dep-scope — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Inspects JavaScript and TypeScript npm imports at the symbol level, highlights native replacements, and writes LLM refactoring prompts.
claude mcp add dep-scope -- npx -y @florianbruniaux/dep-scopeWhat dep-scope does
Most package linters stop at marking a dependency active or dead. This server evaluates the specific symbols imported into TypeScript or JavaScript source trees. It matches those symbols against a registry containing 195 packages with native replacements. When an external helper can yield to standard language features, it flags the call for replacement.
Beyond static reporting, the server writes structured migration prompts tailored for coding agents. It supports monorepos, tracks duplicate packages, and surfaces transitive polyfills. Build and test configurations from tools like Vite or Vitest are checked automatically. This prevents false alarms on dependencies referenced solely within configuration objects.
Running this server requires Node.js version 18 or newer. Projects keeping source code outside typical folders like src or app risk inaccurate removal flags unless explicit paths are passed in .depscoperc.json.
What it helps with
- identify native standard replacements for utility packages
- generate refactoring prompts for automated code migrations
- inspect which symbols are imported from large dependencies
- spot duplicate packages and transitive polyfills across a monorepo
Example prompts for the agent
- Run a dep-scope audit on this project and list packages that can be replaced with native code
- Generate an LLM migration prompt to remove lodash imports
- Check dependencies for duplicates and transitive polyfills
How to install dep-scope
Platform CLI
claude mcp add dep-scope -- npx -y @florianbruniaux/dep-scopePlatform CLI
codex mcp add dep-scope -- npx -y @florianbruniaux/dep-scopeConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"dep-scope": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@florianbruniaux/dep-scope"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"dep-scope": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@florianbruniaux/dep-scope"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add dep-scope npx -y @florianbruniaux/dep-scopeStep 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 dep-scope
How do I install dep-scope in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add dep-scope -- npx -y @florianbruniaux/dep-scope in your terminal. The client starts the server on demand through npx.
What is the difference between dep-scope and Knip?
Knip excels at spotting completely abandoned libraries. In contrast, dep-scope inspects retained packages at the symbol level, discovers native language equivalents, and outputs prompt templates for code refactoring.
What prerequisites does dep-scope have?
You need Node.js 18 or above. If project files live outside common source folders, you should specify them in .depscoperc.json to prevent mistaken unused verdicts.
