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Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standard for extending Roo Code's capabilities by connecting to external tools and services. MCP servers can provide additional tools and resources that Roo Code can use to accomplish tasks.

Why Use MCP?​

  • Extend Functionality: Add new capabilities to Roo Code without modifying the core extension.
  • Access External Data: Connect to databases, APIs, or other services.
  • Custom Integrations: Create custom tools tailored to your specific workflow.
  • Community Contributions: Share and use tools developed by the Roo Code community.

MCP Server Status​

You can view and manage your MCP server connections by clicking the server icon in the top navigation bar.

Finding and Installing MCP Servers​

Roo Code does not come with any pre-installed MCP servers. You'll need to find and install them separately.

  • Community Repositories: Check for community-maintained lists of MCP servers. (Link to a hypothetical community repo/list here)
  • GitHub Search: Search GitHub for "MCP server" or "Model Context Protocol server."
  • Ask Roo: You can ask Roo Code to help you find or even create MCP servers.

Installation typically involves adding the server's configuration to the cline_mcp_settings.json file. See the Configuration section for details.

Using MCP Tools and Resources​

Once an MCP server is connected, its tools and resources become available to Roo Code.

  • Tools: MCP tools are invoked using the use_mcp_tool tool. You'll need to provide the server name and the tool name.
  • Resources: MCP resources can be accessed using the access_mcp_resource tool. You'll need to provide the server name and the resource URI.

Roo Code will prompt you for any required parameters when using these tools.

Creating Your Own MCP Server​

You can create your own MCP server to add custom functionality to Roo Code. This requires some programming knowledge. See the MCP documentation for details on how to create an MCP server.

Configuration​

MCP server configurations are stored in the cline_mcp_settings.json file. You can access it from Roo Code's settings by clicking on "Edit MCP Settings", or you can open it from the VS Code command palette with the Roo Code: Open MCP Config command.

The file uses a JSON format:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "server1": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.py"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your_api_key"
      },
      "alwaysAllow": ["tool1", "tool2"],
      "disabled": false
    },
    "server2": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.js"],
      "timeout": 90
    }
  }
}