MCP Server Guide
vai includes a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that exposes embedding, search, reranking, and knowledge management tools to AI-powered editors like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.
What is MCP?
The Model Context Protocol is a standard for connecting AI assistants to external tools. When you install vai as an MCP server, your AI editor can:
- Search your knowledge base with natural language
- Embed and store documents directly from the editor
- Compare text similarity inline
- Explain RAG concepts on demand
- List models and collections for context
Quick Setup
# Install into all supported AI tools
vai mcp install all
# Verify installation
vai mcp status
That's it. Restart your AI tool and vai's 11 tools will be available.
Supported Tools
| Tool | What It Does |
|---|---|
vai_query | Full RAG query (embed → search → rerank) |
vai_search | Vector search without reranking |
vai_embed | Generate an embedding |
vai_similarity | Compare two texts |
vai_ingest | Chunk, embed, and store a document |
vai_collections | List database collections |
vai_models | List available models |
vai_topics | Browse educational topics |
vai_explain | Get concept explanations |
How It Works
Next Steps
- Automatic Setup — Detailed installation guide
- Manual Configuration — Configure by hand
- Transport Modes — stdio vs. HTTP
- Authentication — Securing the HTTP transport
- Testing — Verify your setup works
- n8n Integration — Use vai tools in n8n workflows