RepoRelay — Claude Code MCP server: what it does, how to install
Restricts AI models to reading and searching code inside a single local repository. Helpful when reviewing code without granting terminal or whole-disk permissions.
claude mcp add reporelay -- npx -y reporelay-mcpWhat RepoRelay does
RepoRelay establishes a guardrail around one designated folder on your machine. The connecting client gets access to four inspection utilities: open_workspace, list_files, read_file, and search_files. The model scans repository contents or filters for project instructions, yet it lacks process execution tools. Terminal access and Git execution are blocked.
Beyond search, standard operation unlocks three handoff writers: write_next_task, write_review, and update_handoff_state. These tools place reviewer notes into the .ai-handoff directory so an implementation agent can pick them up later. Direct file modifications remain blocked. Starting the process with --no-handoff-writes drops these extra writers entirely.
The runtime requires Node.js between 22.19 and 27. Passing a disk root or an entire home folder will fail the boundary check.
What it helps with
- restrict AI exploration to a single local codebase
- prevent models from running terminal and Git commands
- locate setup guides using the
instructionsOnlyfilter - record implementation plans into structured
.ai-handofffiles
Example prompts for the agent
- Inspect the repository structure with
list_files - Find database models using
search_files - Prepare the next development milestone with
write_next_task
How to install RepoRelay
Platform CLI
claude mcp add reporelay -- npx -y reporelay-mcpPlatform CLI
codex mcp add reporelay -- npx -y reporelay-mcpConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"reporelay": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"reporelay-mcp"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"reporelay": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"reporelay-mcp"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add reporelay npx -y reporelay-mcpStep 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 RepoRelay
How to install RepoRelay in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add reporelay -- npx -y reporelay-mcp in your terminal. This registers the server package directly with Claude Code.
What does RepoRelay do?
It exposes read and search tools for one approved folder while blocking shell execution and arbitrary writes. Reviewing models inspect code and leave structured notes without endangering the host system.
What are the differences between read-only and handoff modes?
Read-only mode limits the agent to four reading and searching tools. The default handoff setup adds three writers targeted strictly at .ai-handoff task files.
