mcp -manager

MCP Server Manager is a VSCode extension that helps you discover, install, and manage multiple MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers across different configuration files. It provides a catalog of available MCP servers, allows you to add and monitor multiple config files (for example Claude Desktop or VSCode CLine setups), and lets you enable, configure, and remove servers from those configurations. The extension focuses on making it easier to switch between servers and keep configurations organized without editing files by hand. Once installed, you can browse the server catalog, install a server into one or more of your config files, and then enable or customize its settings through the extension UI.

You can use the extension to: browse available MCP servers, install them into selected configuration files, and manage their enabled state and settings. It supports multi-config setups so you can keep separate environments (e.g., personal vs. workspace configurations) in sync. The tools are designed to be approachable even if you’re juggling several servers or experimenting with different MCP implementations.

To get started, open the MCP Server Manager view in VSCode, add your config files, browse the catalog, and install the servers you need into the desired configurations. You can then enable or disable each server, adjust its configuration, and remove servers as your needs change.

Prerequisites:

• Visual Studio Code installed
• An Internet connection for fetching MCP servers from the catalog
• Optional: Node.js and npm if you plan to install servers that require them

1. Install the MCP Server Manager extension

• Open VSCode
• Go to Extensions (Ctrl/Cmd+Shift+X)
• Search for 'MCP Server Manager' and click Install

2. Add your MCP configuration files

• Open the MCP Server Manager view (icon in the activity bar)
• Click 'Add Config File' and select your Claude Desktop or VSCode CLine config file(s)
• The extension will monitor these files for changes and allow multi-config management

3. Browse and install MCP servers

• In the MCP Server Manager, click 'Browse Available Servers'
• Choose a category to view servers, then select a server to install
• Pick which config files to add the server to and confirm installation

4. Manage and run servers

• Use the toggle to enable/disable each server
• Edit server configurations as needed within the extension
• Remove servers when no longer needed

Tips:

• The extension supports multiple configuration files; use it to keep separate environments organized.
• If a server requires environment variables, set them in the server's configuration section within the extension UI or via the mcp_config env mapping.
• Some MCP servers may require Node.js and npm; ensure your environment matches the server requirements listed in the catalog.
• If you encounter issues, check the CHANGELOG or repository issues for compatibility notes with Claude Desktop or VSCode CLine configurations.