What is Chroma Mcp Server

The chroma_mcp_server is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server designed for integrating ChromaDB with AI models that are compatible with the MCP framework. It facilitates the connection between AI applications and the Chroma embedding database.

Use cases

Use cases for chroma_mcp_server include building AI chatbots that require context-aware responses, implementing recommendation systems that utilize embeddings for user preferences, and enhancing search functionalities in applications by leveraging semantic search on vector data.

How to use

To use chroma_mcp_server, install it via pip or UVX, then start the server using the command-line executable or Python module. Configuration can be done through command-line options or environment variables to set client types and data directories.

Key features

Key features of chroma_mcp_server include the ability to store and retrieve embeddings, perform semantic searches on vector data, manage collections of embeddings, and support Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) workflows.

Where to use

chroma_mcp_server can be used in various fields such as AI development, natural language processing, data retrieval systems, and any application that requires efficient embedding management and semantic search capabilities.

Chroma MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integration for Chroma, the open-source embedding database.

Overview

Chroma MCP Server creates a persistent, searchable “working memory” for AI-assisted development:

• Automated Context Recall: AI assistants can query relevant information from past sessions
• Developer-Managed Persistence: Store key decisions and insights in ChromaDB via MCP
• Second Brain Integration: Integrates with IDE workflows to create a unified knowledge hub

Key features:

• Automated Codebase Indexing: Track and index code changes
• Automated Chat Logging: Log AI interactions with enhanced context capture (code diffs, tool sequences)
• Bidirectional Linking: Connect discussions to code changes for tracing feature evolution
• Semantic Code Chunking: Preserve logical code structures for more meaningful context retrieval
• Working Memory Tools: MCP commands for capturing and retrieving development context
• Validation System: Evidence-based validation for code changes and learning promotions
• Automated Test-Driven Learning: Fully automated workflow from test failure to verified fix and learning promotion. See the Pytest Plugin Usage Guide to integrate this into your projects.

See the Getting Started with your Second Brain guide for more details.

Quick Start

Installation

# Basic installation
pip install chroma-mcp-server

# Full installation with all embedding models
pip install "chroma-mcp-server[full]"

Running

# With in-memory storage (data lost on restart)
chroma-mcp-server --client-type ephemeral

# With persistent storage
chroma-mcp-server --client-type persistent --data-dir ./my_data

Cursor Integration

Add or modify .cursor/mcp.json in your project root:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "chroma": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "chroma-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "CHROMA_CLIENT_TYPE": "persistent",
        "CHROMA_DATA_DIR": "/path/to/your/data",
        "CHROMA_LOG_DIR": "/path/to/your/logs",
        "LOG_LEVEL": "INFO",
        "MCP_LOG_LEVEL": "INFO",
        "MCP_SERVER_LOG_LEVEL": "INFO"
      }
    }
  }
}

Recent Improvements

• Enhanced Context Capture: Automatically extracts code diffs, tool sequences, and assigns confidence scores
• Bidirectional Linking: Creates navigable connections between chat discussions and code changes
• Semantic Code Chunking: Uses logical boundaries (functions, classes) instead of fixed-size chunks
• Server-Side Timestamp Enforcement: Ensures consistent timestamps across all collections
• Automatic Collection Creation: Essential collections (e.g., chat_history_v1, codebase_v1) are automatically created on server startup if they don’t exist.
• Enhanced Logging System: Per-execution log files prevent contamination of JSON communication in stdio mode
• Embedding Function Management: Tools to update collection metadata when changing embedding functions
• Collection Setup Command: Simplifies creation of multiple collections with consistent configuration
• Auto-Promote Workflow: Streamlined derived learning promotion with automatic handling of high-confidence entries
• Smart Defaults: Interactive promotion with intelligent defaults for all fields based on context
• Low Confidence Warnings: Visual indicators for entries that may need more careful review
• Automated Test Workflow: Fully automated capture of test failures, monitoring for fixes, and validated learning promotion

Documentation

Comprehensive documentation is available in the docs directory:

• Main Documentation - Complete guide to installation, configuration, and usage
• Getting Started - Detailed setup instructions
• Developer Guide - For contributors and developers
• IDE & Tool Integration Guides - Guides for integrating with IDEs and other tools.
• Automated Chat Logging - Enriched chat history with bidirectional linking
• Usage Guides - Detailed guides on how to use specific features and workflows.
• Enhanced Context Capture - Details on code diff extraction and tool sequencing
• Semantic Code Chunking - Logic-preserving code chunking for meaningful retrieval
• Automated Test Workflow (Pytest Plugin Usage) - Test-driven learning with automatic validation
• Thinking Tools & Utilities - Documentation for structured thinking and memory tools.
• Client and Developer Scripts - Guides for CLI tools and developer scripts.
• Logging Documentation - Overview of logging features and configuration.
• Server Logging - Details on the improved logging system
• Automation Documentation - Guides on automating development tasks.
• Project Rules & Guidelines - Development rules, guidelines, and best practices.
• Refactoring Plans - Documentation on various refactoring efforts and architectural plans.
• API Reference - Available MCP tools and parameters

License

Chroma MCP Server is licensed under the MIT License with Commons Clause. This means you can:

✅ Allowed:

• Use Chroma MCP Server for any purpose (personal, commercial, academic)
• Modify the code
• Distribute copies
• Create and sell products built using Chroma MCP Server

❌ Not Allowed:

• Sell Chroma MCP Server itself
• Offer Chroma MCP Server as a hosted service
• Create competing products based on Chroma MCP Server

See the LICENSE.md file for the complete license text.