Getting Started with Cortex
Welcome! This guide will help you go from zero to a working AI agent with persistent memory in under 5 minutes.
Prerequisites
Node.js 24.15.0+ for CLI workflows, npm for Basic/Vercel and pnpm 10.33.0 for Chat. Anonymous local Convex setup is supported.
Choose Your Path
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Quick Start
Jump right in with our 5-minute tutorial. Perfect for hands-on learners.
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Learn the Concepts
Understand how Cortex works before diving into code.
Installation Overview
1
Install the Cortex CLI
Our CLI handles project setup, development, and deployment.
npm install -g @cortexmemory/cli@0.38.0
2
Initialize Your Project
Run cortex init to scaffold a new project with Convex backend configured.
cortex init my-project --template basic --local --yes --graph none
cd my-project
3
Configure for Your Stack
Set up authentication, customize settings, and connect your AI provider.
cortex dev
In This Section
Coming from another memory solution? Check out our migration guide from mem0.