codebase-memory-mcp
★ 47.7k
vs
lean-ctx
★ 3.9k
codebase-memory-mcp vs lean-ctx
codebase-memory-mcp: codebase-memory-mcp is a structural analysis backend that indexes codebases into a persistent knowledge graph, drastically reducing token usage for code exploration by providing precise structural results. It integrates with AI assistants like Claude Code, offering advanced capabilities such as call graph tracing, architecture overviews, and dead code detection.; lean-ctx: lean-ctx is an open-source MCP server designed to drastically reduce LLM token costs for AI coding tools like Claude Code, Cursor, and Copilot. It achieves this by transparently compressing CLI output and file context, offering up to 99% savings and making AI coding faster, cheaper, and more effective without changing workflows.
01
TL;DR
codebase-memory-mcpMemory & Context · ★ 47.7k
When to choose:
- Your agent burns tokens searching a medium or large codebase: one graph query replaces many grep and read steps, according to the README.
- You want everything local: a single static binary with no runtime dependencies or API keys.
- You work in many languages and with several coding agents, which the installer configures automatically.
When to skip:
- You do not want an installer to edit your agents' config files and add hooks; the README offers --skip-config to install only the binary.
- You need project decisions and conventions rather than code structure; a scaffold such as mex is closer.
- You are cautious about unsigned binaries: some antivirus engines have flagged the release, which the project documents as a false positive.
lean-ctxMemory & Context · ★ 3.9k
Reducing token costs for Claude Code, Cursor, and Copilot
02
Side-by-Side Comparison
Field
codebase-memory-mcplean-ctxCategory
Memory & Context
Memory & Context
Stars
★ 47.7k
★ 3.9k
License
MIT
MIT
Install Command
curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/DeusData/codebase-memory-mcp/main/install.sh | bash
curl -fsSL https://leanctx.com/install.sh | sh && lean-ctx setup && lean-ctx doctor
Updated
1d ago
1d ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Tags
knowledge-graph, codebase-analysis, AI-assistant-tools
agentic-coding, ai, ai-coding
03
Features
codebase-memory-mcp01Indexes a codebase into a persistent knowledge graph using tree-sitter, with semantic type resolution for several major languages
02Supports 150+ languages with grammars compiled into a single static binary
0317 MCP tools: search, call tracing, architecture overview, impact analysis, dead code detection, Cypher queries and more
04Indexes infrastructure-as-code such as Dockerfiles and Kubernetes manifests
05Built-in 3D graph visualisation served locally
lean-ctx01Transparent shell hook for CLI output compression
02Context server with 28 intelligent tools
03One-command integration for AI coding agents
04Adaptive LLM communication with Cognitive Efficiency Protocol
05Cross-session memory for context continuity
04
Use Cases
codebase-memory-mcp↳Code exploration and understanding: Quickly understand codebase architecture, find functions, and trace call paths without high token costs.
↳Impact analysis and refactoring: Map git diffs to affected symbols, detect dead code, and analyze function fan-out to aid refactoring efforts.
↳AI assistant integration: Enhance AI assistants like Claude Code with precise structural queries for more effective code-related questions.
↳Architecture Decision Records management: Store, update, and retrieve architectural decisions directly within the codebase context.
↳Automated scripting and CI/CD: Utilize CLI mode for single-shot graph operations in scripts or CI/CD pipelines.
lean-ctx↳Reducing token costs for Claude Code, Cursor, and Copilot
↳Optimizing MCP server performance
↳Saving $30-100+ per month on AI coding API costs
05
Best For
codebase-memory-mcpMost Popular
lean-ctx—
FAQ
FAQ
What is the difference between codebase-memory-mcp and lean-ctx?
Both codebase-memory-mcp and lean-ctx are in the Memory & Context category. codebase-memory-mcp has 47.7k stars, while lean-ctx has 3.9k stars.
Which is better, codebase-memory-mcp or lean-ctx?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose codebase-memory-mcp if Code exploration and understanding: Quickly understand codebase architecture, find functions, and trace call paths without high token costs., and lean-ctx if Reducing token costs for Claude Code, Cursor, and Copilot.
Is codebase-memory-mcp free or open source?
Yes, codebase-memory-mcp is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Is lean-ctx free or open source?
Yes, lean-ctx is open source on GitHub (MIT).
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