ref-tools-mcp

ref-tools-mcp is a local MCP server: Token efficient search for coding agents over public and private documentation. Install it from npm as ref-tools-mcp.

Claude CodeCodexAntigravity

commandprompt

Terminal

claude mcp add ref-tools-mcp -e REF_API_KEY=... -- npx -y ref-tools-mcp

Run in your project folder. Add --scope user to use it everywhere.

Add to claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ref-tools-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "ref-tools-mcp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "REF_API_KEY": "..."
      }
    }
  }
}

Fill in the environment variables with your own credentials.

• Runtime: Node.js 18+ (runs with npx).
• MCP client: Claude Code, Codex, Antigravity, Claude Desktop, Cursor or any other client that speaks MCP over stdio.
• Environment variables: REF_API_KEY