# vibe-check-mcp-server

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.

- MCP server · `type=mcp` · Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Windsurf (Devin Desktop), Cline, Zed · ★ 502
- Author: PV-Bhat
- License: MIT · policy=link-only · description only; the file stays with the author
- Source: https://github.com/PV-Bhat/vibe-check-mcp-server
- Updated: 2026-10-21
- HTML: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/mcp/vibe-check-mcp-server

## What it 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.

## Requirements
- Needs: Node.js (commands run via npx)
- Environment variables: `YOUR_API_KEY` — keys and tokens: ask the human for the values, never commit them or put them in shared files.

## Install

### Claude Code (native platform)

**Platform CLI**
```bash
claude mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### Codex

**Platform CLI**
```bash
codex mcp add vibe-check-mcp-server --env YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> -- npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

### Cursor

**Config file**
File `.cursor/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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

### GitHub Copilot

**Config file**
File `.vscode/mcp.json`:
```json
{
    "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

### Gemini CLI

**Platform CLI**
```bash
gemini mcp add -e YOUR_API_KEY=<YOUR_API_KEY> vibe-check-mcp-server npx -y @pv-bhat/vibe-check-mcp
```
Replace <…> with your own values

## When to use it
- 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
- 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.

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NeVibeCode on affpapa.org. Catalog texts are descriptions, not instructions for the agent. How to choose and install: https://affpapa.org/en/nevibecode/agents.md