| layout | default |
|---|---|
| title | Chapter 5: Vector Stores and Workspace Memory |
| nav_order | 5 |
| parent | Cipher Tutorial |
Welcome to Chapter 5: Vector Stores and Workspace Memory. In this part of Cipher Tutorial: Shared Memory Layer for Coding Agents, you will build an intuitive mental model first, then move into concrete implementation details and practical production tradeoffs.
Cipher supports multiple vector backends and optional workspace-scoped memory for team collaboration.
| Component | Common Options |
|---|---|
| vector store | Qdrant, Milvus, in-memory |
| chat/session history | SQLite or PostgreSQL paths |
| workspace memory | enabled via dedicated config/env settings |
You now know how to choose and operate Cipher storage backends for single-user and team scenarios.
Next: Chapter 6: MCP Integration Patterns
The isQdrantConfigAvailable function in src/core/vector_storage/factory.ts handles a key part of this chapter's functionality:
* Check if Qdrant configuration is available in environment
*/
export function isQdrantConfigAvailable(): boolean {
return !!(
process.env.VECTOR_STORE_URL ||
process.env.VECTOR_STORE_HOST ||
process.env.VECTOR_STORE_PORT
);
}This function is important because it defines how Cipher Tutorial: Shared Memory Layer for Coding Agents implements the patterns covered in this chapter.
The VectorStoreFactory interface in src/core/vector_storage/factory.ts handles a key part of this chapter's functionality:
* Factory result containing both the manager and vector store
*/
export interface VectorStoreFactory {
/** The vector store manager instance for lifecycle control */
manager: VectorStoreManager;
/** The connected vector store ready for use */
store: VectorStore;
}
/**
* Dual collection factory result containing dual manager and stores
*/
export interface DualCollectionVectorFactory {
/** The dual collection manager instance for lifecycle control */
manager: DualCollectionVectorManager;
/** The knowledge vector store ready for use */
knowledgeStore: VectorStore;
/** The reflection vector store ready for use (null if disabled) */
reflectionStore: VectorStore | null;
}
/**
* Creates and connects vector storage backend
*
* This is the primary factory function for initializing the vector storage system.
* It creates a VectorStoreManager, connects to the configured backend, and
* returns both the manager and the connected vector store.
*
* @param config - Vector storage configuration
* @returns Promise resolving to manager and connected vector store
* @throws {VectorStoreConnectionError} If connection fails and no fallback is available
*This interface is important because it defines how Cipher Tutorial: Shared Memory Layer for Coding Agents implements the patterns covered in this chapter.
The DualCollectionVectorFactory interface in src/core/vector_storage/factory.ts handles a key part of this chapter's functionality:
* Dual collection factory result containing dual manager and stores
*/
export interface DualCollectionVectorFactory {
/** The dual collection manager instance for lifecycle control */
manager: DualCollectionVectorManager;
/** The knowledge vector store ready for use */
knowledgeStore: VectorStore;
/** The reflection vector store ready for use (null if disabled) */
reflectionStore: VectorStore | null;
}
/**
* Creates and connects vector storage backend
*
* This is the primary factory function for initializing the vector storage system.
* It creates a VectorStoreManager, connects to the configured backend, and
* returns both the manager and the connected vector store.
*
* @param config - Vector storage configuration
* @returns Promise resolving to manager and connected vector store
* @throws {VectorStoreConnectionError} If connection fails and no fallback is available
*
* @example
* ```typescript
* // Basic usage with Qdrant
* const { manager, store } = await createVectorStore({
* type: 'qdrant',
* host: 'localhost',
* port: 6333,
* collectionName: 'documents',
* dimension: 1536
* });This interface is important because it defines how Cipher Tutorial: Shared Memory Layer for Coding Agents implements the patterns covered in this chapter.
The for interface in src/core/vector_storage/factory.ts handles a key part of this chapter's functionality:
* Vector Storage Factory
*
* Factory functions for creating and initializing the vector storage system.
* Provides a simplified API for common vector storage setup patterns.
*
* @module vector_storage/factory
*/
import { VectorStoreManager } from './manager.js';
import { DualCollectionVectorManager } from './dual-collection-manager.js';
import type { VectorStoreConfig } from './types.js';
import { VectorStore } from './backend/vector-store.js';
import { createLogger } from '../logger/index.js';
import { LOG_PREFIXES } from './constants.js';
import { env } from '../env.js';
import { getServiceCache, createServiceKey } from '../brain/memory/service-cache.js';
/**
* Factory result containing both the manager and vector store
*/
export interface VectorStoreFactory {
/** The vector store manager instance for lifecycle control */
manager: VectorStoreManager;
/** The connected vector store ready for use */
store: VectorStore;
}
/**
* Dual collection factory result containing dual manager and stores
*/
export interface DualCollectionVectorFactory {
/** The dual collection manager instance for lifecycle control */This interface is important because it defines how Cipher Tutorial: Shared Memory Layer for Coding Agents implements the patterns covered in this chapter.
flowchart TD
A[isQdrantConfigAvailable]
B[VectorStoreFactory]
C[DualCollectionVectorFactory]
D[for]
A --> B
B --> C
C --> D