WCGW MCP Server: Mac-only VS Code Extension for Sharing Code Snippets with Context to Claude

Overview: What is WCGW MCP Server?

The WCGW (Workspace Context for Great Work) MCP server is a specialized tool built primarily for macOS, designed to integrate seamlessly with the VS Code editor. It serves as an essential bridge between AI applications and specific contextual data within development environments. This MCP server enables users to share code snippets or terminal outputs from their VS Code editor to Claude, a popular AI assistant, ensuring that shared content is always accompanied by relevant context.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

The WCGW MCP server offers a robust set of features aimed at enhancing the user's ability to work with AI applications effectively. Here are some key capabilities:

1. Shared Code and Terminal Outputs: Users can easily share selected code snippets or terminal outputs along with additional context, such as file paths, repository structure, and frequently relevant files.
2. Customizable Instructions and Descriptions: Before sharing any content, users can add helpful instructions or descriptions to provide valuable context to the AI application.
3. Robust Text Entry: The WCGW extension uses keyboard simulation to ensure smooth and reliable text entry into the target application.

MCP (Model Context Protocol) ensures that all shared data is structured and formatted correctly for interoperability with various AI applications, making it easier for developers to integrate their workflows efficiently.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Server]
    B --> C[VS Code Editor or Terminal]
    C --> D[Selected Content]
    D --> E[MCP Server Context Information]
    E --> F[MCP Protocol]
    F --> G[Azure AI Model (e.g. Claude Desktop)]

MCP Client Compatibility Matrix

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

MCP Configuration Sample

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "wcgwServer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-wcgw"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

Prerequisites

1. macOS: WCGW is designed for macOS use, ensuring seamless application switching and enhanced user experience.
2. VS Code Version 1.85.0 or Higher: Ensure you have the minimum required version installed to avoid compatibility issues.

Steps to Install

1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/rusiaaman/wcgw.git

2. Run the installation command:

   npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-wcgw
   

3. Enter your API key when prompted.

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Use Case 1: Code Analysis and Debugging

Scenario:

A developer needs to share a specific code snippet for debugging purposes with Claude, ensuring that all relevant files are included in the context to facilitate a thorough analysis.

Implementation Steps:

• Select the Code Snippet: Highlight the problematic section in VS Code.
• Send Selection to Application:
  • Press Cmd+Shift+' (or run command "WCGW: Send Editor Selection to Application").
  • Add your instructions or press Escape for default settings.
• ** Claude Context Information**:
  • WCGW appends the selected code snippet with repository structure, project context files (e.g., package.json), and a summary of frequently used related files.

Use Case 2: Command Line Integration

Scenario:

A user wants to share terminal output from a command they have executed along with additional relevant context to Claude for better understanding of their workflow.

Implementation Steps:

• Select Terminal Output: Highlight the desired text in the VS Code integrated terminal.
• Send Selection to Application:
  • Press Cmd+Shift+' (or run command "WCGW: Send Terminal Selection to Application").
  • Add your instructions or press Escape for default settings.
• ** Claude Context Information**:
  • WCGW appends the selected terminal output with repository structure, project context files, and a list of frequently used related files.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

Support for MCP Clients

• Claude Desktop: WCGW MCP server is fully compatible with Claude Desktop, providing seamless integration.
• Continue: The extension also supports Continue by ensuring that relevant contexts are shared correctly during collaboration or debugging scenarios.
• Cursor: While Cursor only supports tool-related integrations due to current limitations, it still benefits from the structured context sharing provided by WCGW.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

Performance

WCGW MCP server is designed for high performance, ensuring that content sharing is swift and error-free. It optimizes data transfer to maintain system responsiveness even during complex integration tasks.

Compatibility

• MCP Compliance: Fully compliant with the Model Context Protocol (MCP) to ensure seamless communication between AI applications.
• Tool Support: Compatible with multiple VS Code extensions, making it a versatile solution for developers.

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

Secure API Key Management

• The WCGW MCP server securely manages your API key through environment variables, ensuring secure and private access to the MCPS.

Customization Options

• Server Integration: Customize the command and arguments used by WCGW using JSON-based configuration files.
• Settings Management: Adjust various settings within VS Code for optimized performance and user experience.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can I use WCGW MCP Server on Windows?

   • A: No, the current implementation is limited to macOS due to dependencies related to application switching and other system-level interactions.

2. Q: How does WCGW handle sensitive data during sharing?

   • A: Data sent via WCGW is encrypted in transit using standard security protocols, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure.

3. Q: Can I integrate WCGW MCP Server with my custom tools or models?

   • A: Yes, the server allows for customization to support various tools and models by configuring the "mcpServers" settings as per your needs.

4. Q: Is there a limit on the amount of data that can be shared?

   • A: There is no strict size limitation, but practical constraints related to performance may apply depending on the system configuration.

5. Q: How do I troubleshoot issues with WCGW MCP Server?

   • A: Check for common pitfalls such as API key errors or permission issues. Detailed error logs and support forums are also available for more complex troubleshooting.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

If you wish to contribute or develop further, please follow these guidelines:

1. Issues and Pull Requests: Submit bugs, feature requests, or pull requests on the GitHub repository.
2. Code Quality Standards: Adhere to coding standards and linter rules defined in the project.
3. Testing: Ensure comprehensive testing of any changes before submission.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Related Resources

• Claude Desktop Documentation: Link
• Continue Documentation: Link
• Cursor Documentation: Link

By integrating WCGW MCP Server into your development workflow, you can significantly enhance collaboration and productivity, ensuring that shared content is always contextually rich and actionable.