interactive-mcp

A MCP Server implemented in Node.js/TypeScript, facilitating interactive communication between LLMs and users. Note: This server is designed to run locally alongside the MCP client (e.g., Claude Desktop, VS Code), as it needs direct access to the user's operating system to display notifications and command-line prompts.

(Note: This project is in its early stages.)

Want a quick overview? Check out the introductory blog post: Stop Your AI Assistant From Guessing — Introducing interactive-mcp

Demo Video

Tools

This server exposes the following tools via the Model Context Protocol (MCP):

• request_user_input: Asks the user a question and returns their answer. Can display predefined options.
• message_complete_notification: Sends a simple OS notification.
• start_intensive_chat: Initiates a persistent command-line chat session.
• ask_intensive_chat: Asks a question within an active intensive chat session.
• stop_intensive_chat: Closes an active intensive chat session.

Demo

Here are demonstrations of the interactive features:

Normal Question	Completion Notification

Intensive Chat Start	Intensive Chat End

Usage Scenarios

This server is ideal for scenarios where an LLM needs to interact directly with the user on their local machine, such as:

• Interactive setup or configuration processes.
• Gathering feedback during code generation or modification.
• Clarifying instructions or confirming actions in pair programming.
• Any workflow requiring user input or confirmation during LLM operation.

Client Configuration

This section explains how to configure MCP clients to use the interactive-mcp server.

By default, user prompts will time out after 30 seconds. You can customize server options like timeout or disabled tools by adding command-line flags directly to the args array when configuring your client.

Please make sure you have the npx command available.

Usage with Claude Desktop / Cursor

Add the following minimal configuration to your claude_desktop_config.json (Claude Desktop) or mcp.json (Cursor):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "interactive": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "interactive-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

With specific version

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "interactive": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "interactive-mcp@1.9.0"]
    }
  }
}

Example with Custom Timeout (30s):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "interactive": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "interactive-mcp", "-t", "30"]
    }
  }
}

Usage with VS Code