Client Connection
Commands for managing MCP client connections using the gateway pattern.
Supported Clients
| Client | ID | Platform | Real-time Loading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Claude Desktop | claude | macOS, Windows | No |
| Cursor | cursor | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes |
| Windsurf | windsurf | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes |
| Kiro | kiro | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes |
| VS Code | vscode | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes |
| Zed | zed | macOS, Windows, Linux | Yes |
| Claude Code | claude-code | CLI | No |
| Codex | codex | macOS, Windows, Linux | No |
| Gemini | gemini | macOS, Windows, Linux | No |
| Google Antigravity | antigravity | macOS, Windows, Linux | No |
Gateway Pattern
MCP Server Manager uses a gateway pattern for client connections:
- A single
mcpsmserver is added to each connected client's configuration - This server points to
localhost:{port}/mcp(viasupergatewayor direct URL, depending on the client) - All your configured servers are accessible through this single gateway
- When the port is changed, all connected clients are automatically updated
clients
List detected MCP clients and their connection status.
bash
mcpsm clientsOutput
Detected MCP Clients:
1. Claude Desktop ✔ Installed Connected
2. Cursor ✔ Installed Disconnected
3. Windsurf ✘ Not installed
4. VS Code ✔ Installed Connected
5. Zed ✔ Installed Disconnected
6. Claude Code ✘ Not installedStatus Legend:
✔ Connected- Client has mcpsm gateway server configuredDisconnected- Client is installed but not connected✘ Not installed- Client application not found
clients connect
Connect a client by adding the mcpsm gateway server to its configuration.
bash
mcpsm clients connect <client>Examples
bash
# Connect Claude Desktop
mcpsm clients connect claude
# Connect Cursor
mcpsm clients connect cursor
# Connect multiple clients
mcpsm clients connect cursor
mcpsm clients connect windsurfWhat Happens
- The
mcpsmgateway server is added to the client's config - The server proxies requests to the daemon at
localhost:{port}/mcp - All your configured servers become accessible in that client
- For real-time loading clients, changes appear without restart
clients disconnect
Disconnect a client by removing the mcpsm gateway server from its configuration.
bash
mcpsm clients disconnect <client>Example
bash
# Disconnect Cursor
mcpsm clients disconnect cursorWhat Happens
- The
mcpsmgateway server is removed from the client's config - The client will no longer have access to your MCP servers
- Other servers in the client's config are preserved
clients open
Open a client's config file in your default editor.
bash
mcpsm clients open <client>Examples
bash
# Open Claude Desktop config
mcpsm clients open claude
# Open Cursor config
mcpsm clients open cursorWorkflow Example
1. Add your MCP servers
bash
mcpsm add myserver
mcpsm add anotherserver2. Connect your clients
bash
mcpsm clients connect claude
mcpsm clients connect cursor
mcpsm clients connect windsurf3. Use servers in clients
All your servers are now available in Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and Zed through the mcpsm gateway.
4. Change port if needed
bash
mcpsm port 9000All connected clients are automatically updated with the new port!
5. Disconnect when done
bash
mcpsm clients disconnect cursorPort Changes
When you change the gateway port:
bash
# In Settings
mcpsm settings set port 9000
# Or directly
mcpsm port 9000Automatic Updates:
- All connected clients are automatically reconnected
- The new port is written to each client's configuration
- No manual editing required
- Real-time loading clients (Cursor, Windsurf, VS Code, Zed) see changes without restart