Connect a C++ MCP client

mcp_tools consumer 0.1.0 · Source

Build the optional MCP executable from the C++ repository, then configure the client to launch it. This guide targets POSIX tmux. Native Windows has separate psmux prerequisites and command-dependent support.

Build the executable¶

Use a toolchain supported by the repository’s C++23 or C++20 build. Enable the server and its JSON dependency:

$ cmake \
    -S . \
    -B build/mcp \
    -DLIBTMUX_BUILD_MCP_SERVER=ON \
    -DLIBTMUX_FETCH_DEPS=ON \
    -DLIBTMUX_BUILD_TESTS=OFF \
    -DLIBTMUX_BUILD_EXAMPLES=OFF

Build it:

$ cmake --build build/mcp

Install into the user’s local prefix:

$ cmake --install build/mcp \
    --prefix ~/.local

Select the endpoint¶

Make the installed binary directory available to the MCP client. For clients using mcpServers:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "tmux-cpp": {
      "command": "libtmux-mcp-server",
      "args": ["--socket-name", "docs-agent"]
    }
  }
}

Use --socket-path for an explicit POSIX socket path. Without a selector, the executable uses the dedicated libtmux-mcp socket and minimal configuration. Use --socket inherit to select an inherited TMUX route.

Verify the catalog¶

Have the client list tools, then call tlist_sessions. Retain the returned session, window, and pane identities for later calls.

Use LIBTMUX_TOOLSETS=inspect for discovery and reads. Read rtmux://capabilities to inspect the startup selection; see Topics for exact tool inclusions and exclusions.

Build instructions and selector implementation.