Knowns CLI

Product Introduction

1. Definition: Knowns CLI is an AI-first command-line interface tool for developers, designed as a knowledge layer for task management, documentation, and time tracking. It integrates with AI assistants to provide persistent project context through Modular Context Protocol (MCP) auto-setup.
2. Core Value Proposition: It eliminates repetitive context-sharing in AI workflows by automatically resolving documentation/task references (@doc/@task), enabling AI tools to access real-time project memory without manual intervention.

Main Features

1. AI-Powered Context Management:
   Uses MCP auto-setup (knowns mcp setup) to generate .mcp.json configurations, registering project context with AI tools like Claude Code. Automatically resolves references (e.g., @doc/patterns/auth) during task execution, allowing AI to pull guidelines without copy-pasting.
2. Task Automation with AI Integration:
   Creates tasks with acceptance criteria and links documentation. AI reads task context (e.g., "task-42: Add user authentication"), follows linked patterns, logs implementations (e.g., JWT middleware), and auto-updates docs upon completion.
3. Modular AI Guidelines:
   Generates stage-specific rules via knowns agents guideline --stage execution and syncs files (knowns agents sync --full). Stores guidelines in CLAUDE.md/AGENTS.md for compatibility with Claude, Gemini, GitHub Copilot, and other AI tools.
4. Time Tracking & Reporting:
   Built-in CLI commands to start/stop/pause timers. Generates reports filtered by task, label, or date range without third-party tools.
5. Git-Friendly Web UI:
   Kanban board and docs browser backed by Markdown files in .knowns/ directory. Supports dark mode and avoids vendor lock-in.

Problems Solved

1. Pain Point: Context fragmentation in AI development, where assistants lack persistent project memory, causing repeated errors and manual doc-sharing.
2. Target Audience:
   • Developers using AI coding tools (GitHub Copilot, Claude, Cursor)
   • Teams managing complex documentation/task dependencies
   • Solo developers optimizing CLI-based workflows
3. Use Cases:
   • AI implementing features using linked patterns (e.g., authentication flows)
   • Auto-documenting solutions after task completion
   • Generating time reports for client billing

Unique Advantages

1. Differentiation: Unlike generic task managers (Jira, Trello), Knowns CLI natively integrates AI context resolution via MCP, turning tasks into executable AI workflows.
2. Key Innovation: MCP protocol automates bidirectional context sync between AI and project docs, enabling "zero-prompt" task execution.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How does Knowns CLI work with AI tools?
   Knowns CLI auto-registers project context via MCP with compatible tools (Claude Code, Cursor) or shares guidelines through CLAUDE.md files, enabling AI to resolve @doc/@task references.
2. Can Knowns CLI replace project management tools?
   Yes, it combines task tracking, docs, and time logging in a CLI/Git-based workflow, though it complements (not replaces) version control systems like Git.
3. Is Knowns CLI compatible with VS Code?
   Directly integrates with VS Code via MCP auto-setup and works with extensions like GitHub Copilot.
4. How does time tracking work?
   Use CLI commands (knowns timer start/stop) to log time against tasks, then generate reports via knowns report --filter task-42.
5. Is self-hosting supported?
   Yes, as open-source MIT-licensed software, Knowns CLI supports full self-hosting and customization.