# MCP FAQ

Common questions about the Synapse MCP server.

## What is MCP?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard by Anthropic for LLM-tool
integration. Instead of pasting API docs into prompts, you register tools
with an MCP server, and the LLM calls them as native functions.

See [What is MCP?](/docs/mcp/what-is-mcp).

## How many tools does Synapse MCP expose?

**79 tools** across 12 categories: memory, chat, scheduler, tasks, scripts,
computers, push, user, utility, visualization, sharing, webhooks, browser.

See [What is MCP?](/docs/mcp/what-is-mcp) for the full list.

## Which MCP clients are supported?

- Claude Desktop (macOS, Windows)
- Claude Code (terminal)
- Cursor (IDE)
- Continue.dev (VS Code, JetBrains)
- Cline (VS Code)
- Any MCP-compatible client

See [Claude Desktop Setup](/docs/mcp/claude-desktop) for config examples.

## What transports are supported?

1. **stdio** (local, recommended for desktop)
2. **HTTP/SSE** (remote, multi-tenant)
3. **WebSocket** (mobile, high-volume)

## How do I configure Claude Desktop?

Edit `claude_desktop_config.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synapse": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "synapse-mcp-api@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY": "mk_YOUR_KEY",
        "SYNAPSE_URL": "https://synapse.schaefer.zone"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

See [Claude Desktop Setup](/docs/mcp/claude-desktop).

## Why don't tools appear in Claude Desktop?

1. **Restart Claude Desktop fully** (Cmd+Q on macOS)
2. **Check config file is valid JSON**
3. **Verify Node.js 18+** installed
4. **Check MCP logs**: `~/Library/Logs/Claude/mcp.log`

See [MCP Troubleshooting](/docs/mcp/troubleshooting).

## How do I use a different mind?

Change `SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY` in your MCP config and restart the client.

For multiple minds, run multiple MCP server instances with different
Mind Keys.

## Can I limit which tools are exposed?

Yes, use **Tool Profiles**:

- `minimal`: 8 composite tools (~500 tokens)
- `standard`: 25 tools (~2,500 tokens)
- `full`: 119 tools (~8,250 tokens, default)

Set via `MCP_PROFILE` env var or `Mcp-Tool-Profile` header.

## How do I debug MCP issues?

1. **Run MCP server manually**: `npx -y synapse-mcp-api@latest`
2. **Check client logs** (varies by client)
3. **Verify Mind Key works**: `curl -H "Authorization: Bearer mk_..." .../memory/recall`
4. **Check Synapse health**: `curl https://synapse.schaefer.zone/health`

See [MCP Troubleshooting](/docs/mcp/troubleshooting).

## Is the MCP server free?

Yes. The npm package `synapse-mcp-api` is open source. The hosted MCP server
at `synapse-mcp.schaefer.zone` is free for public use.

## Can I self-host the MCP server?

Yes:

```bash
npm install -g synapse-mcp-api
SYNAPSE_URL=https://your-synapse-instance.com \
SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY=mk_... \
synapse-mcp-api
```

## How does MCP differ from direct API calls?

| Aspect | Direct API | MCP |
|--------|-----------|-----|
| LLM needs to know | URLs, headers, auth | Just tool names |
| Auth handling | Manual | Automatic (env var) |
| Tool discovery | Read /endpoints | Automatic via MCP protocol |
| Error handling | Manual | Standardized |
| Best for | Custom integrations | LLM agents |

## Can I build my own MCP client?

Yes. Use the official MCP SDK:

- TypeScript: `@modelcontextprotocol/sdk`
- Python: `mcp`

See [Custom MCP Client](/docs/mcp/custom-client).

## How do I report MCP bugs?

Open an issue: <https://gitlab.com/schaefer-services/synapse-mcp/-/issues>

Include:

- MCP server version
- Client name and version
- Operating system
- Relevant logs
- Steps to reproduce

## Next Steps

- [What is MCP?](/docs/mcp/what-is-mcp)
- [Claude Desktop Setup](/docs/mcp/claude-desktop)
- [MCP Troubleshooting](/docs/mcp/troubleshooting)