Unleash the Power of Your IDE: A Comprehensive Guide to the JetBrains MCP Proxy Server

Frustrated with clunky integrations between your JetBrains IDE and other tools? Learn how the JetBrains MCP Proxy Server streamlines communication and unlocks powerful new workflows. This guide provides everything you need to install, configure, and troubleshoot your MCP setup for seamless integration with tools like Claude Desktop, LibreChat, and more.

What is the JetBrains MCP Proxy Server & Why Should You Use It?

The JetBrains MCP Proxy Server acts as a bridge between your JetBrains IDE and external applications. Instead of juggling multiple tools and struggling with compatibility issues, the MCP server enables smooth, two-way communication.

Here's why you need it:

• Seamless Integration: Connect your IDE to external clients like Claude Desktop or LibreChat.
• Enhanced Productivity: Automate tasks and streamline workflows between your code and AI tools.
• Customizable Configuration: Tailor the proxy server to your specific development environment and needs.
• Extends IDE Functionality: Unlocks advanced debugging and code analysis scenarios.

Installation: Get the MCP Server Plugin

1. Navigate to the JetBrains Marketplace: Open your JetBrains IDE (IntelliJ IDEA, PyCharm, etc.).
2. Install the MCP Server Plugin: Search for "MCP Server" in the plugins marketplace and install it.

Configuration: Connecting to Claude Desktop (and Beyond!)

To integrate the MCP server with Claude Desktop, modify your claude_desktop_config.json file.

• Locate the Configuration File:
  • MacOS: ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
  • Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
• Add the MCP Server Configuration: Include the following JSON snippet in your config file:

{
 "mcpServers": {
  "jetbrains": {
   "command": "npx",
   "args": ["-y", "@jetbrains/mcp-proxy"]
  }
 }
}

Advanced Configuration: Fine-Tuning Your MCP Server

Need more control? The MCP server offers advanced configuration options.

• Connecting to a Specific IDE Instance: If running multiple IDEs, specify the port of the IDE's built-in webserver:

"env": {
 "IDE_PORT": "<port of IDE's built-in webserver>"
}

• Specifying a Different Host Address: Change the default connection address (127.0.0.1)

"env": {
 "HOST": "<host/address of IDE's built-in webserver>"
}

• Enabling Logging: Enable logging for debugging purposes.

"env": {
 "LOG_ENABLED": "true"
}

Troubleshooting Common Issues: Solutions for a Smooth Setup

Encountering problems? Here's how to solve common MCP server issues.

Node.js Version Issues: "Cannot find module 'node:path'"

• Problem: The error message Cannot find module 'node:path' indicates an outdated Node.js version.
• Solution: Upgrade to Node.js version 18 or later. Ensure the command in your config points to the correct Node.js installation. Using the full path to your Node.js executable can resolve this.

MacOS: Plugin Doesn't Detect Node.js Installed via nvm

• Problem: The MCP Server Plugin might not detect Node.js installed via nvm (Node Version Manager) on MacOS.
• Solution: Create a symbolic link:

which npx &> /dev/null && sudo ln -sf "$(which npx)" /usr/local/bin/npx

This command creates a symbolic link in /usr/local/bin pointing to your nvm npx executable, ensuring the plugin can find it.

Using MCP with External Clients or Docker Containers (LibreChat, Cline, etc.): 404 Errors

• Problem: Requests from external clients, Docker containers, or third-party apps may return 404 errors or fail to connect. The JetBrains MCP Proxy Server might seem unreachable.
• Solution:
  1. Enable External Connections: In your JetBrains IDE, go to Settings | Build, Execution, Deployment | Debugger and enable "Can accept external connections".
  2. Configure with LAN IP and Port: Use your machine's LAN IP address instead of host.docker.internal. Explicitly set the IDE_PORT and HOST in your configuration.

Example configuration for LibreChat:

mcpServers:
  intellij:
    type: stdio
    command: sh
    args:
      - "-c"
      - "IDE_PORT=YOUR_IDEA_PORT HOST=YOUR_IDEA_LAN_IP npx -y @jetbrains/mcp-proxy"

Replace YOUR_IDEA_PORT with your IDE's debug port and YOUR_IDEA_LAN_IP with your computer's local network IP address. You can find your LAN IP address using ipconfig (Windows) or ifconfig (MacOS/Linux).

Building the Project: For Developers

Want to contribute or customize the MCP server? Here's how to build it:

1. Install Dependencies:

brew install node pnpm

2. Run the Build Command:

pnpm build

Conclusion: Unlock Your IDE's Potential

The JetBrains MCP Proxy Server is a powerful tool for integrating your IDE with other applications and streamlining your development workflow. By following this guide, you can successfully install, configure, and troubleshoot your MCP server, unlocking new levels of productivity and efficiency. Embrace the power of seamless integration and revolutionize your coding experience today!