vibe-check-mcp-server — Claude Code MCP server: install
This MCP server prompts an agent to reconsider its reasoning before it overcomplicates a solution. Use it to add a check during an agent’s work.
claude mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcpWhat vibe-check-mcp-server does
vibe-check-mcp-server adds a metacognitive oversight layer for agents. It uses Chain-Pattern Interrupts (CPI) to interrupt reasoning inertia, giving an agent a chance to review its approach and stay on a minimal path. Complexity should grow when evidence supports it.
Run it with npx; Node.js 20 or later is required, and the setup uses the YOUR_API_KEY environment variable. MCP clients can launch the server over STDIO, and an HTTP transport is also available. For Claude Code, use the command in the FAQ. Active feature development has ended, so the project is limited to security and bug-fix maintenance.
What it helps with
- interrupt an agent before it overcomplicates a solution
- review an agent’s reasoning before it continues
- keep a plan on the minimal viable path
Example prompts for the agent
- Use vibe-check-mcp-server to review this plan before changing the architecture.
- Check whether this solution is more complex than the evidence justifies with vibe-check-mcp-server.
- Pause and reassess the current approach through vibe-check-mcp-server before making more changes.
How to install vibe-check-mcp-server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
codex mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server --env YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"vibe-check-mcp-server": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp"
],
"env": {
"YOUR_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Config file
{
"servers": {
"vibe-check-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp"
],
"env": {
"YOUR_API_KEY": "<YOUR_API_KEY>"
}
}
}
}Replace <…> with your own values
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> vibe-check-mcp-server npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcpReplace <…> with your own values
Step 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 vibe-check-mcp-server
How do I install vibe-check-mcp-server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp. Node.js 20 or later is required.
What does vibe-check-mcp-server do?
It interrupts an agent’s reasoning inertia so the agent can review its approach and avoid adding complexity without evidence. It uses Chain-Pattern Interrupts (CPI).
What Node.js version does vibe-check-mcp-server require?
Running the server with npx requires Node.js 20 or later. The Claude Code setup command also sets the YOUR_API_KEY environment variable.
