VSCode as MCP Server

@acomagu

About VSCode as MCP Server

Expose VSCode features such as file viewing and editing as MCP, enabling advanced AI-assisted coding directly from tools like Claude Desktop

#vscode #mcp-server #coding-assistant

Config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "vscode": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "vscode-as-mcp-server"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Tools

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Overview

What is VSCode as MCP Server?

A VSCode extension that turns your VSCode into an MCP server, enabling advanced coding assistance from MCP clients like Claude Desktop. It provides code editing, terminal operations, preview tools, multi-instance switching, and an experimental relay for built-in MCP servers.

How to use VSCode as MCP Server?

Install the extension from the VSCode Marketplace. Configure your MCP client using npx vscode-as-mcp-server in the client’s config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json) or use mcp-installer. The server status appears in the VSCode status bar; click to start if not running.

Key features of VSCode as MCP Server

Review and accept/reject code changes via diffs
Real-time diagnostic messages sent to the LLM
Execute commands in VSCode’s integrated terminal
Preview URLs in VSCode’s built-in browser
Switch MCP server between multiple VSCode windows
Relay external access to built-in MCP servers (experimental)

Use cases of VSCode as MCP Server

Integrate Claude Desktop as an advanced coding assistant within VSCode
Automate code review and correction with live diagnostics
Run terminal commands and preview web apps during development
Manage debug sessions from an MCP client
Expose VSCode’s built-in MCP tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot) to external clients

FAQ from VSCode as MCP Server

What are the dependencies or runtime requirements?

You need VSCode with the extension installed, and an MCP client that supports the standard MCP protocol, such as Claude Desktop.

How does this differ from other coding tools like Roo Code or Cursor?

This extension is a self-hosted, affordable alternative integrated directly into VSCode, designed to reduce costs associated with metered coding tools.

Where does the code data live?

All operations happen within your local VSCode environment; the extension does not send code to external servers.

What transport or authentication does it use?

The extension communicates via the standard MCP protocol; no specific authentication is described. The server runs locally over stdio.

Are there any known limits?

The relay functionality for built-in MCP servers is experimental. There is no built-in approval UI yet; that is on the future roadmap.

Frequently asked questions

What are the dependencies or runtime requirements?

You need VSCode with the extension installed, and an MCP client that supports the standard MCP protocol, such as Claude Desktop.

How does this differ from other coding tools like Roo Code or Cursor?

This extension is a self-hosted, affordable alternative integrated directly into VSCode, designed to reduce costs associated with metered coding tools.

Where does the code data live?

All operations happen within your local VSCode environment; the extension does not send code to external servers.

What transport or authentication does it use?

The extension communicates via the standard MCP protocol; no specific authentication is described. The server runs locally over stdio.

Are there any known limits?

The relay functionality for built-in MCP servers is experimental. There is no built-in approval UI yet; that is on the future roadmap.

Comments

Basic information

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