prelude — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Stores repository architecture, constraints, and import graphs inside .context/. Guides agents to matching files and test suites.
claude mcp add prelude -- npx -y prelude-contextWhat prelude does
The tool inspects a repository and writes structured JSON summaries into a local .context/ folder. It maps imports, records decisions, tracks constraints, and lists core entry points. Supported environments include TypeScript, JavaScript, Python, Go, and Rust.
Everything runs locally. It avoids vector databases, embeddings, and third-party network services, relying purely on regex heuristics. For execution, you need Node.js >= 20.19.
When agents plan an edit, the server points out dependent files, hub modules, and relevant tests to run. Teams commit the generated context to git so project memory survives across separate sessions.
What it helps with
- locate source code and matching tests for a prompt
- inspect import dependencies before modifying a file
- keep architectural rationale committed in git
- preserve project constraints across different sessions
Example prompts for the agent
- Find modules responsible for state merging during updates
- Show test coverage and dependents for
src/core/merger.ts - Record an architectural decision about parser rules
How to install prelude
Platform CLI
claude mcp add prelude -- npx -y prelude-contextPlatform CLI
codex mcp add prelude -- npx -y prelude-contextConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"prelude": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"prelude-context"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"prelude": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"prelude-context"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add prelude npx -y prelude-contextStep 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 prelude
How to install prelude in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add prelude -- npx -y prelude-context in your terminal. This configures the MCP server via npx.
What does prelude do?
It gives AI agents committed project context and an import graph from .context/. The agent discovers why code exists, what depends on it, and which tests cover it.
Does prelude send code to external services?
No, it makes zero network calls and builds no vector embeddings. All parsing runs on your local machine.
