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Model Context Protocol (MCP) Integration

Library Insight can run as a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server over standard input/output (stdio). This allows compatible AI IDEs and clients (like Cursor, Claude Desktop, or VS Code with MCP extensions) to query the library parser and search engine natively.

When connected, the AI agent gains access to the following tools:

  • scan_library: Scan and index a JAR/AAR or Maven coordinate.
  • search_symbols: Query the API index for classes, methods, or properties matching a name.
  • explain_class: Retrieve the exact public API signature and documentation for a class.

How to Connect

1. Cursor IDE

  1. Open Cursor Settings (gear icon in the top right corner).
  2. Go to Features > MCP.
  3. Click + Add New MCP Server.
  4. Configure the settings:
    • Name: Library Insight
    • Type: command
    • Command: library-insight mcp
  5. Click Save. The status should change to a green dot showing it's connected.

[!NOTE] If you didn't install library-insight globally, specify the absolute path to the compiled script, e.g., /Users/username/Library-Insight/library-insight-cli/build/install/library-insight/bin/library-insight mcp.

2. Claude Desktop

To add the tool to the Claude Desktop client, edit your configuration file:

  • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json

Add library-insight under mcpServers:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "library-insight": {
      "command": "library-insight",
      "args": ["mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Restart Claude Desktop, and you should see the tool icon appear in your chat window.

Verification

To verify that the MCP server is working, ask the AI in your IDE:

"Use Library Insight to search for Retrofit and explain it."

The assistant will make a tool call to the MCP server, retrieve the Retrofit class structure, and print the results without having to index the entire codebase or read external documents.