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Install and run cognee

Set up the cognee Python memory SDK and run a first remember-recall example

Source Download skill
Repository
topoteretes/cognee
Stars
33,002
Licence
Apache-2.0
Files
1 file

What it does

This skill teaches an AI agent how to install the cognee open-source memory library for Python, configure it with an LLM API key, and run a minimal script that stores text as memory and then queries it. Once installed, the agent can walk you through a fresh setup in a virtual environment, choose optional extras such as Postgres or Neo4j support, and troubleshoot common errors. It also explains the difference between permanent memory, session memory, and the lower-level search functions.

Great for

  • Developers starting a new project that needs AI memory from documents or text
  • People setting up cognee locally for the first time with the default SQLite, LanceDB and Ladybug storage
  • Teams who want a quick working example before wiring in external databases

Skip it if

  • Users who do not write Python or do not have an LLM API key, since the default setup requires one and the skill is code-focused
  • Anyone wanting non-Python integrations or non-OpenAI providers, which the skill defers to a separate cognee-integrations skill
  • Production deployments, since the skill only covers a local first run and does not address security hardening or scaling

Try asking

  • “Set up cognee in a fresh virtual environment and run my first remember and recall example”
  • “Which cognee extras do I need to parse Office documents and use Postgres?”
  • “My cognee script fails with a structured output error, what should I change?”
  • “Show me how to keep chat session memory separate from permanent memory in cognee”
Step-by-step guide: how to use Install and run cogneeInstall, first run, examples, tips and FAQs

Install in 3 steps

  1. 1

    Download the skill

    The ZIP contains the 1 original files, the Apache-2.0 licence and an attribution note.

    cognee-install.zip
  2. 2

    Add it to your agent

    Claude Code (all projects)

    mkdir -p ~/.claude/skills && unzip cognee-install.zip -d ~/.claude/skills/

    Claude Code / Agent SDK (this project only)

    mkdir -p .claude/skills && unzip cognee-install.zip -d .claude/skills/

    Claude apps (web/desktop): Settings → Capabilities → Skills → Upload skill, and choose the ZIP.

  3. 3

    Ask for the task

    No special command needed — the agent reads the skill's description and loads it when your request matches. Try one of the prompts above.

Get better results

  • Store your API key in a .env file in the project directory rather than pasting it into chats or committed code
  • Ask for the smallest extras set you need, since each extra adds dependencies
  • Set AUTO_FEEDBACK=false if you notice extra LLM calls and token costs on every query

What's inside

  • SKILL.md

Redistributed unmodified from topoteretes/cognee under the Apache-2.0 licence. The assessment was drafted with AI from the skill's files on 2026-10-29. Skills can instruct your agent to run code — read SKILL.md and any scripts before installing.