MCP
TARX uses MCP to expose approved tools and context while preserving local-private boundaries.
Current MCP landscape
MCP has moved from a local-desktop experiment into a multi-client integration surface. Current platform docs now commonly distinguish:
- local stdio servers for same-machine private tools
- Streamable HTTP servers for local or remote MCP
- hosted remote MCP servers with OAuth/account scope
- desktop extension packages for one-click local install
- client-specific tool visibility, approval, and admin controls
TARX docs should follow that shape without implying every client, tool, or transport is fully production-ready.
What MCP connects
MCP lets compatible clients discover TARX tools and call them through a clear boundary. In TARX, MCP is for context, files, memory, tool access, and evidence-aware workflows.
Client paths
| Path | Best for | Status | TARX rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local stdio MCP | Private memory, files, Vault, and device context on the user’s Computer. | Pilot-ready | Default for local-private work. |
| Local Streamable HTTP MCP | Local clients that support HTTP transport and need explicit local endpoint routing. | Pilot-ready / route-specific | Verify local runtime and Bridge state first. |
| Remote Streamable HTTP MCP | Public-safe tools, discovery, and approved relay flows. | Pilot-ready | No private localhost context by default. |
| Hosted/OAuth MCP | Account-scoped hosted clients and enterprise agents. | Evaluation lane | Requires auth, scopes, audit, and route policy. |
| Desktop extension package | One-click local install in clients that support extension bundles. | Future packaging lane | Do not claim until packaged and tested. |
Local MCP
Use local MCP when the client runs on the same Computer as TARX and needs private context.
{
"mcpServers": {
"tarx": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@tarx/mcp"]
}
}
}Local MCP is the right default for:
- Space context on the user’s Computer.
- Local files and private project material.
- Memory operations that should not leave the device by default.
- Tool calls that require local approval.
Remote MCP
Use remote MCP only for public-safe tools, approved relay flows, or account-scoped workflows where the route is explicit.
{
"mcpServers": {
"tarx": {
"url": "https://mcp.tarx.com/mcp"
}
}
}Remote MCP should not imply private localhost access. If a hosted client needs private context, use a user-approved relay, an export bundle, or another policy-approved route.
Remote MCP uses a streaming MCP transport. A plain browser or generic GET may not return a useful response; use an MCP-compatible client or headers.
Latest verified remote MCP signal from the legacy-docs salvage audit: initialize succeeded against https://mcp.tarx.com/mcp and reported TARX server version 3.16.0.
Compatibility checklist
| Question | Required answer |
|---|---|
| Which transport is used? | stdio, local Streamable HTTP, remote Streamable HTTP, or hosted/OAuth MCP. |
| Which client is connecting? | Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code, OpenAI Agents, enterprise agent, or other compatible host. |
| Which tools are exposed? | Live tools/list or registry proof, not stale marketing counts. |
| Are resources/prompts exposed? | State explicitly. Do not imply resources or prompts from tools alone. |
| What auth applies? | Local user context, account auth, OAuth, API key, or no auth for public-safe read-only tools. |
| What needs approval? | Sensitive actions, external sends, file mutations, credential use, deploys, purchases, and privileged tools. |
| What evidence is recorded? | Route, tool, context, approval, result, blocker, and timestamp. |
Tool contract
| Tool area | Purpose | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Check runtime availability and route health. | Runtime status. |
| Spaces | List Spaces and load approved Space context. | Space and context record. |
| Memory | Store and search approved work memory. | Memory event. |
| Files | List or search files available to the Space. | File/source record. |
| Actions | Propose work that may require review. | Tool and approval record. |
Exact hosted or local tool counts must come from live MCP registry proof. Do not publish stale numeric claims from legacy docs.
Platform notes
| Platform | What to know |
|---|---|
| MCP specification | Tools are model-invoked and should keep humans able to see, approve, or deny risky calls. |
| OpenAI Agents / API | Current docs distinguish hosted MCP tools, Streamable HTTP MCP, and stdio MCP. Use the route that matches privacy and execution policy. |
| Claude Desktop | Local MCP can be distributed as desktop extensions; enterprise admins can control extension availability. |
| Cursor / VS Code | Treat them as MCP-compatible clients whose exact setup and auth UX can change by version. |
| Enterprise agent platforms | Remote MCP requires connector/admin governance; do not route private local context there by default. |
| Vercel MCP pattern | Remote OAuth MCP is a useful model for account-scoped operational tools and docs search. |
Quick client examples
Use the remote endpoint for public-safe tools:
{
"mcpServers": {
"tarx": {
"url": "https://mcp.tarx.com/mcp"
}
}
}Use local MCP when private files, local memory, device context, or Computer-only tools are required.
Troubleshooting
| Symptom | Check |
|---|---|
| Client cannot see TARX tools | Confirm the MCP server process starts and the client config points to the right command or URL. |
| Tool call cannot reach local runtime | Confirm TARX Desktop or local runtime is running on the Computer. |
| Private context missing | Confirm the request is scoped to a Space and the client is using local MCP or an approved relay. |
| Hosted route appears unexpectedly | Check route policy, account settings, and Evidence before continuing. |
Next steps
- Review Connections.
- Connect Claude Desktop.
- Connect OpenAI Agents.
- Review Skills.
Ready to test MCP with TARX?
Request Mac access.
Use local MCP for private files, device context, Memory, and Vault-bound workflows. Use remote MCP only for public-safe or approved relay paths.