Advertise
MCP.so
Sign In
V

Vim MCP Server

@breggles

Repository

Basic information

Category

Other

Transports

stdio

Author

breggles

Submitted by

Tilman Bregler

About Vim MCP Server

An MCP server for driving Vim. Connect your coding agent to show you changed files in Vim, or get it to advise you on the code in your open buffers. Can also set your quickfix/location list to direct you to multiple points in your code.

#vim

Vim MCP Server config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "vim": {
      "type": "remote",
      "url": "http://localhost:8765/mcp",
      "enabled": true
    }
  }
}

Vim MCP Server tools

16

List all open buffers

Read buffer contents (optionally a line range)

Replace, insert, or delete lines in a buffer

Open a file via `:edit`

Save a buffer via `:write` (opt-in, see above)

Close a buffer via `:bdelete`

Get current cursor position

Move cursor to a line and column

Get the current visual selection, if any

Run an arbitrary Ex command (opt-in, see above)

Get the current quickfix list entries

Set the quickfix list

Get the location list for the current window

Set the location list for the current window

Get Vim's message history (`:messages` output)

Open a side-by-side diff view in a new tab (files or content)

Overview

What is Vim MCP Server?

Vim MCP Server is an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server embedded in Vim that exposes tools over HTTP. It lets MCP-compatible clients—such as AI coding agents—read and modify buffers, move the cursor, retrieve visual selections, manage quickfix and location lists, open side-by-side diffs, read message history, and run Ex commands.

How to use Vim MCP Server?

Install the plugin using your preferred Vim plugin manager (e.g., vim‑plug, Vundle, or manual clone). Start the server in Vim with :McpServerStart (default port 8765). Optionally, set g:mcp_server_autostart = 1 in your vimrc to start it automatically. Point your MCP client at http://127.0.0.1:8765/mcp.

Key features of Vim MCP Server

  • List, read, edit, open, save, and close buffers.
  • Get and set cursor position.
  • Retrieve the current visual selection.
  • Run arbitrary Ex commands (opt‑in).
  • Manage quickfix and location lists.
  • Read Vim message history.
  • Show a side‑by‑side diff view in a new tab.

Use cases of Vim MCP Server

  • AI coding agents that inspect and modify Vim buffers programmatically.
  • Automating buffer navigation and editing via MCP‑compatible tools.
  • Integrating Vim’s quickfix and location lists into external workflows.
  • Retrieving Vim’s message history for debugging or logging.

Frequently asked questions

1

What are the Vim requirements?

Vim must be compiled with `+python3`.

2

How do I start and stop the server?

Use `:McpServerStart [port]` to start and `:McpServerStop` to stop. Check status with `:McpServerStatus`.

3

Which tools are opt‑in and how do I enable them?

`execute_command`, `save_buffer`, and `edit_buffer` are disabled by default. Enable them by setting `g:mcp_server_allow_execute`, `g:mcp_server_allow_save`, or `g:mcp_server_allow_edit` to `1` in your `vimrc`.

4

How do I configure an MCP client for this server?

Set the client to connect to `http://127.0.0.1:8765/mcp`. For example, in OpenCode’s `opencode.jsonc` add the server with `"type": "remote"` and the URL.

5

How can I read‑only tools in OpenCode plan mode?

In `opencode.jsonc` under `agent.plan.tools`, disable all `vim_*` tools and then re‑enable specific read‑only ones like `vim_list_buffers`, `vim_get_buffer`, etc.

Comments

More Other MCP servers

Maestro

mobile-dev-inc

Painless E2E Automation for Mobile and Web

14.8K

Soar Flight Booking MCP

Soar Flight Booking MCP is a remote MCP server available at https://mcp.soar.flights.

Lemon.io

lemon-io

Request dedicated senior developers to work on your project, write job descriptions, and prep technical interviews — all without leaving your Claude chat. Just describe what you need, and Lemon.io MCP does the rest. 1–3

MCP Toolbox for Databases

googleapis

MCP Toolbox for Databases is an open source MCP server for databases.

15.9K

Glasswarp

Glasswarp

See and control a real Windows PC you own — from any MCP client, locally or remotely. Observe (UIA + screenshots), click/type/drag/scroll, launch apps, owner Live View. BYOH: your machine, your key.

Advertise