What is Vscode As Mcp Server

vscode-as-mcp-server is a Visual Studio Code extension that transforms VSCode into an MCP server, enabling advanced coding assistance from MCP clients like Claude Desktop.

Use cases

Use cases include reviewing code changes suggested by AI, executing terminal commands directly from VSCode, managing debugging sessions, and previewing web applications in real-time.

How to use

To use vscode-as-mcp-server, install the extension from the Visual Studio Marketplace, then launch your VSCode. The extension will automatically set up the MCP server, allowing you to interact with compatible clients for enhanced coding support.

Key features

Key features include code editing support with real-time diagnostics, terminal operations for command execution, built-in preview tools for URLs, multi-instance switching for managing multiple VSCode windows, and experimental relay functionality for external access to built-in MCP servers.

Where to use

vscode-as-mcp-server is ideal for software development environments where developers require enhanced coding assistance, particularly in projects that utilize AI tools for coding support.

VSCode as MCP Server

Marketplace

A VSCode extension that turns your VSCode into an MCP server, enabling advanced coding assistance from MCP clients like Claude Desktop.

Key Features

Code Editing Support

• Review proposed code changes from an LLM through diffs, allowing you to accept, reject, or provide feedback.
• Real-time diagnostic messages (e.g., type errors) sent instantly to the LLM for immediate corrections.

Terminal Operations

• Execute commands within VSCode’s integrated terminal (supports background/foreground execution, and timeout settings).

Preview Tools

• Preview URLs directly within VSCode’s built-in browser (e.g., automatically opens browser preview after starting a Vite server).

Multi-instance Switching

• Easily switch the MCP server between multiple open VSCode windows.(Just by clicking the status bar item)

Relay Functionality (Experimental)

• Relay and expose built-in MCP servers introduced in VSCode 1.99 externally.
• Allows external access to tools provided by other MCP extensions, such as GitHub Copilot.

Available Built-in Tools

• execute_command: Execute commands in VSCode’s integrated terminal
• code_checker: Retrieve current diagnostics for your code
• focus_editor: Focus specific locations within files
• list_debug_sessions / start_debug_session / restart_debug_session / stop_debug_session: Manage debug sessions
• text_editor: File operations (view, replace, create, insert, undo)
• list_directory: List directory contents in a tree format
• get_terminal_output: Fetch output from a specified terminal
• list_vscode_commands / execute_vscode_command: List and execute arbitrary VSCode commands
• preview_url: Open URLs within VSCode’s integrated browser

Installation & Setup

1. Install the extension from the VSCode Marketplace.

2. Configure your MCP client:

   • Using mcp-installer: You can simply instruct it to “install the vscode-as-mcp-server MCP server”.
   • Other clients like Claude Desktop: Add the following to your configuration file (claude_desktop_config.json):

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

3. Check the MCP server status in the bottom-right VSCode status bar:

   • (Server icon): Server is running
   • ∅: Click to start the server

Motivation

This extension was developed to mitigate high costs associated with metered coding tools (like Roo Code and Cursor). It’s an affordable, self-hosted alternative built directly into VSCode.

Bug reports and feedback are very welcome! 🙇

Future Roadmap

• Ability to select which built-in MCP servers to expose
• WebView-based approval UI (similar to Roo Code)
• Integration with VSCode’s file history (Timeline)
• Instant toggling of auto-approvals and tool activation/deactivation
• Customizable server port configuration