Quick Start

Get productive with Nexus in 5 minutes. This guide covers the essential workflows.

Prerequisites

Before starting, make sure you've completed the Installation guide:

1. Get your API key via CLI login or dashboard
2. Configure your AI client with your API key

Quick Setup

Run `npx @nexus/cli auth login` to authenticate, then `npx @nexus/cli init` to configure your AI client automatically.

1. Search Documentation

Ask your AI to search library documentation:

Chat with AI

You: Search the Next.js docs for how to use server actions→ Calling query-docs libraryId: nextjs query: "server actions usage"AI: Based on the Next.js documentation, here's how to use server actions:Server Actions are asynchronous functions executed on the server...

Finding Library IDs

If you're not sure of the library ID, use resolve-library:

Chat with AI

You: Find the library ID for Prisma documentation→ Calling resolve-library libraryName: prismaAI: Found: prismaDescription: Next-generation ORM for Node.js and TypeScriptSnippets: 1,234

2. Save Project Context

Store information about your project so the AI remembers it:

Chat with AI

You: Save this project context: This is a Next.js 14 app using Prisma for the database, Tailwind for styling, and tRPC for the API layer. We follow the App Router conventions.→ Calling save-memory title: "Project Tech Stack" type: project_context project: my-appAI: Saved memory: Project Tech Stack

Memory Types

Type	Use For
project_context	Tech stack, architecture, conventions
session_summary	What was accomplished in a session
decision	Architectural decisions with rationale
correction	Lessons learned, things to avoid

3. Recall Context

In a new session, load your project context:

Chat with AI (New Session)

You: Load the context for my-app project→ Calling get-project-context project: my-appAI: Here's the context for my-app:Project Context:- Next.js 14 with App Router- Prisma ORM- Tailwind CSS- tRPC API layer

4. Find MCP Servers

Discover MCP servers for additional capabilities:

Chat with AI

You: Find MCP servers for working with PostgreSQL→ Calling discover-servers query: "postgresql database"AI: Found 3 MCP servers:1. postgres (Official) Query and manage PostgreSQL databases2. supabase Supabase database and auth integration

Get Installation Config

Chat with AI

You: Get the installation config for the postgres MCP server→ Calling get-server-config serverId: postgresAI: Here's the config for Claude Desktop:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "postgres": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres"],
      "env": {
        "POSTGRES_URL": "postgresql://user:pass@localhost:5432/db"
      }
    }
  }
}

Common Workflows

📖

Learning a New Library

Use query-docs to search official documentation without hallucinations.

🔄

Continuing Work

Use get-project-context to load all saved context at the start of each session.

📝

Recording Decisions

Use save-memory with type 'decision' to document architectural choices.

🔌

Adding Integrations

Use discover-servers to find MCP servers for databases, APIs, and tools.

Tips for Best Results

Be Specific

When searching documentation, be specific about what you're looking for. "React useEffect cleanup" works better than just "useEffect".

Use Project Names

Always include a project name when saving memories. This keeps memories organized and makes retrieval more accurate.

Save Often

Save important context, decisions, and learnings as you work. Your future self (and AI) will thank you.

Troubleshooting

Authentication Error?

If you see "API key required" or "Authentication required", make sure you've: 1. Run `npx @nexus/cli auth login` to get your API key 2. Added `NEXUS_API_KEY` to your client config (or used CLI login)

See the Authentication Guide for detailed setup instructions.

Next Steps

• MCP Tools Reference - Detailed documentation for all tools
• Memory Guide - Advanced memory management
• AI Client Setup - Platform-specific tips