How to install Reference in VS Code
To install Reference in VS Code, click "Add to VS Code" on this page or add the "reference" block under "servers" in .vscode/mcp.json, then pick it in Copilot Chat agent mode.
Built from the published package · server updated 19 days ago
- 1
One click (fastest)
Click the button to open VS Code with this server ready to install.
Add Reference to VS Code - 2
Or add it by hand
Create .vscode/mcp.json and paste this. Note that VS Code uses "servers", not "mcpServers".
{ "servers": { "reference": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "-y", "@iwsdk/reference" ] } } } - 3
Start it in Copilot Chat
Open Copilot Chat in Agent mode and pick the server from the tools menu.
Config file: .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace
MCP servers run with your permissions. If Reference needs an API key, add it under env in the config. Check its README.
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Questions
Does Reference work in VS Code?
Yes. VS Code supports local and remote mcp servers in copilot agent mode, and Reference installs with the steps above.
Reference does not show up in VS Code. What now?
Restart VS Code fully, check the JSON is valid, and make sure Node.js (for npx) is installed. See common MCP errors and fixes.
Is Reference safe?
It scores 83 of 100. Review the code before you install it, and only give it the access it needs. Grades and details.
