What is the Sourcegraph MCP Server?

The Sourcegraph MCP Server acts as a bridge between AI models and your codebase. It allows AI assistants like Cursor or Claude to search, analyze, and understand your code by connecting to Sourcegraph, a powerful code search platform.

How does it work?

The server uses Sourcegraph's API to perform code searches and retrieve file contents. AI models can then use this information to provide better coding assistance, answer questions about your codebase, and help with debugging.

When should I use it?

This is particularly useful when you want your AI coding assistant to have deep knowledge of your specific codebase, rather than just general programming knowledge. It's great for code navigation, understanding large projects, and finding examples of how components are used.

Key Features

Advanced Code SearchPerform precise searches across your entire codebase with Sourcegraph's powerful search syntax.

File Content RetrievalGet the complete content of any file in your repository for detailed analysis.

React Component AnalysisSpecialized tool for analyzing how React components and their props are used throughout your codebase.

Seamless AI IntegrationWorks with popular AI coding assistants like Cursor and Claude through the MCP protocol.

Pros and Cons

Advantages

Gives AI assistants deep knowledge of your specific codebase

More accurate than general programming knowledge for project-specific questions

Supports complex code search patterns

Works with multiple AI clients through standard MCP protocol

Limitations

Requires setup and configuration

Needs a Sourcegraph instance (cloud or self-hosted)

Performance depends on Sourcegraph's search capabilities

Currently focused on code search rather than modification

Setup Guide

Get a Sourcegraph Access TokenYou'll need an API token from your Sourcegraph instance to authenticate the server.

Set Environment VariablesConfigure the server with your credentials and instance URL.

Build the ServerCompile the server from the source code.

Configure Your MCP ClientSet up your AI assistant (like Cursor or Claude) to connect to the MCP server.

Verify ConnectionTest that everything is working properly.

Example Use Cases

Finding Component UsageDiscover all places where a specific React component is used with certain props.

Code Pattern SearchLocate all instances of a specific coding pattern or practice.

API Usage AnalysisUnderstand how a particular API or function is being used across the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to host my own Sourcegraph instance?No, you can use Sourcegraph Cloud (sourcegraph.com), but self-hosted instances work too.

Which AI clients support MCP?Currently Cursor and Claude have MCP support, with more clients likely to add support in the future.

Is my code sent to the AI company's servers?No, the code search and retrieval happens through your Sourcegraph instance. Only the specific code snippets needed to answer your question are shared with the AI.

Can I use this with private repositories?Yes, as long as your Sourcegraph instance has access to those repositories and your access token has the necessary permissions.