Linear Issues MCP Server: Model Context Protocol Integration

Overview: What is Linear Issues MCP Server?

The Linear Issues MCP Server is a specialized adapter built to facilitate seamless integration between AI applications and specific data sources, such as issues managed on the Linear platform. This server leverages the Model Context Protocol (MCP), which acts as a universal adapter for AI tools, similar to how USB-C enables compatibility across various devices.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

Fetching Issue Details

The primary feature of this server is its ability to provide read-only access to Linear issues. It supports two main tools:

• linear_get_issue: This tool fetches basic details about a Linear issue using either an URL or an identifier.
• linear_get_issue_with_comments: This provides comprehensive information, including all comments associated with the issue.

Tool Specifications

For AI applications like Claude Desktop, Continue, and Cursor, this server enhances their ability to pull structured data from the Linear platform. By integrating MCP, these tools can request specific functionalities that are not part of their core capabilities but are crucial for certain use cases.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

The core of this server is built around the Model Context Protocol (MCP). Here’s a visual representation of how it integrates with AI applications:

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

Compatibility and Support

The Linear Issues MCP Server supports multiple MCP clients, ensuring broad compatibility with various AI tools. Currently, it is fully supported for use with Claude Desktop and Continue, while Cursor can only utilize part of its data features.

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

Requirements

To use this server, developers and AI application users must have:

• Node.js installed on their system.
• A Linear API token or OAuth access token for authentication.

Quick Start Guide

1. Install Node.js: Ensure you have the latest version of Node.js installed.
2. Obtain Linear API Token: Users can generate a simple API key through settings in the Linear app or an OAuth token by following instructions on creating and using OAuth applications.

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Real-World Workflow 1: Issue Tracking and Resolution

Imagine you’re developing a project management tool within Claude Desktop. By integrating the Linear Issues MCP server, your application can fetch detailed issue logs straight from the Linear platform. This capability allows for enhanced tracking and resolution of issues without writing direct API calls.

Example Configuration Code Sample

Here’s an example configuration snippet for Claude Desktop:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "linear-issues-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@keegancsmith/linear-issues-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "LINEAR_API_TOKEN": "your_linear_api_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Real-World Workflow 2: Comment and Issue Analytics

In another scenario, Continue may need to gather detailed analytics on specific issues within the Linear platform. By leveraging this MCP server, developers can quickly retrieve a comprehensive view of each issue, including all associated comments. This data can then be used for trend analysis or automated notifications.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

Integration Process

To integrate this server with an MCP client, follow these steps:

1. Ensure API Key: Obtain a valid Linear API token (simple) or OAuth access token.
2. Add Server to Configuration: Modify the configuration file for your chosen MCP client. For instance, in Claude Desktop, add the necessary details as shown above.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

Performance and Reliability

The performance of this server is optimized to handle multiple concurrent requests while maintaining high reliability. It has been designed to seamlessly integrate with various MCP clients, ensuring consistent data retrieval.

Client Compatibility

The Linear Issues MCP Server supports full compatibility with Claude Desktop and Continue but does not fully support Cursor integration for prompts.

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

Security Best Practices

To ensure secure interaction, always use environment variables for storing API tokens. This prevents the token from being exposed in version control or client-side code.

Tool-specific Customization

For advanced configurations, you can customize the server’s behavior by modifying its environment variables. For example:

• LINEAR_API_TOKEN: Your Linear API key or OAuth access token.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use both an API Key and OAuth Token simultaneously?

A1: No, choose only one method for authentication. Using both at the same time is not supported.

Q2: How do I handle environment variables in Linux/macOS/Windows?

A2: Ensure you set environment variables appropriately. On Linux and macOS, use export commands; on Windows, set them using set or through your system’s environment variable settings.

Q3: Is this server compatible with all MCP clients?

A3: While it supports full compatibility with Claude Desktop and Continue, integration with Cursor may be limited to tool-specific operations.

Q4: What happens if the Linear API changes?

A4: The server is designed to auto-update based on npm updates. However, if major API changes occur, manual adjustments might be necessary in your application configuration.

Q5: Can I contribute to this project?

A5: Yes, contributions are welcome! Explore the development and contribution guidelines for more details.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

If you’re interested in contributing to or developing this MCP server further, check out the following resources:

• Code Repository: Visit GitHub for the latest code and issues.
• Issues Tracker: Report bugs or suggest features through the repository’s issue tracker.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Recommended MCP Servers

Explore other useful MCP servers designed for different data sources and tools:

• @modelcontextprotocol/server-github
• @modelcontextprotocol/server-mail

By leveraging these resources, developers can build more robust AI applications that seamlessly integrate with various data sources and tools.