mcp-debugger — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Headless step-through debugger over the Debug Adapter Protocol for coding agents. Sets breakpoints, steps through execution, and inspects variables without an IDE.
claude mcp add mcp-debugger -- npx -y @debugmcp/mcp-debuggerWhat mcp-debugger does
The server exposes Debug Adapter Protocol capabilities to AI agents through structured tools. It runs as a standalone Node.js process. That makes it suitable for Docker containers, CI pipelines, and cloud sandboxes without a desktop UI.
Under the hood, it drives native engines like Delve for Go, debugpy for Python, and CodeLLDB for compiled binaries. Agents can inspect memory or pause execution. Running Java debug targets requires an installed JDK.
What it helps with
- step through failing application code line by line
- inspect variable values at breakpoints during execution
- attach to a running backend process inside a container
- evaluate expressions while a program is paused
Example prompts for the agent
- Set a breakpoint at the start of handle_request in app.py and start debugging
- Attach to the running Go process using Delve and show the stack trace
- Step into the next function and print the local variables
How to install mcp-debugger
Platform CLI
claude mcp add mcp-debugger -- npx -y @debugmcp/mcp-debuggerPlatform CLI
codex mcp add mcp-debugger -- npx -y @debugmcp/mcp-debuggerConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"mcp-debugger": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@debugmcp/mcp-debugger"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"mcp-debugger": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@debugmcp/mcp-debugger"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add mcp-debugger npx -y @debugmcp/mcp-debuggerStep 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 mcp-debugger
How to install mcp-debugger in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add mcp-debugger -- npx -y @debugmcp/mcp-debugger. You only need a working Node.js runtime.
What does mcp-debugger do?
It provides step-through debugging tools for AI agents via DAP. The agent can set breakpoints, step through code, and read runtime variables.
Does mcp-debugger require VS Code?
No, it runs headless as an independent process. You can use it in CI jobs, Docker containers, and virtual machines without an editor.
