AI Plugin Index
ref-tools-mcp
CommunityMCP server by ref-tools · updated · ★ 1.2k
Token efficient search for coding agents over public and private documentation. ref-tools-mcp is a community project by ref-tools, not verified by a company domain.
Last commit 19 days ago
MIT: permissive, fine for commercial use
Clear description, published package or server URL, 1,183 stars, original repository
Not checked yet. What we check
Install ref-tools-mcp
Built from the published package, never by AIclaude mcp add ref-tools-mcp -- npx -y ref-tools-mcpRun in your terminal. Add --scope user to use it in every project.
{
"mcpServers": {
"ref-tools-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ref-tools-mcp"
]
}
}
}Settings, Developer, Edit config. Paste into claude_desktop_config.json and restart.
{
"mcpServers": {
"ref-tools-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ref-tools-mcp"
]
}
}
}Add to ~/.cursor/mcp.json (all projects) or .cursor/mcp.json (this project).
{
"servers": {
"ref-tools-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ref-tools-mcp"
]
}
}
}Add to .vscode/mcp.json. VS Code uses "servers", not "mcpServers".
codex mcp add ref-tools-mcp -- npx -y ref-tools-mcp{
"mcpServers": {
"ref-tools-mcp": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"ref-tools-mcp"
]
}
}
}Add to ~/.gemini/config/mcp_config.json (all projects) or .agents/mcp_config.json (this project).
gemini mcp add ref-tools-mcp npx -y ref-tools-mcpGemini CLI was replaced by Antigravity CLI in June 2026 and remains only for enterprise licences and paid API keys.
MCP servers run with your permissions and can read what you give them access to. Some need an API key: check the README and add it under env in the ref-tools-mcp block.
Alternatives to ref-tools-mcp
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ref-tools-mcp: common questions
How do I install ref-tools-mcp?
In Claude Code run claude mcp add ref-tools-mcp -- npx -y ref-tools-mcp. For Claude Desktop, Cursor and VS Code, paste the config shown above and restart. See the install guides.
Is ref-tools-mcp the official server?
ref-tools-mcp is a community project by ref-tools, not verified by a company domain.
Is ref-tools-mcp free?
The code is published under the MIT licence. The service it connects to may have its own pricing.
Is ref-tools-mcp safe to use?
It scores 88 of 100. Grades: maintenance A, licence A, quality A. The security check has not run for it yet. Review the code before you install. How grades work.
What are alternatives to ref-tools-mcp?
Similar MCP servers: exa, brave, Agent Skills Search Server, JobSpy.
Does ref-tools-mcp work with ChatGPT?
Not directly. It runs locally, and ChatGPT only connects to remote servers with a URL. Use it in Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code or Codex.