> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ibm-d95bab6e.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Cline

> Configure IBM i MCP Server with Cline VSCode extension

Cline is a VSCode extension that brings AI-powered development capabilities with MCP server support. It can be configured through both the marketplace and manual configuration.

<Note>
  **Platform**: VSCode Extension
  **Transport Modes**: Stdio (local) and HTTP (remote)
  **Prerequisites**: [Cline](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=saoudrizwan.claude-dev) installed in VSCode
</Note>

## Installation

Install Cline from the VSCode marketplace:

1. Open VSCode
2. Go to Extensions (Cmd/Ctrl+Shift+X)
3. Search for "Cline"
4. Click Install

## Local (Stdio) Setup

**Step 1: Open Cline configuration**

1. Open **Cline** in VSCode
2. Click the hamburger menu icon (☰) → **MCP Servers**
3. Choose **Local Servers** tab
4. Click **Edit Configuration**

**Step 2: Add configuration**

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ibmi-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@ibm/ibmi-mcp-server@latest", "-y", "--tools", "/absolute/path/to/tools"],
      "env": {
        "DB2i_HOST": "your-ibmi-host.com",
        "DB2i_USER": "your-username",
        "DB2i_PASS": "your-password",
        "DB2i_PORT": "8076",
        "MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE": "stdio"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

<Warning>
  The `--tools` path must be an **absolute path**.
</Warning>

**Step 3: Save and restart**

Save the configuration and restart Cline to load the new server.

## Remote (HTTP) Setup

**Step 1: Start remote server**

```bash theme={null}
# On server machine
npm run start:http
```

**Step 2: Obtain access token**

```bash theme={null}
node get-access-token.js --verbose
```

**Step 3: Open Cline configuration**

1. Open **Cline**
2. Click the hamburger menu icon (☰) → **MCP Servers**
3. Choose **Remote Servers** tab
4. Click **Edit Configuration**

**Step 4: Add remote server**

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ibmi-mcp": {
      "url": "http://localhost:3010/mcp",
      "type": "streamableHttp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_ACCESS_TOKEN_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

<Note>
  Cline uses `"type": "streamableHttp"` for HTTP connections (not just `"http"`).
</Note>

## Testing the Connection

After configuration:

1. Open Cline panel in VSCode
2. Check that the MCP server appears in the server list
3. Ask "What tools are available?"
4. Test with "Show me the IBM i system status"

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Server Not Appearing">
    **Solutions**:

    * Verify JSON syntax in configuration
    * Restart VSCode (not just Cline)
    * Check that `npx -y @ibm/ibmi-mcp-server@latest` works from terminal
    * Ensure all paths are absolute
    * Check VSCode Output panel for errors
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Connection Failed">
    **Solutions**:

    * Verify IBM i credentials are correct
    * Check Mapepire is running: `sc check mapepire`
    * Test connectivity: `ping your-ibmi-host`
    * Ensure port 8076 is accessible
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Authentication Failed (Remote)">
    **Solutions**:

    * Verify server is running: `curl http://localhost:3010/mcp`
    * Check token hasn't expired
    * Get fresh token: `node get-access-token.js --verbose`
    * Ensure `streamableHttp` type is used (not just `http`)
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Tools Not Loading">
    **Solutions**:

    * Verify tools path exists and is absolute
    * Check YAML files are valid: `npm run validate -- --config tools`
    * Review Cline logs for tool loading errors
    * Ensure user has database authorities
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Advanced Configuration

### Multiple Environments

Configure different servers for dev and production:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ibmi-dev": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@ibm/ibmi-mcp-server@latest", "-y", "--tools", "/path/to/dev-tools"],
      "env": {
        "DB2i_HOST": "dev-ibmi.company.com",
        "DB2i_USER": "DEVUSER",
        "DB2i_PASS": "devpass",
        "MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE": "stdio"
      }
    },
    "ibmi-prod": {
      "url": "https://prod-mcp.company.com/mcp",
      "type": "streamableHttp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer PROD_TOKEN"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Custom Toolsets

Load specific toolsets for focused workflows:

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ibmi-performance": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "@ibm/ibmi-mcp-server@latest", "-y",
        "--tools", "/path/to/tools",
        "--toolsets", "performance,security"
      ],
      "env": {
        "DB2i_HOST": "your-ibmi-host.com",
        "DB2i_USER": "your-username",
        "DB2i_PASS": "your-password",
        "MCP_TRANSPORT_TYPE": "stdio"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## MCP Marketplace

Cline also supports discovering MCP servers through the [Cline MCP Marketplace](https://cline.bot/mcp-marketplace), though manual configuration provides more flexibility for custom setups.

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="SQL Tools" icon="database" href="/sql-tools/overview">
    Create custom SQL tools
  </Card>

  <Card title="Configuration" icon="gear" href="/configuration">
    Explore all configuration options
  </Card>

  <Card title="Authentication" icon="lock" href="/configuration#ibm-i-authentication-settings">
    Set up secure authentication
  </Card>

  <Card title="Other Clients" icon="grid" href="/clients/overview">
    Explore other MCP clients
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Additional Resources

* [Cline MCP Documentation](https://docs.cline.bot/mcp/mcp-overview)
* [Cline MCP Marketplace](https://cline.bot/mcp-marketplace)
* [IBM i MCP Quick Start](/quickstart)
* [VSCode Extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=saoudrizwan.claude-dev)