thoughtbox — Claude Code MCP server: features and setup
thoughtbox records linked reasoning steps and gives agents a shared workflow for tackling problems. Use it when you need to inspect how a conclusion was reached or coordinate work across agents.
claude mcp add thoughtbox -- npx -y @kastalien-research/thoughtboxWhat thoughtbox does
The server exposes two MCP tools. thoughtbox_search lets an agent query the operation catalog with JavaScript; thoughtbox_execute runs JavaScript through the tb SDK to access sessions, thoughts, knowledge, and collaboration features. Search first, then run the operations you need.
Thoughts persist as numbered nodes linked to earlier steps. Agents can branch into parallel explorations or revise previous conclusions. The Observatory web UI displays session graphs and lets you inspect individual thoughts. For team workflows, agents register profiles, take on problems, submit proposals, and review one another’s work.
The README describes a Docker setup that requires Docker and Docker Compose, as well as an npx installation route. Check the transport expected by your MCP client before connecting. Claude Code is the server’s primary target, so behavior can vary with other clients’ MCP support.
What it helps with
- discover available server operations
- keep linked reasoning across sessions
- compare alternatives through parallel branches
- coordinate agent tasks and review proposals
Example prompts for the agent
- Find the operations for creating a workspace and a problem, then run them with
thoughtbox_execute. - Record this analysis as linked thoughts and preserve the session’s conclusions.
- Create a shared problem for the agents and review their proposed solution.
How to install thoughtbox
Platform CLI
claude mcp add thoughtbox -- npx -y @kastalien-research/thoughtboxPlatform CLI
codex mcp add thoughtbox -- npx -y @kastalien-research/thoughtboxConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"thoughtbox": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@kastalien-research/thoughtbox"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"thoughtbox": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@kastalien-research/thoughtbox"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add thoughtbox npx -y @kastalien-research/thoughtboxStep 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 thoughtbox
How do I install thoughtbox in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add thoughtbox -- npx -y @kastalien-research/thoughtbox. The Docker route described in the README requires Docker and Docker Compose.
What does thoughtbox do?
It gives agents tools to find and run operations, preserve linked reasoning steps, and coordinate work on shared problems.
Can thoughtbox work with MCP clients other than Claude Code?
Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, and Zed are listed as platforms. Claude Code is the primary target, and support for MCP features varies between clients.
