Handles schema lifecycle for Basic Memory's structured notes. You run schema_infer on a note type like Meeting or Person to generate a schema from existing notes, write it to the schema directory using Picoschema syntax (think YAML with types, optionals, enums, and relations), then use schema_validate to check conformance. The validation looks for fields as observation categories in note bodies, not just frontmatter, which is a quirk worth knowing. Run schema_diff periodically to catch when your notes evolve faster than your schemas. Works in warn mode by default so it won't block writes, just complains. Good for keeping a knowledge graph consistent without fighting it.

skills.sh installs
591
GitHub stars
23
last updated
Aug 21, 2026

Install

$ npx -y skills add basicmachines-co/basic-memory-skills --skill memory-schema --agent claude-code

Installs into .claude/skills of the current project.

Files

Memory Schema

Manage structured note types using Basic Memory's Picoschema system. Schemas define what fields a note type should have, making notes uniform, queryable, and validatable.

When to Use

  • New note type emerging — you notice several notes share the same structure (meetings, people, decisions)
  • Validation check — confirm existing notes conform to their schema
  • Schema drift — detect fields that notes use but the schema doesn't define (or vice versa)
  • Schema evolution — add/remove/change fields as requirements evolve
  • On demand — user asks to create, check, or manage schemas

Picoschema Syntax Reference

Schemas are defined in YAML frontmatter using Picoschema — a compact notation for describing note structure.

Basic Types

schema:
  name: string, person's full name
  age: integer, age in years
  score: number, floating-point rating
  active: boolean, whether currently active

Supported types: string, integer, number, boolean.

Optional Fields

Append ? to the field name:

schema:
  title: string, required field
  subtitle?: string, optional field

Enums

Sponsors

Details

Repository
github.com/basicmachines-co/basic-memory-skills
First seen
Jun 3, 2026

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