PIO Agent (PlatformIO MCP)
PIO Agent builds, flashes and checks PlatformIO boards from an agent through the pio-agent CLI or an MCP server
- 54 ★ on the repository
- Last commit
- MIT
Broad access
Why this level
- The agent flashes real hardware and opens the computer's serial ports
- A bad flash can brick a board
Install
- Works in
Manual install
npm install -g platformio-mcpThen `pio-agent devices` and `pio-agent build --project-dir . --json`.
Access and checks
How we reviewBroad accessThe tool can change data, run commands or handle secrets.
- The agent flashes real hardware and opens the computer's serial ports
- A bad flash can brick a board
This is third-party code. Review the repository files before installing.
What it does
PIO Agent is an execution layer for embedded development built on PlatformIO. The project ships an MCP runtime, the `pio-agent` CLI and an optional local dashboard. Commands cover board and device discovery, project setup, build, flash, serial monitoring, diagnostics and task orchestration. For agents there are project readiness checks, build error diagnostics by type, a safe GPIO pin audit, a flash and monitor loop with runtime assertions, board reports and exact project, environment and device bindings. The CLI is the primary path: after `pio-agent build --json` nothing stays running, and MCP remains an option. A Codex plugin and skills such as `pio-manager` exist.
Who it is for. Embedded developers on PlatformIO who want an agent to build and flash boards and analyze failures.
Good fit when
- The agent builds the project and diagnoses a compile error by type with a fix hint
- GPIO pins are checked for conflicts and unsafe modes before flashing
- The board is flashed and the serial monitor checks assertions
- The right board, environment and device are resolved with no manual pick
Not a fit when
- No board is connected to the computer and PlatformIO is not installed
- Flashing cannot be entrusted to an agent without supervision
- The project is not on PlatformIO
Example request
Build the project for ESP32, audit the GPIO pins for safety and flash the board with a serial monitor checkMCP
- Transport
- stdio
- Authentication
- not required
Limitations
Node.js and PlatformIO are required. The main path is `npm install -g platformio-mcp`, then the commands `pio-agent devices` and `pio-agent build --project-dir . --json`. For MCP add an entry with `claude mcp add platformio -- node /path/to/platformio-mcp/build/index.js`, and each session starts its own server process. The agent flashes real hardware and opens serial ports, so confirm flashing by hand. Some packages of version 3.2.0 are described as release candidates and the documentation lists the status of each package name.
How to disable. Remove the package with `npm uninstall -g platformio-mcp` and delete the `platformio` entry from the client configuration.
FAQ
How do I install PIO Agent?
Run `npm install -g platformio-mcp`, then check `pio-agent devices` and build the project with `pio-agent build --project-dir . --json`.
Which is better, CLI or MCP?
The CLI is the primary path: nothing stays running between commands and the client only needs the `pio-agent` binary. MCP remains for clients that prefer it.
How do I connect the MCP server?
Run `claude mcp add platformio -- node /path/to/platformio-mcp/build/index.js`. For Codex there is `npx platformio-mcp install --codex` and a full plugin.
What does the GPIO audit check?
The `agent_safe_pin_audit` tool checks pins with the specific board in mind for unsafe assignments before flashing.
Why is it called PlatformIO MCP when the product is PIO Agent?
PIO Agent is the product and Codex plugin name, while PlatformIO MCP remains the runtime identity for existing installs, configuration keys and compatibility.
Discussion
No questions or reviews yet.
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README in short
The README presents PIO Agent as an execution layer for embedded development, explains the dual name and the release status. A quick start through the CLI, MCP setup, agent capabilities and package documentation follow.