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+---
+id: c28f0a03-9fce-4cb9-8c26-715450891a92
+type: configuration
+title: "CLAUDE.md Memory Protocol updated for MCP-first approach"
+tags: ["[\"cognitive-memory\"", "claude-code", "configuration", "\"mcp\"]"]
+importance: 0.6
+confidence: 0.8
+created: "2026-02-28T20:56:33.953872+00:00"
+updated: "2026-02-28T20:56:33.953872+00:00"
+---
+
+# CLAUDE.md Memory Protocol: MCP-First Update
+
+Updated `~/.claude/CLAUDE.md` Memory Protocol section.
+
+## Removed
+- References to CORE.md auto-loading
+- REFLECTION.md session-start reading instruction
+
+## Added
+- Explicit instruction to use MCP `memory_recall` before starting unfamiliar work
+- MCP `memory_store` for persistence
+- Data path updated to `~/.local/share/cognitive-memory/`
+- CLI commands (`core`, `reflect`) noted as available for manual browsing
+
+## Intent
+Shift from passive token injection at session start to active on-demand retrieval via MCP.