AXF — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
AXF exposes repository capabilities through MCP so agents can discover, inspect, and run the same project-specific routes. It fits repeated build, test, and validation work.
claude mcp add --env AXF_PROJECT_ROOT=<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT> --env AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT=<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT> --env AXF_WORKSPACE=<AXF_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE=<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE=<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE> --transport stdio axf -- npx -y @smartergpt/axfWhat AXF does
AXF acts as a control layer between an agent and repository operations. A capability can declare its inputs, output mode, side effects, policies, lifecycle, and execution target. The agent can inspect that contract before running it instead of reconstructing the procedure from scattered scripts and instructions.
The npm package includes the axf CLI and the axf-mcp stdio server. You can use axf doctor, axf list --compact, axf inspect, and axf run from the command line; MCP clients can start the server through npx. AXF also separates project-root discovery from the execution directory.
AXF is currently alpha. An empty directory without an axf.workspace.json marker has no capabilities, so the workspace and root settings matter when you connect it to a project.
What it helps with
- discover repository-specific capabilities
- inspect an operation before execution
- run project checks through one contract
- preserve local build and validation routes
Example prompts for the agent
- List the capabilities for this repository and recommend the route for validation.
- Inspect the
checkcapability, then run it with the required arguments. - Run
axf doctorand show the compact registry withaxf list --compact.
How to install AXF
Platform CLI
claude mcp add --env AXF_PROJECT_ROOT=<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT> --env AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT=<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT> --env AXF_WORKSPACE=<AXF_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE=<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE=<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE> --transport stdio axf -- npx -y @smartergpt/axfReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add axf --env AXF_PROJECT_ROOT=<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT> --env AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT=<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT> --env AXF_WORKSPACE=<AXF_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE=<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE> --env AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE=<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE> -- npx -y @smartergpt/axfReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"axf": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@smartergpt/axf"
],
"env": {
"AXF_PROJECT_ROOT": "<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT>",
"AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT": "<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT>",
"AXF_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_WORKSPACE>",
"AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE>",
"AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"axf": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@smartergpt/axf"
],
"env": {
"AXF_PROJECT_ROOT": "<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT>",
"AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT": "<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT>",
"AXF_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_WORKSPACE>",
"AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE>",
"AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE": "<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e AXF_PROJECT_ROOT=<AXF_PROJECT_ROOT> -e AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT=<AXF_EXECUTION_ROOT> -e AXF_WORKSPACE=<AXF_WORKSPACE> -e AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE=<AXF_REGISTRY_WORKSPACE> -e AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE=<AXF_EXECUTION_WORKSPACE> axf npx -y @smartergpt/axfReplace <…> with your own values
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about AXF
How do I install AXF in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add axf -- npx -y @smartergpt/axf. Claude Code can then connect to the AXF MCP server.
What does AXF do?
AXF gives agents a shared path to discover, inspect, and execute repository capabilities. Each capability can describe its inputs, effects, policies, and execution target.
Which platforms support AXF?
AXF can be connected to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed, and Gemini CLI.
