Advanced Roo Code Memory Bank

A modular, graph-based task management system that integrates with Roo Code custom modes for efficient, structured development workflows.

graph TD
    Main["Memory Bank System"] --> Modes["Custom Modes"]
    Main --> Rules["JIT Rule Loading"]
    Main --> Visual["Visual Process Maps"]
    
    Modes --> VAN["VAN: Initialization"]
    Modes --> PLAN["PLAN: Task Planning"]
    Modes --> CREATIVE["CREATIVE: Design"]
    Modes --> IMPLEMENT["IMPLEMENT: Building"]
    
    style Main fill:#4da6ff,stroke:#0066cc,color:white
    style Modes fill:#f8d486,stroke:#e8b84d
    style Rules fill:#80ffaa,stroke:#4dbb5f
    style Visual fill:#d9b3ff,stroke:#b366ff

Loading

---

Overview

Memory Bank is a personal project that brings a structured, phase-based approach to development using Roo Code’s custom modes. It leverages Just-In-Time (JIT) rule loading, persistent memory files, and adaptive workflows for a seamless and intelligent development experience.

---

Key Concepts

Modular, Graph-Based Workflow

• Interconnected Modes: Modes act as nodes in a workflow graph, enabling logical progression (VAN → PLAN → CREATIVE → IMPLEMENT).
• Persistent Memory: State and context are maintained across mode transitions via dedicated memory bank files.
• Adaptive Guidance: Each mode tailors its recommendations based on project complexity.

Isolated, Mode-Specific Rules

• No Global Rules: Only the active custom mode’s rules are loaded, keeping your main Roo Code environment unaffected.
• JIT Rule Loading: Loads only the rules needed for the current phase, optimizing context and performance.
• Future-Proofing: Global rules space remains open for future features.

CREATIVE Mode & Claude’s “Think” Tool

• Inspired by Anthropic’s Claude “Think” tool, CREATIVE mode:
  • Structures design exploration
  • Documents pros/cons and alternatives
  • Breaks down complex problems
  • Records reasoning for future reference

See CREATIVE Mode and Claude's "Think" Tool for more details.

---

Features

• Visual Workflow Maps: Clear diagrams for each development phase.
• Just-In-Time Rule Loading: Only relevant rules are active.
• Decision Trees & Checkpoints: Guided, phase-based workflows.
• QA Anywhere: Technical validation can be triggered from any mode.
• Platform-Aware: Commands adapt to your operating system.

---

Installation

Prerequisites

• Visual Studio Code
• Roo Code Extension: Install here
• AI Model: Claude 3.7 Sonnet recommended for best results (especially in CREATIVE mode).

---

Getting Started

1. Create Your Workspace

• Use this repository as a template:
  1. Click "Use this template" on the GitHub page.
  2. Create a new repository from the template.
  3. Clone your new repository:

     git clone https://github.com/your-username/your-new-repo.git
     

2. Open in VS Code

• Launch VS Code.
• Open your cloned workspace folder.

3. Activate Roo Code Modes

• Ensure the Roo Code extension is installed.
• Use the Roo Code sidebar to switch between modes as described below.

---

Workflow Guide

1. Start with VAN Mode

• Switch to VAN mode in Roo Code.
• Type VAN to initialize the project.
• VAN will analyze your project structure and assess task complexity.

2. Progress Through the Workflow

• Level 1 tasks: Proceed directly to IMPLEMENT after VAN.
• Level 2–4 tasks: Follow the full workflow:
  VAN → PLAN → CREATIVE → IMPLEMENT
• At any point: Type QA to perform a technical validation.

3. Mode Descriptions

• VAN: Initialize the project and determine complexity.
• PLAN: Create a detailed implementation plan.
• CREATIVE: Explore and document design options for complex components.
• IMPLEMENT: Systematically build the planned components.
• QA: Validate technical implementation (can be used in any mode).

Tip:
Switch modes at any time using the Roo Code sidebar or command palette for a seamless, guided workflow.

---

QA Functionality

QA is not a separate custom mode, but a set of validation functions available from any mode. Simply type QA in any mode to perform technical validation whenever needed.

---

Example Usage Video

Note: This repository was originally created for Cursor but has now been converted for Roo Code, so just follow prompts and usage steps in the video to understand the general logic.

---

Core Files and Their Purposes

graph LR
    subgraph "Memory Bank Files"
        Tasks["tasks.md<br>Source of Truth"]
        Active["activeContext.md<br>Current Focus"]
        Progress["progress.md<br>Implementation Status"]
        Creative["creative-*.md<br>Design Decisions"]
    end
    
    style Tasks fill:#f9d77e,stroke:#d9b95c,stroke-width:3px
    style Active fill:#a8d5ff,stroke:#88b5e0
    style Progress fill:#c5e8b7,stroke:#a5c897
    style Creative fill:#f4b8c4,stroke:#d498a4

Loading

• tasks.md: Central source of truth for task tracking.
• activeContext.md: Maintains focus of current development phase.
• progress.md: Tracks implementation status.
• creative-*.md: Design decision documents generated during CREATIVE mode.

---

Resources

• @vanzan01 - cursor-memory-bank
• Cursor Custom Modes Documentation
• Memory Bank Upgrade Guide
• CREATIVE Mode and Claude's "Think" Tool