MCP
Arcen can connect to Model Context Protocol servers to add external tools and resources without hardcoding every integration into core.
When to use MCP
Use MCP when a capability already exists as a server or when a team wants to expose tools independently from Arcen releases.
Common examples include:
- Browser or desktop control servers.
- Internal knowledge bases.
- SaaS APIs exposed through a typed tool surface.
- Repository, issue, or design-system integrations.
Configuration flow
Use the Arcen MCP setup commands to discover, configure, and start servers. MCP config is managed through arcen_cli/mcp_config.py and startup behavior is handled by arcen_cli/mcp_startup.py.
Development notes
MCP belongs beside the tool system, not inside unrelated feature code. Prefer MCP for external tools and plugins for Arcen-native lifecycle hooks or local tool registration.