AgentIndex icon
AgentIndex
locus logo
locus
★ 15
vs
trace-mcp logo
trace-mcp
★ 193

locus vs trace-mcp

locus: Locus provides persistent project-aware memory for AI coding tools, using three memory layers: structural, semantic, and episodic. It works with any MCP-compatible client and offers 14 tools and 3 resources for exploring, searching, and managing memory. Carbon Copy enables passive conversation capture for later recall.; trace-mcp: trace-mcp is a framework-aware code intelligence MCP server that builds cross-language dependency graphs from source code. It enables AI agents to understand framework-specific relationships, track request flows, analyze change impact, and remember past decisions across sessions, significantly reducing token usage.

01

TL;DR

locus logo
locusMemory & Context · ★ 15

Maintain project context across AI coding sessions to avoid losing architectural decisions and file structure awareness

Read locus full review →
trace-mcp logo
trace-mcpDev Tooling · ★ 193

Understanding full-stack web applications with cross-language relationships

Read trace-mcp full review →
02

Side-by-Side Comparison

Field
locus logolocus
trace-mcp logotrace-mcp
Category
Memory & Context
Dev Tooling
Stars
★ 15
★ 193
License
MIT
MIT
Install Command
npx -y locus-memory@latest install codex
npm install -g trace-mcp && trace-mcp init && trace-mcp add
Updated
4mo ago
1d ago
Open Source
Yes
Yes
Website
↗ Visit
↗ Visit
GitHub
↗ GitHub
↗ GitHub
Tags
ai-memory, claude-code, codex-cli
ai-agents, claude-code, code-intelligence
03

Features

locus logolocus
01Three memory layers: structural (auto-parsed), semantic (user-curated), episodic (auto-captured)
02Carbon Copy passive conversation capture via inbox-based event protocol
0314 MCP tools for exploring, recalling, searching, remembering, and managing memory
04FTS5 full-text search across all memory layers and conversation events
054-layer security: metadata-only, file denylist, content redaction, audit UX
trace-mcp logotrace-mcp
01Framework-aware dependency graph across languages
02Code-linked decision memory
03Cross-session intelligence and context carryover
04Change impact analysis with risk scoring
05Up to 99% token reduction
04

Use Cases

locus logolocus
↳Maintain project context across AI coding sessions to avoid losing architectural decisions and file structure awareness
↳Store and retrieve important decisions and their rationale for consistent development practices
↳Passively capture conversation history from coding sessions for later search and recall
trace-mcp logotrace-mcp
↳Understanding full-stack web applications with cross-language relationships
↳Impact analysis for changes across multiple languages and frameworks
↳Reducing token consumption and context window pressure in large codebases
FAQ

FAQ

What is the difference between locus and trace-mcp?
Both locus and trace-mcp are in the Memory & Context category. locus has 15 stars, while trace-mcp has 193 stars.
Which is better, locus or trace-mcp?
The best choice depends on your use case. Choose locus if Maintain project context across AI coding sessions to avoid losing architectural decisions and file structure awareness, and trace-mcp if Understanding full-stack web applications with cross-language relationships.
Is locus free or open source?
Yes, locus is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Is trace-mcp free or open source?
Yes, trace-mcp is open source on GitHub (MIT).
Cloud Infrastructure
Ad

Deploy on DigitalOcean

Host your MCP servers, Docker containers, and AI agents with $200 free credit over 60 days.

Claim $200 Free Credit
→

Related

Alternatives to locus →Alternatives to trace-mcp →locus details →trace-mcp details →