file_path}: {e}. "
                 f"Treating file as plain markdown without frontmatter."
             )
-            post = frontmatter.Post(content, metadata={})
+            # Use Post(content) not Post(content, metadata={})
+            # The latter creates {"metadata": {}} in the metadata dict (issue #528)
+            post = frontmatter.Post(content)
 
         # Normalize frontmatter values
         metadata = normalize_frontmatter_metadata(post.metadata)

src/basic_memory/markdown/utils.py

@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ from frontmatter import Post
 
 from basic_memory.file_utils import has_frontmatter, remove_frontmatter, parse_frontmatter
 from basic_memory.markdown import EntityMarkdown
+from basic_memory.markdown.entity_parser import normalize_frontmatter_metadata
 from basic_memory.models import Entity
 from basic_memory.models import Observation as ObservationModel
 
@@ -58,9 +59,9 @@ def entity_model_from_markdown(
     model.created_at = markdown.created
     model.updated_at = markdown.modified
 
-    # Handle metadata - ensure all values are strings and filter None
-    metadata = markdown.frontmatter.metadata or {}
-    model.entity_metadata = {k: str(v) for k, v in metadata.items() if v is not None}
+    # Handle metadata - normalize values and filter None (preserve structured data)
+    metadata = normalize_frontmatter_metadata(markdown.frontmatter.metadata or {})
+    model.entity_metadata = {k: v for k, v in metadata.items() if v is not None}
 
     # Get project_id from entity if not provided
     obs_project_id = project_id or (model.project_id if hasattr(model, "project_id") else None)

src/basic_memory/mcp/async_client.py

@@ -1,3 +1,4 @@
+import os
 from contextlib import asynccontextmanager, AbstractAsyncContextManager
 from typing import AsyncIterator, Callable, Optional
 
@@ -5,7 +6,20 @@ from httpx import ASGITransport, AsyncClient, Timeout
 from loguru import logger
 
 from basic_memory.api.app import app as fastapi_app
-from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager, ProjectMode
+
+
+def _force_local_mode() -> bool:
+    """Check if local mode is forced via environment variable.
+
+    This allows commands like `bm mcp` to force local routing even when
+    cloud_mode_enabled is True in config. The local MCP server should
+    always talk to the local API, not the cloud proxy.
+
+    Returns:
+        True if BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL is set to a truthy value
+    """
+    return os.environ.get("BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL", "").lower() in ("true", "1", "yes")
 
 
 # Optional factory override for dependency injection
@@ -31,31 +45,54 @@ def set_client_factory(factory: Callable[[], AbstractAsyncContextManager[AsyncCl
 
 
 @asynccontextmanager
-async def get_client() -> AsyncIterator[AsyncClient]:
+async def get_client(
+    project_name: Optional[str] = None,
+) -> AsyncIterator[AsyncClient]:
     """Get an AsyncClient as a context manager.
 
     This function provides proper resource management for HTTP clients,
-    ensuring connections are closed after use. It supports three modes:
+    ensuring connections are closed after use. Routing priority:
 
     1. **Factory injection** (cloud app, tests):
        If a custom factory is set via set_client_factory(), use that.
 
-    2. **CLI cloud mode**:
-       When cloud_mode_enabled is True, create HTTP client with auth
-       token from CLIAuth for requests to cloud proxy endpoint.
+    2. **Per-project cloud mode** (project_name provided):
+       If the project's mode is CLOUD, routes to cloud using API key or
+       OAuth token. Honored even when FORCE_LOCAL is set, because the user
+       explicitly declared this project as cloud.
 
-    3. **Local mode** (default):
+    3. **Per-project local mode** (project_name provided):
+       If the project's mode is LOCAL (or unspecified, default LOCAL), route
+       to local ASGI transport. This allows mixed local/cloud routing even when
+       global cloud mode is enabled.
+
+    4. **Force-local** (BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL env var):
+       Routes to local ASGI transport, ignoring global cloud settings.
+
+    5. **Global cloud mode** (deprecated fallback):
+       When cloud_mode_enabled is True, uses OAuth JWT token.
+
+    6. **Local mode** (default):
        Use ASGI transport for in-process requests to local FastAPI app.
 
+    Args:
+        project_name: Optional project name for per-project routing.
+            If provided and the project's mode is CLOUD, routes to cloud
+            using the API key or OAuth token.
+
     Usage:
         async with get_client() as client:
             response = await client.get("/path")
 
+        # Per-project routing
+        async with get_client(project_name="research") as client:
+            response = await client.get("/path")
+
     Yields:
         AsyncClient: Configured HTTP client for the current mode
 
     Raises:
-        RuntimeError: If cloud mode is enabled but user is not authenticated
+        RuntimeError: If cloud routing needed but no API key / not authenticated
     """
     if _client_factory:
         # Use injected factory (cloud app, tests)
@@ -71,8 +108,61 @@ async def get_client() -> AsyncIterator[AsyncClient]:
             pool=30.0,  # 30 seconds for connection pool
         )
 
-        if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
-            # CLI cloud mode: inject auth when creating client
+        # Trigger: project has per-project cloud mode set
+        # Why: per-project CLOUD is an explicit user declaration that should be
+        #      honored even from the MCP server (which sets FORCE_LOCAL)
+        # Outcome: HTTP client with API key or OAuth auth to cloud proxy
+        if project_name and config.get_project_mode(project_name) == ProjectMode.CLOUD:
+            # Try API key first (explicit, no network)
+            token = config.cloud_api_key
+            if not token:
+                # Fall back to OAuth session (may refresh token)
+                from basic_memory.cli.auth import CLIAuth
+
+                auth = CLIAuth(client_id=config.cloud_client_id, authkit_domain=config.cloud_domain)
+                token = await auth.get_valid_token()
+
+            if not token:
+                raise RuntimeError(
+                    f"Project '{project_name}' is set to cloud mode but no credentials found. "
+                    "Run 'bm cloud set-key <key>' or 'bm cloud login' first."
+                )
+
+            proxy_base_url = f"{config.cloud_host}/proxy"
+            logger.info(
+                f"Creating HTTP client for cloud project '{project_name}' at: {proxy_base_url}"
+            )
+            async with AsyncClient(
+                base_url=proxy_base_url,
+                headers={"Authorization": f"Bearer {token}"},
+                timeout=timeout,
+            ) as client:
+                yield client
+
+        # Trigger: project is not explicitly cloud (LOCAL is the default)
+        # Why: project-scoped routing should honor local mode even when global
+        #      cloud mode is enabled for backward compatibility
+        # Outcome: uses ASGI transport for in-process local API calls
+        elif project_name and config.get_project_mode(project_name) == ProjectMode.LOCAL:
+            logger.info(f"Project '{project_name}' is set to local mode - using ASGI transport")
+            async with AsyncClient(
+                transport=ASGITransport(app=fastapi_app), base_url="http://test", timeout=timeout
+            ) as client:
+                yield client
+
+        # Trigger: BASIC_MEMORY_FORCE_LOCAL env var is set
+        # Why: allows local MCP server and CLI commands to route locally
+        #      even when cloud_mode_enabled is True
+        # Outcome: uses ASGI transport for in-process local API calls
+        elif _force_local_mode():
+            logger.info("Force local mode enabled - using ASGI client for local Basic Memory API")
+            async with AsyncClient(
+                transport=ASGITransport(app=fastapi_app), base_url="http://test", timeout=timeout
+            ) as client:
+                yield client
+
+        elif config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+            # Global cloud mode (deprecated fallback): inject OAuth auth when creating client
             from basic_memory.cli.auth import CLIAuth
 
             auth = CLIAuth(client_id=config.cloud_client_id, authkit_domain=config.cloud_domain)
@@ -126,7 +216,13 @@ def create_client() -> AsyncClient:
         pool=30.0,  # 30 seconds for connection pool
     )
 
-    if config.cloud_mode_enabled:
+    # Check force local first (for local MCP server and CLI --local flag)
+    if _force_local_mode():
+        logger.info("Force local mode enabled - using ASGI client for local Basic Memory API")
+        return AsyncClient(
+            transport=ASGITransport(app=fastapi_app), base_url="http://test", timeout=timeout
+        )
+    elif config.cloud_mode_enabled:
         # Use HTTP transport to proxy endpoint
         proxy_base_url = f"{config.cloud_host}/proxy"
         logger.info(f"Creating HTTP client for proxy at: {proxy_base_url}")

src/basic_memory/mcp/clients/__init__.py

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ from basic_memory.mcp.clients.memory import MemoryClient
 from basic_memory.mcp.clients.directory import DirectoryClient
 from basic_memory.mcp.clients.resource import ResourceClient
 from basic_memory.mcp.clients.project import ProjectClient
+from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
 
 __all__ = [
     "KnowledgeClient",
@@ -25,4 +26,5 @@ __all__ = [
     "DirectoryClient",
     "ResourceClient",
     "ProjectClient",
+    "SchemaClient",
 ]

src/basic_memory/mcp/clients/knowledge.py

@@ -8,7 +8,12 @@ from typing import Any
 from httpx import AsyncClient
 
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get, call_post, call_put, call_patch, call_delete
-from basic_memory.schemas.response import EntityResponse, DeleteEntitiesResponse
+from basic_memory.schemas.response import (
+    EntityResponse,
+    DeleteEntitiesResponse,
+    DirectoryMoveResult,
+    DirectoryDeleteResult,
+)
 
 
 class KnowledgeClient:
@@ -38,7 +43,9 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
 
     # --- Entity CRUD Operations ---
 
-    async def create_entity(self, entity_data: dict[str, Any]) -> EntityResponse:
+    async def create_entity(
+        self, entity_data: dict[str, Any], *, fast: bool | None = None
+    ) -> EntityResponse:
         """Create a new entity.
 
         Args:
@@ -50,14 +57,22 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
         Raises:
             ToolError: If the request fails
         """
+        params = {"fast": fast} if fast is not None else None
         response = await call_post(
             self.http_client,
             f"{self._base_path}/entities",
             json=entity_data,
+            params=params,
         )
         return EntityResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
-    async def update_entity(self, entity_id: str, entity_data: dict[str, Any]) -> EntityResponse:
+    async def update_entity(
+        self,
+        entity_id: str,
+        entity_data: dict[str, Any],
+        *,
+        fast: bool | None = None,
+    ) -> EntityResponse:
         """Update an existing entity (full replacement).
 
         Args:
@@ -70,10 +85,12 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
         Raises:
             ToolError: If the request fails
         """
+        params = {"fast": fast} if fast is not None else None
         response = await call_put(
             self.http_client,
             f"{self._base_path}/entities/{entity_id}",
             json=entity_data,
+            params=params,
         )
         return EntityResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
@@ -95,7 +112,13 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
         )
         return EntityResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
-    async def patch_entity(self, entity_id: str, patch_data: dict[str, Any]) -> EntityResponse:
+    async def patch_entity(
+        self,
+        entity_id: str,
+        patch_data: dict[str, Any],
+        *,
+        fast: bool | None = None,
+    ) -> EntityResponse:
         """Partially update an entity.
 
         Args:
@@ -108,10 +131,12 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
         Raises:
             ToolError: If the request fails
         """
+        params = {"fast": fast} if fast is not None else None
         response = await call_patch(
             self.http_client,
             f"{self._base_path}/entities/{entity_id}",
             json=patch_data,
+            params=params,
         )
         return EntityResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
@@ -153,6 +178,50 @@ class KnowledgeClient:
         )
         return EntityResponse.model_validate(response.json())
 
+    async def move_directory(
+        self, source_directory: str, destination_directory: str
+    ) -> DirectoryMoveResult:
+        """Move all entities in a directory to a new location.
+
+        Args:
+            source_directory: Source directory path (relative to project root)
+            destination_directory: Destination directory path (relative to project root)
+
+        Returns:
+            DirectoryMoveResult with counts and details of moved files
+
+        Raises:
+            ToolError: If the request fails
+        """
+        response = await call_post(
+            self.http_client,
+            f"{self._base_path}/move-directory",
+            json={
+                "source_directory": source_directory,
+                "destination_directory": destination_directory,
+            },
+        )
+        return DirectoryMoveResult.model_validate(response.json())
+
+    async def delete_directory(self, directory: str) -> DirectoryDeleteResult:
+        """Delete all entities in a directory.
+
+        Args:
+            directory: Directory path to delete (relative to project root)
+
+        Returns:
+            DirectoryDeleteResult with counts and details of deleted files
+
+        Raises:
+            ToolError: If the request fails
+        """
+        response = await call_post(
+            self.http_client,
+            f"{self._base_path}/delete-directory",
+            json={"directory": directory},
+        )
+        return DirectoryDeleteResult.model_validate(response.json())
+
     # --- Resolution ---
 
     async def resolve_entity(self, identifier: str) -> str:

src/basic_memory/mcp/clients/project.py

@@ -47,7 +47,7 @@ class ProjectClient:
         """
         response = await call_get(
             self.http_client,
-            "/projects/projects",
+            "/v2/projects/",
         )
         return ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
 
@@ -65,7 +65,7 @@ class ProjectClient:
         """
         response = await call_post(
             self.http_client,
-            "/projects/projects",
+            "/v2/projects/",
             json=project_data,
         )
         return ProjectStatusResponse.model_validate(response.json())

src/basic_memory/mcp/clients/schema.py

@@ -0,0 +1,113 @@
+"""Typed client for schema API operations.
+
+Encapsulates all /v2/projects/{project_id}/schema/* endpoints.
+"""
+
+from httpx import AsyncClient
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post, call_get
+from basic_memory.schemas.schema import (
+    ValidationReport,
+    InferenceReport,
+    DriftReport,
+)
+
+
+class SchemaClient:
+    """Typed client for schema operations.
+
+    Centralizes:
+    - API path construction for /v2/projects/{project_id}/schema/*
+    - Response validation via Pydantic models
+    - Consistent error handling through call_* utilities
+
+    Usage:
+        async with get_client() as http_client:
+            client = SchemaClient(http_client, project_id)
+            report = await client.validate(entity_type="Person")
+    """
+
+    def __init__(self, http_client: AsyncClient, project_id: str):
+        """Initialize the schema client.
+
+        Args:
+            http_client: HTTPX AsyncClient for making requests
+            project_id: Project external_id (UUID) for API calls
+        """
+        self.http_client = http_client
+        self.project_id = project_id
+        self._base_path = f"/v2/projects/{project_id}/schema"
+
+    async def validate(
+        self,
+        *,
+        entity_type: str | None = None,
+        identifier: str | None = None,
+    ) -> ValidationReport:
+        """Validate notes against their resolved schemas.
+
+        Args:
+            entity_type: Optional entity type to batch-validate
+            identifier: Optional specific note to validate
+
+        Returns:
+            ValidationReport with per-note results
+
+        Raises:
+            ToolError: If the request fails
+        """
+        params: dict[str, str] = {}
+        if entity_type:
+            params["entity_type"] = entity_type
+        if identifier:
+            params["identifier"] = identifier
+
+        response = await call_post(
+            self.http_client,
+            f"{self._base_path}/validate",
+            params=params,
+        )
+        return ValidationReport.model_validate(response.json())
+
+    async def infer(
+        self,
+        entity_type: str,
+        *,
+        threshold: float = 0.25,
+    ) -> InferenceReport:
+        """Infer a schema from existing notes of a given type.
+
+        Args:
+            entity_type: The entity type to analyze
+            threshold: Minimum frequency for optional fields (0-1)
+
+        Returns:
+            InferenceReport with frequency data and suggested schema
+
+        Raises:
+            ToolError: If the request fails
+        """
+        response = await call_post(
+            self.http_client,
+            f"{self._base_path}/infer",
+            params={"entity_type": entity_type, "threshold": threshold},
+        )
+        return InferenceReport.model_validate(response.json())
+
+    async def diff(self, entity_type: str) -> DriftReport:
+        """Show drift between schema definition and actual usage.
+
+        Args:
+            entity_type: The entity type to check for drift
+
+        Returns:
+            DriftReport with detected differences
+
+        Raises:
+            ToolError: If the request fails
+        """
+        response = await call_get(
+            self.http_client,
+            f"{self._base_path}/diff/{entity_type}",
+        )
+        return DriftReport.model_validate(response.json())

src/basic_memory/mcp/formatting.py

@@ -0,0 +1,160 @@
+"""Formatting helpers for MCP tool outputs."""
+
+from __future__ import annotations
+
+from typing import Iterable, Sequence
+
+from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchResponse, SearchResult
+
+ANSI_RESET = "\x1b[0m"
+ANSI_BOLD = "\x1b[1m"
+ANSI_DIM = "\x1b[2m"
+ANSI_CYAN = "\x1b[36m"
+
+
+def _apply_style(text: str, style: str, enabled: bool) -> str:
+    if not enabled:
+        return text
+    return f"{style}{text}{ANSI_RESET}"
+
+
+def _strip_frontmatter(text: str) -> str:
+    lines = text.splitlines()
+    if not lines or lines[0].strip() != "---":
+        return text
+
+    for idx in range(1, len(lines)):
+        if lines[idx].strip() == "---":
+            return "\n".join(lines[idx + 1 :]).lstrip()
+    return text
+
+
+def _parse_title(text: str) -> str | None:
+    for line in text.splitlines():
+        if line.startswith("# "):
+            return line[2:].strip()
+    return None
+
+
+def _truncate(text: str, width: int) -> str:
+    if width <= 0:
+        return ""
+    if len(text) <= width:
+        return text
+    if width <= 3:
+        return text[:width]
+    return text[: width - 3] + "..."
+
+
+def _make_separator(widths: Sequence[int]) -> str:
+    return "+" + "+".join("-" * (width + 2) for width in widths) + "+"
+
+
+def _format_row(values: Sequence[str], widths: Sequence[int]) -> str:
+    cells = []
+    for value, width in zip(values, widths, strict=True):
+        cells.append(f" {_truncate(value, width).ljust(width)} ")
+    return "|" + "|".join(cells) + "|"
+
+
+def _get_result_tags(result: SearchResult) -> str:
+    metadata = result.metadata or {}
+    if isinstance(metadata, dict):
+        tags = metadata.get("tags")
+        if isinstance(tags, list):
+            return ", ".join(str(tag) for tag in tags if tag)
+    return ""
+
+
+def _get_result_path(result: SearchResult) -> str:
+    return result.permalink or result.file_path or ""
+
+
+def format_search_results_ascii(
+    result: SearchResponse,
+    query: str | None = None,
+    color: bool = False,
+) -> str:
+    """Format search results as an ASCII table for TUI clients."""
+
+    results = result.results or []
+    header_line = _apply_style("Search results", f"{ANSI_BOLD}{ANSI_CYAN}", color)
+    lines = [header_line]
+
+    if query:
+        lines.append(f"Query: {query}")
+
+    summary = f"Results: {len(results)} | Page: {result.current_page} | Page size: {result.page_size}"
+    lines.append(_apply_style(summary, ANSI_DIM, color))
+
+    if not results:
+        lines.append("No results.")
+        return "\n".join(lines).strip()
+
+    headers = ["#", "Title", "Type", "Score", "Path", "Tags"]
+    rows = []
+    for idx, item in enumerate(results, start=1):
+        rows.append(
+            [
+                str(idx),
+                item.title or "Untitled",
+                item.type.value if hasattr(item.type, "value") else str(item.type),
+                f"{item.score:.2f}" if isinstance(item.score, (int, float)) else "",
+                _get_result_path(item),
+                _get_result_tags(item),
+            ]
+        )
+
+    max_widths = [3, 32, 10, 7, 36, 24]
+    widths = []
+    for index, header in enumerate(headers):
+        column_values = [header] + [row[index] for row in rows]
+        max_len = max(len(value) for value in column_values)
+        widths.append(min(max_widths[index], max_len))
+
+    table = [_make_separator(widths)]
+    header_row = _format_row(headers, widths)
+    if color:
+        header_cells = []
+        for value, width in zip(headers, widths, strict=True):
+            padded = f" {_truncate(value, width).ljust(width)} "
+            header_cells.append(_apply_style(padded, f"{ANSI_BOLD}{ANSI_CYAN}", color))
+        header_row = "|" + "|".join(header_cells) + "|"
+    table.append(header_row)
+    table.append(_make_separator(widths))
+
+    for row in rows:
+        table.append(_format_row(row, widths))
+
+    table.append(_make_separator(widths))
+
+    lines.append("")
+    lines.extend(table)
+    return "\n".join(lines).rstrip()
+
+
+def format_note_preview_ascii(
+    content: str,
+    identifier: str | None = None,
+    color: bool = False,
+) -> str:
+    """Format note content for ASCII/TUI display."""
+
+    identifier = identifier or ""
+    cleaned = _strip_frontmatter(content)
+    title = _parse_title(cleaned) or identifier or "Note Preview"
+
+    header = _apply_style("Note preview", f"{ANSI_BOLD}{ANSI_CYAN}", color)
+    lines = [header, f"Title: {title}"]
+
+    if identifier:
+        lines.append(f"Identifier: {identifier}")
+
+    lines.append(_apply_style("-" * 72, ANSI_DIM, color))
+
+    if content.strip():
+        lines.append(content.rstrip())
+    else:
+        lines.append("(empty note)")
+
+    return "\n".join(lines).rstrip()

src/basic_memory/mcp/project_context.py

@@ -8,7 +8,9 @@ The resolve_project_parameter function is a thin wrapper for backwards
 compatibility with existing MCP tools.
 """
 
-from typing import Optional, List
+from contextlib import asynccontextmanager
+from typing import AsyncIterator, Optional, List, Tuple
+
 from httpx import AsyncClient
 from httpx._types import (
     HeaderTypes,
@@ -19,7 +21,7 @@ from fastmcp import Context
 from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
 from basic_memory.project_resolver import ProjectResolver
 from basic_memory.schemas.project_info import ProjectItem, ProjectList
-from basic_memory.utils import generate_permalink
+from basic_memory.schemas.v2 import ProjectResolveResponse
 
 
 async def resolve_project_parameter(
@@ -29,19 +31,17 @@ async def resolve_project_parameter(
     default_project_mode: Optional[bool] = None,
     default_project: Optional[str] = None,
 ) -> Optional[str]:
-    """Resolve project parameter using three-tier hierarchy.
+    """Resolve project parameter using unified linear priority chain.
 
     This is a thin wrapper around ProjectResolver for backwards compatibility.
     New code should consider using ProjectResolver directly for more detailed
     resolution information.
 
-    if cloud_mode:
-        project is required (unless allow_discovery=True for tools that support discovery mode)
-    else:
-        Resolution order:
-        1. Single Project Mode  (--project cli arg, or BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_PROJECT env var) - highest priority
-        2. Explicit project parameter - medium priority
-        3. Default project if default_project_mode=true - lowest priority
+    Resolution order (same for local and cloud modes):
+    1. ENV_CONSTRAINT: BASIC_MEMORY_MCP_PROJECT env var (highest priority)
+    2. EXPLICIT: project parameter passed directly
+    3. DEFAULT: default project when default_project_mode=true
+    4. Fallback: cloud → CLOUD_DISCOVERY or ValueError; local → NONE
 
     Args:
         project: Optional explicit project parameter
@@ -78,7 +78,7 @@ async def get_project_names(client: AsyncClient, headers: HeaderTypes | None = N
     # Deferred import to avoid circular dependency with tools
     from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get
 
-    response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects", headers=headers)
+    response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/", headers=headers)
     project_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
     return [project.name for project in project_list.projects]
 
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ async def get_active_project(
         HTTPError: If project doesn't exist or is inaccessible
     """
     # Deferred import to avoid circular dependency with tools
-    from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get
+    from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post
 
     resolved_project = await resolve_project_parameter(project)
     if not resolved_project:
@@ -126,9 +126,20 @@ async def get_active_project(
 
     # Validate project exists by calling API
     logger.debug(f"Validating project: {project}")
-    permalink = generate_permalink(project)
-    response = await call_get(client, f"/{permalink}/project/item", headers=headers)
-    active_project = ProjectItem.model_validate(response.json())
+    response = await call_post(
+        client,
+        "/v2/projects/resolve",
+        json={"identifier": project},
+        headers=headers,
+    )
+    resolved = ProjectResolveResponse.model_validate(response.json())
+    active_project = ProjectItem(
+        id=resolved.project_id,
+        external_id=resolved.external_id,
+        name=resolved.name,
+        path=resolved.path,
+        is_default=resolved.is_default,
+    )
 
     # Cache in context if available
     if context:
@@ -153,3 +164,48 @@ def add_project_metadata(result: str, project_name: str) -> str:
         Result with project session tracking metadata
     """
     return f"{result}\n\n[Session: Using project '{project_name}']"
+
+
+@asynccontextmanager
+async def get_project_client(
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    context: Optional[Context] = None,
+) -> AsyncIterator[Tuple[AsyncClient, ProjectItem]]:
+    """Resolve project, create correctly-routed client, and validate project.
+
+    Solves the bootstrap problem: we need to know the project name to choose
+    the right client (local vs cloud), but we need the client to validate
+    the project. This helper resolves the project from config first (no
+    network), creates the correctly-routed client, then validates via API.
+
+    Args:
+        project: Optional explicit project parameter
+        context: Optional FastMCP context for caching
+
+    Yields:
+        Tuple of (client, active_project)
+
+    Raises:
+        ValueError: If no project can be resolved
+        RuntimeError: If cloud project but no API key configured
+    """
+    # Deferred import to avoid circular dependency
+    from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+
+    # Step 1: Resolve project name from config (no network call)
+    resolved_project = await resolve_project_parameter(project)
+    if not resolved_project:
+        # Fall back to local client to discover projects and raise helpful error
+        async with get_client() as client:
+            project_names = await get_project_names(client)
+            raise ValueError(
+                "No project specified. "
+                "Either set 'default_project_mode=true' in config, or use 'project' argument.\n"
+                f"Available projects: {project_names}"
+            )
+
+    # Step 2: Create client routed based on project's mode
+    async with get_client(project_name=resolved_project) as client:
+        # Step 3: Validate project exists via API
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, resolved_project, context)
+        yield client, active_project

src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/ai_assistant_guide.py

@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ def ai_assistant_guide() -> str:
 
     # Add mode-specific header
     mode_info = ""
-    if config.default_project_mode:  # pragma: no cover
+    if config.default_project_mode:
         mode_info = f"""
 # 🎯 Default Project Mode Active
 

src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/continue_conversation.py

@@ -9,11 +9,11 @@ from typing import Annotated, Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from pydantic import Field
 
-from basic_memory.config import get_project_config
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
 from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
 from basic_memory.schemas.prompt import ContinueConversationRequest
 
 
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ from basic_memory.schemas.prompt import ContinueConversationRequest
 async def continue_conversation(
     topic: Annotated[Optional[str], Field(description="Topic or keyword to search for")] = None,
     timeframe: Annotated[
-        Optional[TimeFrame],
+        Optional[str],
         Field(description="How far back to look for activity (e.g. '1d', '1 week')"),
     ] = None,
 ) -> str:
@@ -43,17 +43,18 @@ async def continue_conversation(
     logger.info(f"Continuing session, topic: {topic}, timeframe: {timeframe}")
 
     async with get_client() as client:
+        config = ConfigManager().config
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project=config.default_project)
+
         # Create request model
         request = ContinueConversationRequest(  # pyright: ignore [reportCallIssue]
             topic=topic, timeframe=timeframe
         )
 
-        project_url = get_project_config().project_url
-
         # Call the prompt API endpoint
         response = await call_post(
             client,
-            f"{project_url}/prompt/continue-conversation",
+            f"/v2/projects/{active_project.external_id}/prompt/continue-conversation",
             json=request.model_dump(exclude_none=True),
         )
 

src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/recent_activity.py

@@ -3,17 +3,14 @@
 These prompts help users see what has changed in their knowledge base recently.
 """
 
+from textwrap import dedent
 from typing import Annotated, Optional
 
 from loguru import logger
 from pydantic import Field
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.prompts.utils import format_prompt_context, PromptContext, PromptContextItem
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.recent_activity import recent_activity
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
-from basic_memory.schemas.memory import GraphContext, ProjectActivitySummary
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
 
 
 @mcp.prompt(
@@ -22,7 +19,7 @@ from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType
 )
 async def recent_activity_prompt(
     timeframe: Annotated[
-        TimeFrame,
+        str,
         Field(description="How far back to look for activity (e.g. '1d', '1 week')"),
     ] = "7d",
     project: Annotated[
@@ -45,144 +42,57 @@ async def recent_activity_prompt(
     Returns:
         Formatted summary of recent activity
     """
+    timeframe = timeframe or "7d"
     logger.info(f"Getting recent activity, timeframe: {timeframe}, project: {project}")
 
-    recent = await recent_activity.fn(
-        project=project, timeframe=timeframe, type=[SearchItemType.ENTITY]
-    )
+    # Call the tool function - it returns a well-formatted string
+    activity_summary = await recent_activity.fn(project=project, timeframe=timeframe)
 
-    # Extract primary results from the hierarchical structure
-    primary_results = []
-    related_results = []
+    # Build the prompt response
+    # The tool already returns formatted markdown, so we use it directly
+    # and add prompt-specific guidance
+    target = project if project else "all projects"
 
-    if isinstance(recent, ProjectActivitySummary):
-        # Discovery mode - extract results from all projects
-        for _, project_activity in recent.projects.items():
-            if project_activity.activity.results:
-                # Take up to 2 primary results per project
-                for item in project_activity.activity.results[:2]:
-                    primary_results.append(item.primary_result)
-                    # Add up to 1 related result per primary item
-                    if item.related_results:
-                        related_results.extend(item.related_results[:1])  # pragma: no cover
+    prompt_guidance = dedent(f"""
+        # Recent Activity Context
 
-        # Limit total results for readability
-        primary_results = primary_results[:8]
-        related_results = related_results[:6]
+        This is a memory retrieval session showing recent activity from {target}.
 
-    elif isinstance(recent, GraphContext):
-        # Project-specific mode - use existing logic
-        if recent.results:
-            # Take up to 5 primary results
-            for item in recent.results[:5]:
-                primary_results.append(item.primary_result)
-                # Add up to 2 related results per primary item
-                if item.related_results:
-                    related_results.extend(item.related_results[:2])  # pragma: no cover
+        {activity_summary}
 
-    # Set topic based on mode
-    if project:
-        topic = f"Recent Activity in {project} ({timeframe})"
-    else:
-        topic = f"Recent Activity Across All Projects ({timeframe})"
+        ---
 
-    prompt_context = format_prompt_context(
-        PromptContext(
-            topic=topic,
-            timeframe=timeframe,
-            results=[
-                PromptContextItem(
-                    primary_results=primary_results,
-                    related_results=related_results[:10],  # Limit total related results
-                )
-            ],
+        ## Next Steps
+
+        Based on this activity, you can:
+
+        1. **Explore specific items** - Use `read_note("permalink")` to dive deeper into any item
+        2. **Search for related content** - Use `search_notes("topic")` to find connected knowledge
+        3. **Build context** - Use `build_context("memory://path")` to see relationships
+
+        ## Capture Opportunity
+
+        If you notice patterns or insights from this activity, consider documenting them:
+
+        ```python
+        write_note(
+            title="Activity Insights - {timeframe}",
+            content='''
+            # Activity Insights
+
+            ## Patterns Observed
+            - [trend] [Pattern you noticed in the activity]
+
+            ## Key Developments
+            - [insight] [Important development worth tracking]
+
+            ## Relations
+            - summarizes [[Recent Work]]
+            ''',
+            folder="insights",
+            project="{project or "default"}"
         )
-    )
+        ```
+    """)
 
-    # Add mode-specific suggestions
-    first_title = "Recent Topic"
-    if primary_results and len(primary_results) > 0:
-        first_title = primary_results[0].title
-
-    if project:
-        # Project-specific suggestions
-        capture_suggestions = f"""
-    ## Opportunity to Capture Activity Summary
-
-    Consider creating a summary note of recent activity in {project}:
-
-    ```python
-    await write_note(
-        "{project}",
-        title="Activity Summary {timeframe}",
-        content='''
-        # Activity Summary for {project} ({timeframe})
-
-        ## Overview
-        [Summary of key changes and developments in this project over this period]
-
-        ## Key Updates
-        [List main updates and their significance within this project]
-
-        ## Observations
-        - [trend] [Observation about patterns in recent activity]
-        - [insight] [Connection between different activities]
-
-        ## Relations
-        - summarizes [[{first_title}]]
-        - relates_to [[{project} Overview]]
-        ''',
-        folder="summaries"
-    )
-    ```
-
-    Summarizing periodic activity helps create high-level insights and connections within the project.
-    """
-    else:
-        # Discovery mode suggestions
-        project_count = len(recent.projects) if isinstance(recent, ProjectActivitySummary) else 0
-        most_active = (
-            getattr(recent.summary, "most_active_project", "Unknown")
-            if isinstance(recent, ProjectActivitySummary)
-            else "Unknown"
-        )
-
-        capture_suggestions = f"""
-    ## Cross-Project Activity Discovery
-
-    Found activity across {project_count} projects. Most active: **{most_active}**
-
-    Consider creating a cross-project summary:
-
-    ```python
-    await write_note(
-        "{most_active if most_active != "Unknown" else "main"}",
-        title="Cross-Project Activity Summary {timeframe}",
-        content='''
-        # Cross-Project Activity Summary ({timeframe})
-
-        ## Overview
-        Activity found across {project_count} projects, with {most_active} showing the most activity.
-
-        ## Key Developments
-        [Summarize important changes across all projects]
-
-        ## Project Insights
-        [Note patterns or connections between projects]
-
-        ## Observations
-        - [trend] [Cross-project patterns observed]
-        - [insight] [Connections between different project activities]
-
-        ## Relations
-        - summarizes [[{first_title}]]
-        - relates_to [[Project Portfolio Overview]]
-        ''',
-        folder="summaries"
-    )
-    ```
-
-    Cross-project summaries help identify broader trends and project interconnections.
-    """
-
-    return prompt_context + capture_suggestions
+    return prompt_guidance

src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/search.py

@@ -8,11 +8,11 @@ from typing import Annotated, Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from pydantic import Field
 
-from basic_memory.config import get_project_config
+from basic_memory.config import ConfigManager
 from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_post
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
 from basic_memory.schemas.prompt import SearchPromptRequest
 
 
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ from basic_memory.schemas.prompt import SearchPromptRequest
 async def search_prompt(
     query: str,
     timeframe: Annotated[
-        Optional[TimeFrame],
+        Optional[str],
         Field(description="How far back to search (e.g. '1d', '1 week')"),
     ] = None,
 ) -> str:
@@ -42,14 +42,17 @@ async def search_prompt(
     logger.info(f"Searching knowledge base, query: {query}, timeframe: {timeframe}")
 
     async with get_client() as client:
+        config = ConfigManager().config
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project=config.default_project)
+
         # Create request model
         request = SearchPromptRequest(query=query, timeframe=timeframe)
 
-        project_url = get_project_config().project_url
-
         # Call the prompt API endpoint
         response = await call_post(
-            client, f"{project_url}/prompt/search", json=request.model_dump(exclude_none=True)
+            client,
+            f"/v2/projects/{active_project.external_id}/prompt/search",
+            json=request.model_dump(exclude_none=True),
         )
 
         # Extract the rendered prompt from the response

src/basic_memory/mcp/prompts/utils.py

@@ -8,7 +8,6 @@ from dataclasses import dataclass
 from textwrap import dedent
 from typing import List
 
-from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
 from basic_memory.schemas.memory import (
     normalize_memory_url,
     EntitySummary,
@@ -25,7 +24,7 @@ class PromptContextItem:
 
 @dataclass
 class PromptContext:
-    timeframe: TimeFrame
+    timeframe: str
     topic: str
     results: List[PromptContextItem]
 

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/__init__.py

@@ -0,0 +1,25 @@
+"""MCP resources for Basic Memory."""
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.resources.project_info import project_info
+from basic_memory.mcp.resources.ui import (
+    note_preview_ui,
+    note_preview_ui_mcp_ui,
+    note_preview_ui_tool_ui,
+    note_preview_ui_vanilla,
+    search_results_ui,
+    search_results_ui_mcp_ui,
+    search_results_ui_tool_ui,
+    search_results_ui_vanilla,
+)
+
+__all__ = [
+    "project_info",
+    "note_preview_ui",
+    "note_preview_ui_mcp_ui",
+    "note_preview_ui_tool_ui",
+    "note_preview_ui_vanilla",
+    "search_results_ui",
+    "search_results_ui_mcp_ui",
+    "search_results_ui_tool_ui",
+    "search_results_ui_vanilla",
+]

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/ai_assistant_guide.md

@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ await write_note("Note", "Content", "folder")
 await write_note("Note", "Content", "folder", project="main")
 ```
 
-When `default_project_mode=false` (default):
+When `default_project_mode=false`:
 ```python
 # Project required:
 await write_note("Note", "Content", "folder", project="main")  # ✓

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/cloud_info.md

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# Basic Memory Cloud (optional)
+
+Basic Memory Cloud is an optional add-on for users who want hosted access and sync.
+
+- Hosted access to your knowledge
+- Cross-device sync
+- Mobile and web access
+- Multi-client workflows (Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, and others)
+
+OSS discount: `{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}` (20% off for 3 months)
+
+Get started:
+
+```bash
+bm cloud login
+```

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/project_info.py

@@ -62,10 +62,9 @@ async def project_info(
 
     async with get_client() as client:
         project_config = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-        project_url = project_config.permalink
 
         # Call the API endpoint
-        response = await call_get(client, f"{project_url}/project/info")
+        response = await call_get(client, f"/v2/projects/{project_config.external_id}/info")
 
         # Convert response to ProjectInfoResponse
         return ProjectInfoResponse.model_validate(response.json())

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/release_notes.md

@@ -0,0 +1,16 @@
+# Release Notes
+
+## 2026-02-06
+
+- Added optional cloud discovery copy to CLI first-run and promo-version notices.
+- Added MCP tools for opt-in cloud discovery: `cloud_info` and `release_notes`.
+- Updated docs and README copy to keep cloud messaging explicit and optional.
+
+Cloud remains optional for open-source users.
+OSS discount: `{{OSS_DISCOUNT_CODE}}` (20% off for 3 months)
+
+Get started:
+
+```bash
+bm cloud login
+```

src/basic_memory/mcp/resources/ui.py

@@ -0,0 +1,89 @@
+"""UI resources for MCP Apps integration."""
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
+from basic_memory.mcp.ui import load_html, load_variant_html
+
+# FastMCP's MIME type validator currently accepts only type/subtype, so we
+# use text/html here. MCP Apps hosts typically expect text/html;profile=mcp-app.
+MIME_TYPE = "text/html"
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/search-results",
+    name="Basic Memory Search Results",
+    description="Search results UI for Basic Memory tools.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def search_results_ui() -> str:
+    return load_variant_html("search-results")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/note-preview",
+    name="Basic Memory Note Preview",
+    description="Note preview UI for Basic Memory read_note tool.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def note_preview_ui() -> str:
+    return load_variant_html("note-preview")
+
+
+# Variant-specific resource URIs for bakeoff comparisons.
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/search-results/vanilla",
+    name="Basic Memory Search Results (Vanilla)",
+    description="Vanilla HTML search results UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def search_results_ui_vanilla() -> str:
+    return load_html("search-results-vanilla.html")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/search-results/tool-ui",
+    name="Basic Memory Search Results (Tool UI)",
+    description="Tool UI styled search results UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def search_results_ui_tool_ui() -> str:
+    return load_html("search-results-tool-ui.html")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/search-results/mcp-ui",
+    name="Basic Memory Search Results (MCP UI)",
+    description="MCP UI styled search results UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def search_results_ui_mcp_ui() -> str:
+    return load_html("search-results-mcp-ui.html")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/note-preview/vanilla",
+    name="Basic Memory Note Preview (Vanilla)",
+    description="Vanilla HTML note preview UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def note_preview_ui_vanilla() -> str:
+    return load_html("note-preview-vanilla.html")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/note-preview/tool-ui",
+    name="Basic Memory Note Preview (Tool UI)",
+    description="Tool UI styled note preview UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def note_preview_ui_tool_ui() -> str:
+    return load_html("note-preview-tool-ui.html")
+
+
+@mcp.resource(
+    uri="ui://basic-memory/note-preview/mcp-ui",
+    name="Basic Memory Note Preview (MCP UI)",
+    description="MCP UI styled note preview UI.",
+    mime_type=MIME_TYPE,
+)
+def note_preview_ui_mcp_ui() -> str:
+    return load_html("note-preview-mcp-ui.html")

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/__init__.py

@@ -11,9 +11,12 @@ from basic_memory.mcp.tools.read_content import read_content
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.build_context import build_context
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.recent_activity import recent_activity
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.read_note import read_note
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.ui_sdk import read_note_ui, search_notes_ui
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.view_note import view_note
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.write_note import write_note
-from basic_memory.mcp.tools.search import search_notes
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.cloud_info import cloud_info
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.release_notes import release_notes
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.search import search_notes, search_by_metadata
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.canvas import canvas
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.list_directory import list_directory
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.edit_note import edit_note
@@ -27,9 +30,13 @@ from basic_memory.mcp.tools.project_management import (
 # ChatGPT-compatible tools
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.chatgpt_tools import search, fetch
 
+# Schema tools
+from basic_memory.mcp.tools.schema import schema_validate, schema_infer, schema_diff
+
 __all__ = [
     "build_context",
     "canvas",
+    "cloud_info",
     "create_memory_project",
     "delete_note",
     "delete_project",
@@ -40,9 +47,16 @@ __all__ = [
     "move_note",
     "read_content",
     "read_note",
+    "release_notes",
+    "read_note_ui",
     "recent_activity",
+    "schema_diff",
+    "schema_infer",
+    "schema_validate",
     "search",
+    "search_by_metadata",
     "search_notes",
+    "search_notes_ui",
     "view_note",
     "write_note",
 ]

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/build_context.py

@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ from typing import Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
 from basic_memory.schemas.memory import (
@@ -50,8 +49,9 @@ async def build_context(
     a rich context graph of related information.
 
     Project Resolution:
-    Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode → project parameter → default project.
-    If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() or recent_activity() first.
+    Server resolves projects using a unified priority chain (same in local and cloud modes):
+    Single Project Mode → project parameter → default project.
+    Uses default project automatically. Specify `project` parameter to target a different project.
 
     Args:
         project: Project name to build context from. Optional - server will resolve using hierarchy.
@@ -99,10 +99,7 @@ async def build_context(
 
     # URL is already validated and normalized by MemoryUrl type annotation
 
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        # Get the active project using the new stateless approach
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         # Import here to avoid circular import
         from basic_memory.mcp.clients import MemoryClient
 

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/canvas.py

@@ -9,8 +9,7 @@ from typing import Dict, List, Any, Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_put, call_post, resolve_entity_id
 
@@ -22,7 +21,7 @@ async def canvas(
     nodes: List[Dict[str, Any]],
     edges: List[Dict[str, Any]],
     title: str,
-    folder: str,
+    directory: str,
     project: Optional[str] = None,
     context: Context | None = None,
 ) -> str:
@@ -43,8 +42,8 @@ async def canvas(
         nodes: List of node objects following JSON Canvas 1.0 spec
         edges: List of edge objects following JSON Canvas 1.0 spec
         title: The title of the canvas (will be saved as title.canvas)
-        folder: Folder path relative to project root where the canvas should be saved.
-                Use forward slashes (/) as separators. Examples: "diagrams", "projects/2025", "visual/maps"
+        directory: Directory path relative to project root where the canvas should be saved.
+                   Use forward slashes (/) as separators. Examples: "diagrams", "projects/2025", "visual/maps"
         context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
 
     Returns:
@@ -52,7 +51,7 @@ async def canvas(
 
     Important Notes:
     - When referencing files, use the exact file path as shown in Obsidian
-      Example: "folder/Document Name.md" (not permalink format)
+      Example: "docs/Document Name.md" (not permalink format)
     - For file nodes, the "file" attribute must reference an existing file
     - Nodes require id, type, x, y, width, height properties
     - Edges require id, fromNode, toNode properties
@@ -66,7 +65,7 @@ async def canvas(
         {
           "id": "node1",
           "type": "file",  // Options: "file", "text", "link", "group"
-          "file": "folder/Document.md",
+          "file": "docs/Document.md",
           "x": 0,
           "y": 0,
           "width": 400,
@@ -85,21 +84,19 @@ async def canvas(
     ```
 
     Examples:
-        # Create canvas in project
-        canvas("my-project", nodes=[...], edges=[...], title="My Canvas", folder="diagrams")
+        # Create canvas in default/current project
+        canvas(nodes=[...], edges=[...], title="My Canvas", directory="diagrams")
 
-        # Create canvas in work project
-        canvas("work-project", nodes=[...], edges=[...], title="Process Flow", folder="visual/maps")
+        # Create canvas with explicit project
+        canvas(nodes=[...], edges=[...], title="Process Flow", directory="visual/maps", project="work-project")
 
     Raises:
-        ToolError: If project doesn't exist or folder path is invalid
+        ToolError: If project doesn't exist or directory path is invalid
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         # Ensure path has .canvas extension
         file_title = title if title.endswith(".canvas") else f"{title}.canvas"
-        file_path = f"{folder}/{file_title}"
+        file_path = f"{directory}/{file_title}"
 
         # Create canvas data structure
         canvas_data = {"nodes": nodes, "edges": edges}

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/cloud_info.py

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+"""Cloud information MCP tool."""
+
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
+
+
+@mcp.tool("cloud_info")
+def cloud_info() -> str:
+    """Return optional Basic Memory Cloud information and setup guidance."""
+    content_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent / "resources" / "cloud_info.md"
+    return content_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/delete_note.py

@@ -5,9 +5,8 @@ from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 from mcp.server.fastmcp.exceptions import ToolError
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
 
 
 def _format_delete_error_response(project: str, error_message: str, identifier: str) -> str:
@@ -147,43 +146,58 @@ delete_note("{project}", "correct-identifier-from-search")
 If the note should be deleted but the operation keeps failing, send a message to support@basicmemory.com."""
 
 
-@mcp.tool(description="Delete a note by title or permalink")
+@mcp.tool(description="Delete a note or directory by title, permalink, or path")
 async def delete_note(
-    identifier: str, project: Optional[str] = None, context: Context | None = None
+    identifier: str,
+    is_directory: bool = False,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    context: Context | None = None,
 ) -> bool | str:
-    """Delete a note from the knowledge base.
+    """Delete a note or directory from the knowledge base.
 
-    Permanently removes a note from the specified project. The note is identified
-    by title or permalink. If the note doesn't exist, the operation returns False
-    without error. If deletion fails due to other issues, helpful error messages are provided.
+    Permanently removes a note or directory from the specified project. For single notes,
+    they are identified by title or permalink. For directories, use is_directory=True and
+    provide the directory path. If the note/directory doesn't exist, the operation returns
+    False without error. If deletion fails, helpful error messages are provided.
 
     Project Resolution:
     Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode → project parameter → default project.
     If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() or recent_activity() first.
 
     Args:
+        identifier: For files: note title or permalink to delete.
+                   For directories: the directory path (e.g., "docs", "projects/2025").
+                   Can be a title like "Meeting Notes" or permalink like "notes/meeting-notes"
+        is_directory: If True, deletes an entire directory and all its contents.
+                     When True, identifier should be a directory path
+                     (without file extensions). Defaults to False.
         project: Project name to delete from. Optional - server will resolve using hierarchy.
                 If unknown, use list_memory_projects() to discover available projects.
-        identifier: Note title or permalink to delete
-                   Can be a title like "Meeting Notes" or permalink like "notes/meeting-notes"
         context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
 
     Returns:
         True if note was successfully deleted, False if note was not found.
+        For directories, returns a formatted summary of deleted files.
         On errors, returns a formatted string with helpful troubleshooting guidance.
 
     Examples:
         # Delete by title
-        delete_note("my-project", "Meeting Notes: Project Planning")
+        delete_note("Meeting Notes: Project Planning")
 
         # Delete by permalink
-        delete_note("work-docs", "notes/project-planning")
+        delete_note("notes/project-planning")
 
-        # Delete with exact path
-        delete_note("research", "experiments/ml-model-results")
+        # Delete with explicit project
+        delete_note("experiments/ml-model-results", project="research")
+
+        # Delete entire directory
+        delete_note("docs", is_directory=True)
+
+        # Delete nested directory
+        delete_note("projects/2024", is_directory=True)
 
         # Common usage pattern
-        if delete_note("my-project", "old-draft"):
+        if delete_note("old-draft"):
             print("Note deleted successfully")
         else:
             print("Note not found or already deleted")
@@ -193,7 +207,7 @@ async def delete_note(
         SecurityError: If identifier attempts path traversal
 
     Warning:
-        This operation is permanent and cannot be undone. The note file
+        This operation is permanent and cannot be undone. The note/directory files
         will be removed from the filesystem and all references will be lost.
 
     Note:
@@ -201,8 +215,10 @@ async def delete_note(
         with suggestions for finding the correct identifier, including search
         commands and alternative formats to try.
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+        logger.debug(
+            f"Deleting {'directory' if is_directory else 'note'}: {identifier} in project: {active_project.name}"
+        )
 
         # Import here to avoid circular import
         from basic_memory.mcp.clients import KnowledgeClient
@@ -210,6 +226,67 @@ async def delete_note(
         # Use typed KnowledgeClient for API calls
         knowledge_client = KnowledgeClient(client, active_project.external_id)
 
+        # Handle directory deletes
+        if is_directory:
+            try:
+                result = await knowledge_client.delete_directory(identifier)
+
+                # Build success message for directory delete
+                result_lines = [
+                    "# Directory Deleted Successfully",
+                    "",
+                    f"**Directory:** `{identifier}`",
+                    "",
+                    "## Summary",
+                    f"- Total files: {result.total_files}",
+                    f"- Successfully deleted: {result.successful_deletes}",
+                    f"- Failed: {result.failed_deletes}",
+                ]
+
+                if result.deleted_files:
+                    result_lines.extend(["", "## Deleted Files"])
+                    for file_path in result.deleted_files[:10]:  # Show first 10
+                        result_lines.append(f"- `{file_path}`")
+                    if len(result.deleted_files) > 10:
+                        result_lines.append(f"- ... and {len(result.deleted_files) - 10} more")
+
+                if result.errors:  # pragma: no cover
+                    result_lines.extend(["", "## Errors"])
+                    for error in result.errors[:5]:  # Show first 5 errors
+                        result_lines.append(f"- `{error.path}`: {error.error}")
+                    if len(result.errors) > 5:
+                        result_lines.append(f"- ... and {len(result.errors) - 5} more errors")
+
+                result_lines.extend(["", f"<!-- Project: {active_project.name} -->"])
+
+                logger.info(
+                    f"Directory delete completed: {identifier}, "
+                    f"deleted={result.successful_deletes}, failed={result.failed_deletes}"
+                )
+
+                return "\n".join(result_lines)
+
+            except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
+                logger.error(f"Directory delete failed for '{identifier}': {e}")
+                return f"""# Directory Delete Failed
+
+Error deleting directory '{identifier}': {str(e)}
+
+## Troubleshooting:
+1. **Verify the directory exists**: Use `list_directory("{identifier}")` to check
+2. **Check for permission issues**: Ensure you have delete access to the project
+3. **Try individual deletes**: Delete files one at a time if bulk delete fails
+
+## Alternative approach:
+```
+# List directory contents first
+list_directory("{identifier}")
+
+# Then delete individual files
+delete_note("path/to/file.md")
+```"""
+
+        # Handle single note deletes
         try:
             # Resolve identifier to entity ID
             entity_id = await knowledge_client.resolve_entity(identifier)

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/edit_note.py

@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ from typing import Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project, add_project_metadata
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client, add_project_metadata
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 
 
@@ -212,9 +211,7 @@ async def edit_note(
         search_notes() first to find the correct identifier. The tool provides detailed
         error messages with suggestions if operations fail.
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         logger.info("MCP tool call", tool="edit_note", identifier=identifier, operation=operation)
 
         # Validate operation
@@ -256,7 +253,7 @@ async def edit_note(
                 edit_data["expected_replacements"] = str(expected_replacements)
 
             # Call the PATCH endpoint
-            result = await knowledge_client.patch_entity(entity_id, edit_data)
+            result = await knowledge_client.patch_entity(entity_id, edit_data, fast=False)
 
             # Format summary
             summary = [

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/list_directory.py

@@ -5,8 +5,7 @@ from typing import Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 
 
@@ -62,9 +61,7 @@ async def list_directory(
     Raises:
         ToolError: If project doesn't exist or directory path is invalid
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         logger.debug(
             f"Listing directory '{dir_name}' in project {project} with depth={depth}, glob='{file_name_glob}'"
         )

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/move_note.py

@@ -6,9 +6,8 @@ from typing import Optional
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.utils import validate_project_path
 
 
@@ -342,34 +341,41 @@ delete_note("{identifier}")
 
 
 @mcp.tool(
-    description="Move a note to a new location, updating database and maintaining links.",
+    description="Move a note or directory to a new location, updating database and maintaining links.",
 )
 async def move_note(
     identifier: str,
     destination_path: str,
+    is_directory: bool = False,
     project: Optional[str] = None,
     context: Context | None = None,
 ) -> str:
-    """Move a note to a new file location within the same project.
+    """Move a note or directory to a new location within the same project.
 
-    Moves a note from one location to another within the project, updating all
-    database references and maintaining semantic content. Uses stateless architecture -
-    project parameter optional with server resolution.
+    Moves a note or directory from one location to another within the project,
+    updating all database references and maintaining semantic content. Uses stateless
+    architecture - project parameter optional with server resolution.
 
     Args:
-        identifier: Exact entity identifier (title, permalink, or memory:// URL).
+        identifier: For files: exact entity identifier (title, permalink, or memory:// URL).
+                   For directories: the directory path (e.g., "docs", "projects/2025").
                    Must be an exact match - fuzzy matching is not supported for move operations.
-                   Use search_notes() or read_note() first to find the correct identifier if uncertain.
-        destination_path: New path relative to project root (e.g., "work/meetings/2025-05-26.md")
+                   Use search_notes() or list_directory() first to find the correct path if uncertain.
+        destination_path: For files: new path relative to project root (e.g., "work/meetings/note.md")
+                         For directories: new directory path (e.g., "archive/docs")
+        is_directory: If True, moves an entire directory and all its contents.
+                     When True, identifier and destination_path should be directory paths
+                     (without file extensions). Defaults to False.
         project: Project name to move within. Optional - server will resolve using hierarchy.
                 If unknown, use list_memory_projects() to discover available projects.
         context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
 
     Returns:
         Success message with move details and project information.
+        For directories, includes count of files moved and any errors.
 
     Examples:
-        # Move to new folder (exact title match)
+        # Move a single note to new folder (exact title match)
         move_note("My Note", "work/notes/my-note.md")
 
         # Move by exact permalink
@@ -381,6 +387,12 @@ async def move_note(
         # Explicit project specification
         move_note("My Note", "work/notes/my-note.md", project="work-project")
 
+        # Move entire directory
+        move_note("docs", "archive/docs", is_directory=True)
+
+        # Move nested directory
+        move_note("projects/2024", "archive/projects/2024", is_directory=True)
+
         # If uncertain about identifier, search first:
         # search_notes("my note")  # Find available notes
         # move_note("docs/my-note-2025", "archive/my-note.md")  # Use exact result
@@ -399,10 +411,10 @@ async def move_note(
     - Re-indexes the entity for search
     - Maintains all observations and relations
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        logger.debug(f"Moving note: {identifier} to {destination_path} in project: {project}")
-
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+        logger.debug(
+            f"Moving {'directory' if is_directory else 'note'}: {identifier} to {destination_path} in project: {active_project.name}"
+        )
 
         # Validate destination path to prevent path traversal attacks
         project_path = active_project.home
@@ -426,7 +438,75 @@ The destination path '{destination_path}' is not allowed - paths must stay withi
 move_note("{identifier}", "notes/{destination_path.split("/")[-1] if "/" in destination_path else destination_path}")
 ```"""
 
-        # Check for potential cross-project move attempts
+        # Handle directory moves
+        if is_directory:
+            # Import here to avoid circular import
+            from basic_memory.mcp.clients import KnowledgeClient
+
+            knowledge_client = KnowledgeClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+
+            try:
+                result = await knowledge_client.move_directory(identifier, destination_path)
+
+                # Build success message for directory move
+                result_lines = [
+                    "# Directory Moved Successfully",
+                    "",
+                    f"**Source:** `{identifier}`",
+                    f"**Destination:** `{destination_path}`",
+                    "",
+                    "## Summary",
+                    f"- Total files: {result.total_files}",
+                    f"- Successfully moved: {result.successful_moves}",
+                    f"- Failed: {result.failed_moves}",
+                ]
+
+                if result.moved_files:
+                    result_lines.extend(["", "## Moved Files"])
+                    for file_path in result.moved_files[:10]:  # Show first 10
+                        result_lines.append(f"- `{file_path}`")
+                    if len(result.moved_files) > 10:
+                        result_lines.append(f"- ... and {len(result.moved_files) - 10} more")
+
+                if result.errors:  # pragma: no cover
+                    result_lines.extend(["", "## Errors"])
+                    for error in result.errors[:5]:  # Show first 5 errors
+                        result_lines.append(f"- `{error.path}`: {error.error}")
+                    if len(result.errors) > 5:
+                        result_lines.append(f"- ... and {len(result.errors) - 5} more errors")
+
+                result_lines.extend(["", f"<!-- Project: {active_project.name} -->"])
+
+                logger.info(
+                    f"Directory move completed: {identifier} -> {destination_path}, "
+                    f"moved={result.successful_moves}, failed={result.failed_moves}"
+                )
+
+                return "\n".join(result_lines)
+
+            except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
+                logger.error(
+                    f"Directory move failed for '{identifier}' to '{destination_path}': {e}"
+                )
+                return f"""# Directory Move Failed
+
+Error moving directory '{identifier}' to '{destination_path}': {str(e)}
+
+## Troubleshooting:
+1. **Verify the directory exists**: Use `list_directory("{identifier}")` to check
+2. **Check for conflicts**: The destination may already contain files
+3. **Try individual moves**: Move files one at a time if bulk move fails
+
+## Alternative approach:
+```
+# List directory contents first
+list_directory("{identifier}")
+
+# Then move individual files
+move_note("path/to/file.md", "{destination_path}/file.md")
+```"""
+
+        # Check for potential cross-project move attempts (file moves only)
         cross_project_error = await _detect_cross_project_move_attempt(
             client, identifier, destination_path, active_project.name
         )

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/read_content.py

@@ -15,9 +15,8 @@ from PIL import Image as PILImage
 from fastmcp import Context
 from mcp.server.fastmcp.exceptions import ToolError
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get, resolve_entity_id
 from basic_memory.schemas.memory import memory_url_path
 from basic_memory.utils import validate_project_path
@@ -202,9 +201,7 @@ async def read_content(
     """
     logger.info("Reading file", path=path, project=project)
 
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         url = memory_url_path(path)
 
         # Validate path to prevent path traversal attacks

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/read_note.py

@@ -1,14 +1,14 @@
 """Read note tool for Basic Memory MCP server."""
 
 from textwrap import dedent
-from typing import Optional
+from typing import Optional, Literal
 
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
+from basic_memory.mcp.formatting import format_note_preview_ascii
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.search import search_notes
 from basic_memory.schemas.memory import memory_url_path
 from basic_memory.utils import validate_project_path
@@ -16,12 +16,14 @@ from basic_memory.utils import validate_project_path
 
 @mcp.tool(
     description="Read a markdown note by title or permalink.",
+    meta={"ui/resourceUri": "ui://basic-memory/note-preview"},
 )
 async def read_note(
     identifier: str,
     project: Optional[str] = None,
     page: int = 1,
     page_size: int = 10,
+    output_format: Literal["default", "ascii", "ansi"] = "default",
     context: Context | None = None,
 ) -> str:
     """Return the raw markdown for a note, or guidance text if no match is found.
@@ -30,8 +32,9 @@ async def read_note(
     returning the raw markdown content including observations, relations, and metadata.
 
     Project Resolution:
-    Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode → project parameter → default project.
-    If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() or recent_activity() first.
+    Server resolves projects using a unified priority chain (same in local and cloud modes):
+    Single Project Mode → project parameter → default project.
+    Uses default project automatically. Specify `project` parameter to target a different project.
 
     This tool will try multiple lookup strategies to find the most relevant note:
     1. Direct permalink lookup
@@ -46,6 +49,8 @@ async def read_note(
                    Can be a full memory:// URL, a permalink, a title, or search text
         page: Page number for paginated results (default: 1)
         page_size: Number of items per page (default: 10)
+        output_format: "default" returns markdown, "ascii" returns a plain text preview,
+            "ansi" returns a colorized preview for TUI clients.
         context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
 
     Returns:
@@ -76,10 +81,7 @@ async def read_note(
         If the exact note isn't found, this tool provides helpful suggestions
         including related notes, search commands, and note creation templates.
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        # Get and validate the project
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         # Validate identifier to prevent path traversal attacks
         # We need to check both the raw identifier and the processed path
         processed_path = memory_url_path(identifier)
@@ -119,6 +121,12 @@ async def read_note(
             # If successful, return the content
             if response.status_code == 200:
                 logger.info("Returning read_note result from resource: {path}", path=entity_path)
+                if output_format in ("ascii", "ansi"):
+                    return format_note_preview_ascii(
+                        response.text,
+                        identifier=identifier,
+                        color=output_format == "ansi",
+                    )
                 return response.text
         except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
             logger.info(f"Direct lookup failed for '{entity_path}': {e}")
@@ -143,6 +151,12 @@ async def read_note(
 
                     if response.status_code == 200:
                         logger.info(f"Found note by title search: {result.permalink}")
+                        if output_format in ("ascii", "ansi"):
+                            return format_note_preview_ascii(
+                                response.text,
+                                identifier=identifier,
+                                color=output_format == "ansi",
+                            )
                         return response.text
                 except Exception as e:  # pragma: no cover
                     logger.info(

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/recent_activity.py

@@ -7,7 +7,10 @@ from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
 from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project, resolve_project_parameter
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import (
+    get_project_client,
+    resolve_project_parameter,
+)
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
 from basic_memory.mcp.tools.utils import call_get
 from basic_memory.schemas.base import TimeFrame
@@ -99,52 +102,53 @@ async def recent_activity(
         - For focused queries, consider using build_context with a specific URI
         - Max timeframe is 1 year in the past
     """
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        # Build common parameters for API calls
-        params = {
-            "page": 1,
-            "page_size": 10,
-            "max_related": 10,
-        }
-        if depth:
-            params["depth"] = depth
-        if timeframe:
-            params["timeframe"] = timeframe  # pyright: ignore
+    # Build common parameters for API calls
+    params: dict = {
+        "page": 1,
+        "page_size": 10,
+        "max_related": 10,
+    }
+    if depth:
+        params["depth"] = depth
+    if timeframe:
+        params["timeframe"] = timeframe  # pyright: ignore
 
-        # Validate and convert type parameter
-        if type:
-            # Convert single string to list
-            if isinstance(type, str):
-                type_list = [type]
-            else:
-                type_list = type
+    # Validate and convert type parameter
+    if type:
+        # Convert single string to list
+        if isinstance(type, str):
+            type_list = [type]
+        else:
+            type_list = type
 
-            # Validate each type against SearchItemType enum
-            validated_types = []
-            for t in type_list:
-                try:
-                    # Try to convert string to enum
-                    if isinstance(t, str):
-                        validated_types.append(SearchItemType(t.lower()))
-                except ValueError:
-                    valid_types = [t.value for t in SearchItemType]
-                    raise ValueError(f"Invalid type: {t}. Valid types are: {valid_types}")
+        # Validate each type against SearchItemType enum
+        validated_types = []
+        for t in type_list:
+            try:
+                # Try to convert string to enum
+                if isinstance(t, str):
+                    validated_types.append(SearchItemType(t.lower()))
+            except ValueError:
+                valid_types = [t.value for t in SearchItemType]
+                raise ValueError(f"Invalid type: {t}. Valid types are: {valid_types}")
 
-            # Add validated types to params
-            params["type"] = [t.value for t in validated_types]  # pyright: ignore
+        # Add validated types to params
+        params["type"] = [t.value for t in validated_types]  # pyright: ignore
 
-        # Resolve project parameter using the three-tier hierarchy
-        # allow_discovery=True enables Discovery Mode, so a project is not required
-        resolved_project = await resolve_project_parameter(project, allow_discovery=True)
+    # Resolve project parameter using the three-tier hierarchy
+    # allow_discovery=True enables Discovery Mode, so a project is not required
+    resolved_project = await resolve_project_parameter(project, allow_discovery=True)
 
-        if resolved_project is None:
-            # Discovery Mode: Get activity across all projects
-            logger.info(
-                f"Getting recent activity across all projects: type={type}, depth={depth}, timeframe={timeframe}"
-            )
+    if resolved_project is None:
+        # Discovery Mode: Get activity across all projects
+        # Uses plain get_client() since we iterate across all projects (no single project routing)
+        logger.info(
+            f"Getting recent activity across all projects: type={type}, depth={depth}, timeframe={timeframe}"
+        )
 
+        async with get_client() as client:
             # Get list of all projects
-            response = await call_get(client, "/projects/projects")
+            response = await call_get(client, "/v2/projects/")
             project_list = ProjectList.model_validate(response.json())
 
             projects_activity = {}
@@ -181,76 +185,68 @@ async def recent_activity(
                         most_active_count = item_count
                         most_active_project = project_info.name
 
-            # Build summary stats
-            summary = ActivityStats(
-                total_projects=len(project_list.projects),
-                active_projects=active_projects,
-                most_active_project=most_active_project,
-                total_items=total_items,
-                total_entities=total_entities,
-                total_relations=total_relations,
-                total_observations=total_observations,
-            )
+        # Build summary stats
+        summary = ActivityStats(
+            total_projects=len(project_list.projects),
+            active_projects=active_projects,
+            most_active_project=most_active_project,
+            total_items=total_items,
+            total_entities=total_entities,
+            total_relations=total_relations,
+            total_observations=total_observations,
+        )
 
-            # Generate guidance for the assistant
-            guidance_lines = ["\n" + "─" * 40]
-
-            if active_projects == 0:
-                # No recent activity
-                guidance_lines.extend(
-                    [
-                        "No recent activity found in any project.",
-                        "Consider: Ask which project to use or if they want to create a new one.",
-                    ]
-                )
-            else:
-                # At least one project has activity: suggest the most active project.
-                suggested_project = most_active_project or next(
-                    (
-                        name
-                        for name, activity in projects_activity.items()
-                        if activity.item_count > 0
-                    ),
-                    None,
-                )
-                if suggested_project:
-                    suffix = (
-                        f"(most active with {most_active_count} items)"
-                        if most_active_count > 0
-                        else ""
-                    )
-                    guidance_lines.append(
-                        f"Suggested project: '{suggested_project}' {suffix}".strip()
-                    )
-                    if active_projects == 1:
-                        guidance_lines.append(
-                            f"Ask user: 'Should I use {suggested_project} for this task?'"
-                        )
-                    else:
-                        guidance_lines.append(
-                            f"Ask user: 'Should I use {suggested_project} for this task, or would you prefer a different project?'"
-                        )
+        # Generate guidance for the assistant
+        guidance_lines = ["\n" + "─" * 40]
 
+        if active_projects == 0:
+            # No recent activity
             guidance_lines.extend(
                 [
-                    "",
-                    "Session reminder: Remember their project choice throughout this conversation.",
+                    "No recent activity found in any project.",
+                    "Consider: Ask which project to use or if they want to create a new one.",
                 ]
             )
-
-            guidance = "\n".join(guidance_lines)
-
-            # Format discovery mode output
-            return _format_discovery_output(projects_activity, summary, timeframe, guidance)
-
         else:
-            # Project-Specific Mode: Get activity for specific project
-            logger.info(
-                f"Getting recent activity from project {resolved_project}: type={type}, depth={depth}, timeframe={timeframe}"
+            # At least one project has activity: suggest the most active project.
+            suggested_project = most_active_project or next(
+                (name for name, activity in projects_activity.items() if activity.item_count > 0),
+                None,
             )
+            if suggested_project:
+                suffix = (
+                    f"(most active with {most_active_count} items)" if most_active_count > 0 else ""
+                )
+                guidance_lines.append(f"Suggested project: '{suggested_project}' {suffix}".strip())
+                if active_projects == 1:
+                    guidance_lines.append(
+                        f"Ask user: 'Should I use {suggested_project} for this task?'"
+                    )
+                else:
+                    guidance_lines.append(
+                        f"Ask user: 'Should I use {suggested_project} for this task, or would you prefer a different project?'"
+                    )
 
-            active_project = await get_active_project(client, resolved_project, context)
+        guidance_lines.extend(
+            [
+                "",
+                "Session reminder: Remember their project choice throughout this conversation.",
+            ]
+        )
 
+        guidance = "\n".join(guidance_lines)
+
+        # Format discovery mode output
+        return _format_discovery_output(projects_activity, summary, timeframe, guidance)
+
+    else:
+        # Project-Specific Mode: Get activity for specific project
+        # Uses get_project_client() for per-project routing (local vs cloud)
+        logger.info(
+            f"Getting recent activity from project {resolved_project}: type={type}, depth={depth}, timeframe={timeframe}"
+        )
+
+        async with get_project_client(resolved_project, context) as (client, active_project):
             response = await call_get(
                 client,
                 f"/v2/projects/{active_project.external_id}/memory/recent",

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/release_notes.py

@@ -0,0 +1,12 @@
+"""Release notes MCP tool."""
+
+from pathlib import Path
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
+
+
+@mcp.tool("release_notes")
+def release_notes() -> str:
+    """Return the latest product release notes for optional user review."""
+    content_path = Path(__file__).parent.parent / "resources" / "release_notes.md"
+    return content_path.read_text(encoding="utf-8")

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/schema.py

@@ -0,0 +1,244 @@
+"""Schema tools for Basic Memory MCP server.
+
+Provides tools for schema validation, inference, and drift detection through the MCP protocol.
+These tools call the schema API endpoints via the typed SchemaClient.
+"""
+
+from typing import Optional
+
+from loguru import logger
+from fastmcp import Context
+
+from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
+from basic_memory.schemas.schema import ValidationReport, InferenceReport, DriftReport
+
+
+@mcp.tool(
+    description="Validate notes against their Picoschema definitions.",
+)
+async def schema_validate(
+    entity_type: Optional[str] = None,
+    identifier: Optional[str] = None,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    context: Context | None = None,
+) -> ValidationReport | str:
+    """Validate notes against their resolved schema.
+
+    Validates a specific note (by identifier) or all notes of a given type.
+    Returns warnings/errors based on the schema's validation mode.
+
+    Schemas are resolved in priority order:
+    1. Inline schema (dict in frontmatter)
+    2. Explicit reference (string in frontmatter)
+    3. Implicit by type (type field matches schema note entity field)
+    4. No schema (no validation)
+
+    Project Resolution:
+    Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode -> project parameter -> default.
+    If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() first.
+
+    Args:
+        entity_type: Entity type to batch-validate (e.g., "Person").
+            If provided, validates all notes of this type.
+        identifier: Specific note to validate (permalink, title, or path).
+            If provided, validates only this note.
+        project: Project name. Optional -- server will resolve.
+        context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
+
+    Returns:
+        ValidationReport with per-note results, or error guidance string
+
+    Examples:
+        # Validate all Person notes
+        schema_validate(entity_type="Person")
+
+        # Validate a specific note
+        schema_validate(identifier="people/paul-graham")
+
+        # Validate in a specific project
+        schema_validate(entity_type="Person", project="my-research")
+    """
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+        logger.info(
+            f"MCP tool call tool=schema_validate project={active_project.name} "
+            f"entity_type={entity_type} identifier={identifier}"
+        )
+
+        try:
+            from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+            schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+            result = await schema_client.validate(
+                entity_type=entity_type,
+                identifier=identifier,
+            )
+
+            logger.info(
+                f"MCP tool response: tool=schema_validate project={active_project.name} "
+                f"total={result.total_notes} valid={result.valid_count} "
+                f"warnings={result.warning_count} errors={result.error_count}"
+            )
+            return result
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Schema validation failed: {e}, project: {active_project.name}")
+            return (
+                f"# Schema Validation Failed\n\n"
+                f"Error validating schemas: {e}\n\n"
+                f"## Troubleshooting\n"
+                f"1. Ensure schema notes exist (type: schema) for the target entity type\n"
+                f"2. Check that notes have the correct type in frontmatter\n"
+                f"3. Verify the project has been synced: `basic-memory status`\n"
+            )
+
+
+@mcp.tool(
+    description="Analyze existing notes and suggest a Picoschema definition.",
+)
+async def schema_infer(
+    entity_type: str,
+    threshold: float = 0.25,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    context: Context | None = None,
+) -> InferenceReport | str:
+    """Analyze existing notes and suggest a schema definition.
+
+    Examines observation categories and relation types across all notes
+    of the given type. Returns frequency analysis and suggested Picoschema
+    YAML that can be saved as a schema note.
+
+    Frequency thresholds:
+    - 95%+ present -> required field
+    - threshold+ present -> optional field
+    - Below threshold -> excluded (but noted)
+
+    Project Resolution:
+    Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode -> project parameter -> default.
+    If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() first.
+
+    Args:
+        entity_type: The entity type to analyze (e.g., "Person", "meeting").
+        threshold: Minimum frequency (0-1) for a field to be suggested as optional.
+            Default 0.25 (25%). Fields above 95% become required.
+        project: Project name. Optional -- server will resolve.
+        context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
+
+    Returns:
+        InferenceReport with frequency data and suggested schema, or error string
+
+    Examples:
+        # Infer schema for Person notes
+        schema_infer("Person")
+
+        # Use a higher threshold (50% minimum)
+        schema_infer("meeting", threshold=0.5)
+
+        # Infer in a specific project
+        schema_infer("Person", project="my-research")
+    """
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+        logger.info(
+            f"MCP tool call tool=schema_infer project={active_project.name} "
+            f"entity_type={entity_type} threshold={threshold}"
+        )
+
+        try:
+            from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+            schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+            result = await schema_client.infer(entity_type, threshold=threshold)
+
+            logger.info(
+                f"MCP tool response: tool=schema_infer project={active_project.name} "
+                f"entity_type={entity_type} notes_analyzed={result.notes_analyzed} "
+                f"required={len(result.suggested_required)} "
+                f"optional={len(result.suggested_optional)}"
+            )
+            return result
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Schema inference failed: {e}, project: {active_project.name}")
+            return (
+                f"# Schema Inference Failed\n\n"
+                f"Error inferring schema for '{entity_type}': {e}\n\n"
+                f"## Troubleshooting\n"
+                f"1. Ensure notes of type '{entity_type}' exist in the project\n"
+                f'2. Try searching: `search_notes("{entity_type}", types=["{entity_type}"])`\n'
+                f"3. Verify the project has been synced: `basic-memory status`\n"
+            )
+
+
+@mcp.tool(
+    description="Detect drift between a schema definition and actual note usage.",
+)
+async def schema_diff(
+    entity_type: str,
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    context: Context | None = None,
+) -> DriftReport | str:
+    """Detect drift between a schema definition and actual note usage.
+
+    Compares the existing schema for an entity type against how notes of
+    that type are actually structured. Identifies new fields that have
+    appeared, declared fields that are rarely used, and cardinality changes
+    (single-value vs array).
+
+    Useful for evolving schemas as your knowledge base grows -- run
+    periodically to see if your schema still matches reality.
+
+    Project Resolution:
+    Server resolves projects in this order: Single Project Mode -> project parameter -> default.
+    If project unknown, use list_memory_projects() first.
+
+    Args:
+        entity_type: The entity type to check for drift (e.g., "Person").
+        project: Project name. Optional -- server will resolve.
+        context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
+
+    Returns:
+        DriftReport with new fields, dropped fields, and cardinality changes,
+        or error guidance string
+
+    Examples:
+        # Check drift for Person schema
+        schema_diff("Person")
+
+        # Check drift in a specific project
+        schema_diff("Person", project="my-research")
+    """
+    async with get_client() as client:
+        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
+        logger.info(
+            f"MCP tool call tool=schema_diff project={active_project.name} "
+            f"entity_type={entity_type}"
+        )
+
+        try:
+            from basic_memory.mcp.clients.schema import SchemaClient
+
+            schema_client = SchemaClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+            result = await schema_client.diff(entity_type)
+
+            logger.info(
+                f"MCP tool response: tool=schema_diff project={active_project.name} "
+                f"entity_type={entity_type} "
+                f"new_fields={len(result.new_fields)} "
+                f"dropped_fields={len(result.dropped_fields)} "
+                f"cardinality_changes={len(result.cardinality_changes)}"
+            )
+            return result
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(f"Schema diff failed: {e}, project: {active_project.name}")
+            return (
+                f"# Schema Diff Failed\n\n"
+                f"Error detecting drift for '{entity_type}': {e}\n\n"
+                f"## Troubleshooting\n"
+                f"1. Ensure a schema note exists for entity type '{entity_type}'\n"
+                f"2. Ensure notes of type '{entity_type}' exist in the project\n"
+                f"3. Verify the project has been synced: `basic-memory status`\n"
+            )

src/basic_memory/mcp/tools/search.py

@@ -1,15 +1,20 @@
 """Search tools for Basic Memory MCP server."""
 
 from textwrap import dedent
-from typing import List, Optional
+from typing import List, Optional, Dict, Any, Literal
 
 from loguru import logger
 from fastmcp import Context
 
-from basic_memory.mcp.async_client import get_client
-from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_active_project
+from basic_memory.mcp.project_context import get_project_client
+from basic_memory.mcp.formatting import format_search_results_ascii
 from basic_memory.mcp.server import mcp
-from basic_memory.schemas.search import SearchItemType, SearchQuery, SearchResponse
+from basic_memory.schemas.search import (
+    SearchItemType,
+    SearchQuery,
+    SearchResponse,
+    SearchRetrievalMode,
+)
 
 
 def _format_search_error_response(
@@ -17,6 +22,35 @@ def _format_search_error_response(
 ) -> str:
     """Format helpful error responses for search failures that guide users to successful searches."""
 
+    # Semantic config/dependency errors
+    if "semantic search is disabled" in error_message.lower():
+        return dedent(f"""
+            # Search Failed - Semantic Search Disabled
+
+            You requested `{search_type}` search for query '{query}', but semantic search is disabled.
+
+            ## How to enable
+            1. Set `BASIC_MEMORY_SEMANTIC_SEARCH_ENABLED=true`
+            2. Restart the Basic Memory server/process
+
+            ## Alternative now
+            - Run FTS search instead:
+              `search_notes("{project}", "{query}", search_type="text")`
+            """).strip()
+
+    if "pip install" in error_message.lower() and "semantic" in error_message.lower():
+        return dedent(f"""
+            # Search Failed - Semantic Dependencies Missing
+
+            Semantic retrieval is enabled but required packages are not installed.
+
+            ## Fix
+            1. Install semantic extras: `pip install 'basic-memory[semantic]'`
+            2. Restart Basic Memory
+            3. Retry your query:
+               `search_notes("{project}", "{query}", search_type="{search_type}")`
+            """).strip()
+
     # FTS5 syntax errors
     if "syntax error" in error_message.lower() or "fts5" in error_message.lower():
         clean_query = (
@@ -197,6 +231,7 @@ Error searching for '{query}': {error_message}
 
 @mcp.tool(
     description="Search across all content in the knowledge base with advanced syntax support.",
+    meta={"ui/resourceUri": "ui://basic-memory/search-results"},
 )
 async def search_notes(
     query: str,
@@ -204,9 +239,13 @@ async def search_notes(
     page: int = 1,
     page_size: int = 10,
     search_type: str = "text",
+    output_format: Literal["default", "ascii", "ansi"] = "default",
     types: List[str] | None = None,
     entity_types: List[str] | None = None,
     after_date: Optional[str] = None,
+    metadata_filters: Optional[Dict[str, Any]] = None,
+    tags: Optional[List[str]] = None,
+    status: Optional[str] = None,
     context: Context | None = None,
 ) -> SearchResponse | str:
     """Search across all content in the knowledge base with comprehensive syntax support.
@@ -248,6 +287,27 @@ async def search_notes(
     - `search_notes("research", "query", entity_types=["observation"])` - Filter by entity type
     - `search_notes("team-docs", "query", after_date="2024-01-01")` - Recent content only
     - `search_notes("my-project", "query", after_date="1 week")` - Relative date filtering
+    - `search_notes("my-project", "query", tags=["security"])` - Filter by frontmatter tags
+    - `search_notes("my-project", "query", status="in-progress")` - Filter by frontmatter status
+    - `search_notes("my-project", "query", metadata_filters={"priority": {"$in": ["high"]}})`
+
+    ### Structured Metadata Filters
+    Filters are exact matches on frontmatter metadata. Supported forms:
+    - Equality: `{"status": "in-progress"}`
+    - Array contains (all): `{"tags": ["security", "oauth"]}`
+    - Operators:
+      - `$in`: `{"priority": {"$in": ["high", "critical"]}}`
+      - `$gt`, `$gte`, `$lt`, `$lte`: `{"schema.confidence": {"$gt": 0.7}}`
+      - `$between`: `{"schema.confidence": {"$between": [0.3, 0.6]}}`
+    - Nested keys use dot notation (e.g., `"schema.confidence"`).
+
+    ### Filter-only Searches
+    You can pass an empty query string when only using structured filters:
+    - `search_notes("my-project", "", metadata_filters={"type": "spec"})`
+
+    ### Convenience Filters
+    `tags` and `status` are shorthand for metadata_filters. If the same key exists in
+    metadata_filters, that value wins.
 
     ### Advanced Pattern Examples
     - `search_notes("work-project", "project AND (meeting OR discussion)")` - Complex boolean logic
@@ -261,10 +321,16 @@ async def search_notes(
                 If unknown, use list_memory_projects() to discover available projects.
         page: The page number of results to return (default 1)
         page_size: The number of results to return per page (default 10)
-        search_type: Type of search to perform, one of: "text", "title", "permalink" (default: "text")
+        search_type: Type of search to perform, one of:
+                    "text", "title", "permalink", "vector", "hybrid" (default: "text")
+        output_format: "default" returns structured data, "ascii" returns a plain text table,
+            "ansi" returns a colorized table for TUI clients.
         types: Optional list of note types to search (e.g., ["note", "person"])
         entity_types: Optional list of entity types to filter by (e.g., ["entity", "observation"])
         after_date: Optional date filter for recent content (e.g., "1 week", "2d", "2024-01-01")
+        metadata_filters: Optional structured frontmatter filters (e.g., {"status": "in-progress"})
+        tags: Optional tag filter (frontmatter tags); shorthand for metadata_filters["tags"]
+        status: Optional status filter (frontmatter status); shorthand for metadata_filters["status"]
         context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
 
     Returns:
@@ -339,13 +405,19 @@ async def search_notes(
     # Set the appropriate search field based on search_type
     if search_type == "text":
         search_query.text = query
+    elif search_type == "vector":
+        search_query.text = query
+        search_query.retrieval_mode = SearchRetrievalMode.VECTOR
+    elif search_type == "hybrid":
+        search_query.text = query
+        search_query.retrieval_mode = SearchRetrievalMode.HYBRID
     elif search_type == "title":
         search_query.title = query
     elif search_type == "permalink" and "*" in query:
         search_query.permalink_match = query
     elif search_type == "permalink":
         search_query.permalink = query
-    else:
+    else:  # pragma: no cover
         search_query.text = query  # Default to text search
 
     # Add optional filters if provided (empty lists are treated as no filter)
@@ -355,10 +427,14 @@ async def search_notes(
         search_query.types = types
     if after_date:
         search_query.after_date = after_date
+    if metadata_filters:
+        search_query.metadata_filters = metadata_filters
+    if tags:
+        search_query.tags = tags
+    if status:
+        search_query.status = status
 
-    async with get_client() as client:
-        active_project = await get_active_project(client, project, context)
-
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
         logger.info(f"Searching for {search_query} in project {active_project.name}")
 
         try:
@@ -381,9 +457,94 @@ async def search_notes(
                 # Don't treat this as an error, but the user might want guidance
                 # We return the empty result as normal - the user can decide if they need help
 
+            if output_format in ("ascii", "ansi"):
+                return format_search_results_ascii(
+                    result,
+                    query=query,
+                    color=output_format == "ansi",
+                )
+
             return result
 
         except Exception as e:
             logger.error(f"Search failed for query '{query}': {e}, project: {active_project.name}")
             # Return formatted error message as string for better user experience
             return _format_search_error_response(active_project.name, str(e), query, search_type)
+
+
+@mcp.tool(
+    description="Search entities by structured frontmatter metadata.",
+)
+async def search_by_metadata(
+    filters: Dict[str, Any],
+    project: Optional[str] = None,
+    limit: int = 20,
+    offset: int = 0,
+    context: Context | None = None,
+) -> SearchResponse | str:
+    """Search entities by structured frontmatter metadata.
+
+    Args:
+        filters: Dictionary of metadata filters (e.g., {"status": "in-progress"})
+        project: Project name to search in. Optional - server will resolve using hierarchy.
+        limit: Maximum number of results to return
+        offset: Number of results to skip (for pagination)
+        context: Optional FastMCP context for performance caching.
+
+    Returns:
+        SearchResponse with results, or helpful error guidance if search fails
+    """
+    if limit <= 0:
+        return "# Error\n\n`limit` must be greater than 0."
+
+    # Build a structured-only search query
+    search_query = SearchQuery()
+    search_query.metadata_filters = filters
+    search_query.entity_types = [SearchItemType.ENTITY]
+
+    # Convert offset/limit to page/page_size (API uses paging)
+    page_size = limit
+    page = (offset // limit) + 1
+    offset_within_page = offset % limit
+
+    async with get_project_client(project, context) as (client, active_project):
+        logger.info(
+            f"Structured search in project {active_project.name} filters={filters} limit={limit} offset={offset}"
+        )
+
+        try:
+            from basic_memory.mcp.clients import SearchClient
+
+            search_client = SearchClient(client, active_project.external_id)
+            result = await search_client.search(
+                search_query.model_dump(),
+                page=page,
+                page_size=page_size,
+            )
+
+            # Apply offset within page, fetch next page if needed
+            if offset_within_page:
+                remaining = result.results[offset_within_page:]
+                if len(remaining) < limit:
+                    next_page = page + 1
+                    extra = await search_client.search(
+                        search_query.model_dump(),
+                        page=next_page,
+                        page_size=page_size,
+                    )
+                    remaining.extend(extra.results[: max(0, limit - len(remaining))])
+                result = SearchResponse(
+                    results=remaining[:limit],
+                    current_page=page,
+                    page_size=page_size,
+                )
+
+            return result
+
+        except Exception as e:
+            logger.error(
+                f"Metadata search failed for filters '{filters}': {e}, project: {active_project.name}"
+            )
+            return _format_search_error_response(
+                active_project.name, str(e), str(filters), "metadata"
+            )