YakShaver: Support Local MCP Server And Command Input

Hey YakShaver Team,

I'm writing to propose some improvements to YakShaver, focusing on how we handle local MCP servers and command inputs. I've noticed a few limitations that I believe we can address to make YakShaver even more versatile and user-friendly. Specifically, the current setup doesn't fully support running local MCP servers that rely on command-line execution, which limits our ability to integrate with certain tools and workflows. Let's dive into the details!

The Problem: Limited Support for Local MCP Servers

The primary pain point revolves around the configuration of MCP servers within YakShaver. Currently, the interface primarily caters to servers accessed via a URL. This works great for many scenarios, but it falls short when dealing with local MCP servers that don't operate through a standard URL but instead require execution via a command-line interface. For instance, consider a scenario where you want to leverage tools like Chrome DevTools for diagnostics collection. These tools often run as local servers, but they are initiated and managed using commands (e.g., npx). Because YakShaver currently lacks a straightforward way to input and execute these commands, integrating such tools becomes difficult.

The URL Limitation

The existing system's reliance on URLs presents a significant hurdle. When adding a new MCP server, the settings are geared towards specifying a URL. This is perfectly fine for many servers, but it excludes those that need a command to start. For example, if you want to run a local server using npx or any other command-line tool, there is currently no direct way to do it. The system expects a URL, which these command-line-driven servers don't always provide in the traditional sense.

Chrome DevTools and the Need for Command Input

One specific example that highlights this limitation is the potential integration with Chrome DevTools. This powerful tool can be immensely helpful in collecting and analyzing console errors from a browser, but to use it effectively, you typically run it via a command (using npx for example). Since YakShaver currently lacks the option to specify and execute a command, incorporating Chrome DevTools becomes a challenge. This limits the diagnostic capabilities within YakShaver and reduces its overall utility for debugging and monitoring browser-related issues.

Impact on Local Server Integration

The lack of command input support restricts the types of local MCP servers that can be integrated. This is not just about Chrome DevTools; it affects any local server that isn't accessible via a standard URL. Many development and testing tools operate this way, which means YakShaver's usability is limited for users who rely on these tools.

Suggested Solution: Embrace Command Input for Local MCP Servers

My proposed solution is to enhance YakShaver's capabilities by enabling the direct execution of commands for local MCP servers. This would involve adding a mechanism within the server settings that allows users to specify a command instead of, or in addition to, a URL. This simple change would unlock a world of possibilities, allowing seamless integration with command-line-driven tools and significantly expanding YakShaver's functionality.

Core Enhancement: Command Input Field

The most important change is to introduce a new field in the MCP server settings that allows users to input a command. This command would then be executed by YakShaver when the server is initiated. This would involve changes to the UI to accommodate this new field, as well as modifications to the backend to handle the command execution. The goal is to provide a smooth, intuitive experience, where users can choose between specifying a URL or entering a command, depending on the server type.

Integration with Chrome DevTools

With command input support, integrating Chrome DevTools becomes straightforward. Users could simply enter the command to start Chrome DevTools, and YakShaver would handle the rest. This will provide users with a robust method for capturing console errors, debugging websites, and making sure everything works as planned.

Improved Flexibility and Usability

Allowing command input not only benefits integration with Chrome DevTools but also significantly increases YakShaver's flexibility. Users can now incorporate a much wider range of local MCP servers, which supports various workflows. This would create a more versatile tool that can adapt to different testing and development scenarios.

UI and UX Considerations

• Clear Labeling: The command input field should be clearly labeled and placed logically within the server settings interface. Something like "Command" or "Execute Command" would do the job. Make sure the labels and instructions are helpful.
• Error Handling: Implementation of error handling and providing informative feedback to the user if the command fails to execute. Make sure the error messages are friendly and helpful. For instance, If the command failed to execute, YakShaver could show a helpful message, like the command was not correctly formatted, or the tool is not installed, etc.
• User Guides and Documentation: Add detailed documentation and user guides. This ensures that users understand how to use the command input feature.

Acceptance Criteria: What Success Looks Like

To consider this feature a success, we should focus on the following:

1. Command Input Functionality: YakShaver must support running local MCP servers through command input. This means that users must be able to specify a command that YakShaver will execute when starting the server. This core functionality is critical for the feature's usability.
2. Chrome DevTools Integration: Successful integration with Chrome DevTools. Users should be able to configure and run Chrome DevTools within YakShaver to collect diagnostics. This demonstrates a practical use of the command input feature.
3. Unified Interface: The user interface should support both URL and command-based server configurations. This provides flexibility, allowing users to choose the configuration method that best suits their needs.

Tasks for Implementation

Here's a breakdown of the tasks required to implement this feature:

• Implement Command Input: The most important step. Add functionality to allow changing from URL to command for server inputs. The core change involves adding a new field to accept commands and modifying the backend to execute these commands.
• Chrome DevTools Integration: Integrate Chrome DevTools for diagnostic purposes. This will showcase the capabilities of the new command input feature.
• Update UI: Enhance the UI to support command input as well as URL. Make sure the user interface is intuitive and easy to use. Ensure the user can easily switch between URL and command input modes.

More Information: Codebase and Specific Areas for Modification

To make this process as smooth as possible, I recommend looking at the GitHub MCP server codebase to pinpoint the exact files and code sections needing changes. Here's a suggestion:

• Server Configuration Files: Investigate files related to server configuration and settings management. These files will likely need modifications to incorporate the command input field and handle command execution.
• UI Components: Review UI components responsible for displaying server settings and input fields. Changes may be required to add the new command input field and update the UI layout.
• Backend Logic: Examine the backend logic that starts and manages servers. Modify this code to execute commands instead of, or in addition to, launching servers based on URLs.

Suggesting Specific Code Modifications

While I can't provide specific code modifications without knowing the codebase, here's a general approach:

1. Add a New Input Field: In the server settings UI, add a new input field (e.g., a text box) labeled "Command" or a similar term. This field should accept the command to execute.
2. Modify Server Startup Logic: Update the server startup logic to check if a command is provided. If a command is present, execute it using the appropriate system calls (e.g., using a library to run shell commands). This is where the core functionality of running commands will be done.
3. Implement Error Handling: Add error handling to catch and display errors from the executed command. This should include providing informative error messages to the user.
4. Update Configuration Storage: Ensure that the command is saved correctly in the server configuration and loaded when the server is launched.

Conclusion: Making YakShaver More Powerful

By implementing command input for local MCP servers, we can significantly boost YakShaver's capabilities. This enhancement not only improves integration with tools like Chrome DevTools but also increases flexibility and usability for all users. It's a key improvement that will make YakShaver even more useful and adaptable to the needs of developers and testers.

Thanks for your consideration! I'm happy to provide more details or assist in any way possible.

For more information on Chrome DevTools, you can check out the official documentation: Chrome DevTools Documentation