# MCP in Continue.dev

Continue.dev is an open-source AI coding assistant for VS Code and JetBrains
IDEs. With Synapse MCP, Continue gains persistent memory across sessions.

## Prerequisites

- VS Code or JetBrains IDE
- Continue.dev extension installed
- Node.js 18+
- Your Synapse Mind Key

## Setup

### Step 1: Open Continue Config

In VS Code or JetBrains:

1. Open the Continue extension sidebar
2. Click the gear icon → "Open config.json"

Or edit `~/.continue/config.json` directly.

### Step 2: Add Synapse MCP Server

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

### Step 3: Reload Continue

Reload the VS Code window (Cmd+Shift+P → "Reload Window") or restart your IDE.

## Verify It Works

In the Continue chat:

```
recall all my memories
```

Continue should call `memory_recall` and respond with your stored memories.

## Common Patterns

### Project context

```
recalling project context for this codebase
```

Continue calls `memory_recall`, sees your project memories, and continues
work where you left off.

### Code review patterns

```
search memories: "code review checklist"
```

Continue finds your stored code review patterns and applies them.

### Pair programming memory

```
store this: "User prefers functional style over OOP for this project.
Decided 2026-06-27."
```

Continue stores it as a `preference` memory.

## Troubleshooting

### MCP server not connecting

1. Check `~/.continue/config.json` is valid JSON
2. Verify Node.js: `node --version`
3. Check Continue's output panel (View → Output → Continue)
4. Restart IDE

### Tools not appearing

- Verify Continue version supports MCP (≥ 0.9.x)
- Check `SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY` env var is set in the config
- Look for MCP errors in Continue's logs

## Next Steps

- [Claude Desktop Setup](/docs/mcp/claude-desktop)
- [Custom MCP Client](/docs/mcp/custom-client)