interactive-mcp
A local MCP server that lets the agent ask you questions in the console and notify you when a task is done
- 351 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Extended access
Why this level
- The server shows system notifications and opens console windows on your machine
- Answers you type go to the agent and the model, so do not enter passwords or secrets in them
Install
- Works in
In your terminal, with SkillFoxx CLI
npx skillfoxx add mcp/interactive-mcpDetects the agents on your machine, shows the access level and pins the version.
Other ways to install
Access and checks
How we reviewExtended accessThe tool runs code or makes network calls and only reads external data.
- The server shows system notifications and opens console windows on your machine
- Answers you type go to the agent and the model, so do not enter passwords or secrets in them
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
interactive-mcp lets an agent ask you questions while it works. Instead of guessing, the agent asks, gets the answer and carries on with the task. The server needs direct access to your system to show notifications and command-line prompts. There are five tools. `request_user_input` asks a question and returns the answer, optionally with predefined options. `message_complete_notification` sends an OS notification. `start_intensive_chat`, `ask_intensive_chat` and `stop_intensive_chat` open, run and close a persistent command-line chat.
Who it is for. For developers who hand an agent long tasks and want to answer its clarifying questions without going back to the chat.
Good fit when
- The agent configures a project and needs a confirmation or a choice among options at each step
- You want to collect feedback while code is generated or edited without interrupting the task
- Before a big action such as editing files or an architectural decision, the agent must agree the plan
- A task runs long and you want a system notification when it finishes
- You need a persistent command-line conversation for several questions in a row
Not a fit when
- The client runs on a remote server or in the cloud: the server must run locally next to the client to show notifications and prompts
- The agent runs unattended overnight: an unanswered question times out
- You need a web feedback interface with images and attachments: this server offers console questions and notifications
- You do not want questions from the agent: the client's ordinary chat will do
Example request
Before changing the project structure, ask me through interactive-mcp which of three options to pick, and send a notification when you finishMCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
The server is built for local use: it needs direct access to the operating system to show notifications and console prompts. The author calls the project early-stage, so behavior and the tool set may change.
By default a question waits 30 seconds for an answer and then times out. On macOS with the default Terminal.app, the author advises setting the profile to close the window after a clean shell exit, or question windows pile up on screen.
How to disable. Remove the interactive block from `mcpServers` in your client settings and restart the client. Individual tools can be turned off with the `--disable-tools` flag, for example `--disable-tools message_complete_notification,intensive_chat`.
FAQ
How do I connect interactive-mcp to Cursor?
Add an interactive block to mcp.json with the npx command and the arguments -y and interactive-mcp. Cursor also has a one-click install button. For Claude Desktop the same block goes into claude_desktop_config.json.
How do I change the answer timeout?
The default is 30 seconds. Add the `-t` flag and a number of seconds to args, for example `-t 60`. The time applies to all prompts to the person until you change the arguments.
How do I turn off notifications or the long chat?
The `--disable-tools` flag takes a comma-separated list: `request_user_input`, `message_complete_notification` or the `intensive_chat` group. The server does not advertise disabled tools to the client.
Does the server work in VS Code?
Yes. Add an interactive-mcp server with the same command and arguments to user settings or to .vscode/mcp.json. The top-level keys in the VS Code config differ from the Claude Desktop and Cursor ones.
How is the intensive chat different from a single question?
A `request_user_input` question is one-off: the agent asks and gets an answer. `start_intensive_chat` opens a persistent command-line session where the agent asks questions through `ask_intensive_chat` until it closes the session with `stop_intensive_chat`.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The description lists the tools, shows animated demos of the scenarios and gives configs for Claude Desktop, Cursor and VS Code. Separate sections cover command-line options and principles for the agent: ask often, clarify what is unclear and confirm significant actions.