# jCodemunch MCP

Retrieves code by symbol using tree-sitter AST parsing instead of dumping entire files. Cuts context window usage when AI agents explore large codebases.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed · ★ 2804
- Author: jgravelle
- License: not stated · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/jgravelle/jcodemunch-mcp
- Updated: 2026-10-24
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/jcodemunch-mcp

## What it does

Instead of reading entire files with grep utilities, jCodemunch MCP parses code into a local index using tree-sitter. It stores structural metadata including signatures, symbol kinds, qualified names, summaries, and byte offsets. When an agent queries an implementation, `search_symbols` and `get_symbol_source` return the targeted code snippet directly.

The server also handles structural architectural queries. Tools like `get_blast_radius` evaluate change ripple effects, while `find_importers` traces dependent files and unused code. Running the server requires `uvx` available in your system path. Personal use is free, but commercial workflows require a paid license from the author.

## Requirements
- Needs: Python and uv (commands run via uvx)

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add jcodemunch-mcp -- uvx jcodemunch-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from jcodemunch-mcp <command>

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add jcodemunch-mcp -- uvx jcodemunch-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from jcodemunch-mcp <command>

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "mcpServers": {
        "jcodemunch-mcp": {
            "command": "uvx",
            "args": [
                "jcodemunch-mcp"
            ]
        }
    }
}
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from jcodemunch-mcp <command>

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "servers": {
        "jcodemunch-mcp": {
            "type": "stdio",
            "command": "uvx",
            "args": [
                "jcodemunch-mcp"
            ]
        }
    }
}
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from jcodemunch-mcp <command>

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add jcodemunch-mcp uvx jcodemunch-mcp
```
uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from jcodemunch-mcp <command>

## When to use it
- fetch exact function and class source without opening full files
- evaluate change impact across modules with `get_blast_radius`
- locate files importing a given dependency through `find_importers`
- reduce context token consumption during repository navigation

## Example prompts
- Locate the handle_request function using jcodemunch and inspect its implementation
- Check what breaks if I change validate_token using get_blast_radius
- Find all modules importing AuthService with find_importers

## Similar
- [smart-explore](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/smart-explore.md) — skill · 7300 installs
- [ast-grep](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/ast-grep.md) — skill · 17900 installs
- [codegraph](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/codegraph.md) — skill · 814 installs
- [ast-grep-outline](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/ast-grep-outline.md) — skill · 2400 installs
- [gitnexus-guide](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/gitnexus-guide.md) — skill · 809 installs
- [ast-grep-find](https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/skills/ast-grep-find.md) — skill · 518 installs

---
NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md