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# Agent Setup Guide ​

This guide explains how to set up AI coding agents to work with the workflows server.

## Core Concepts ​

Every AI coding agent needs two things to work with the workflows server:

### 1. System Prompt ​

Instructions that tell the agent how to use the MCP tools. The system prompt teaches the agent to:

- Call `whats_next()` after each user interaction
- Follow the workflow phases (explore, plan, code, commit, etc.)
- Update the plan file to maintain project memory
- Request phase transitions when appropriate

### 2. MCP Server Connection ​

A connection to the workflows server that provides the actual tools:

json

    {
      "mcpServers": {
        "workflows": {
          "command": "npx",
          "args": ["-y", "@codemcp/workflows-server"]
        }
      }
    }

## Setup via CLI ​

The CLI generates both the system prompt and MCP configuration for your agent:

bash

    npx @codemcp/workflows setup <target> [--mode config|skill]

### Modes ​

Mode | Description
--- | ---
`config` | Embeds system prompt in agent configuration files (traditional approach)
`skill` | Creates agentskills.io compatible skill files (on-demand loading)

Config mode is best when you always want the workflow guidance active.

Skill mode is best when you want the agent to load workflow instructions only when needed.

### Targets ​

Target | Aliases | Description
--- | --- | ---
`kiro` | `kiro-cli`. | Kiro / Kiro CLI
`claude` | `claude-code`, `claude-desktop` | Claude Code
`gemini` | `gemini-cli` | Gemini CLI
`opencode` | - | OpenCode CLI
`copilot` | `copilot-vscode`, `vscode`, `github-copilot` | GitHub Copilot

### Examples ​

bash

    # Config mode - embeds system prompt (default)
    npx @codemcp/workflows setup claude
    npx @codemcp/workflows setup kiro

    # Skill mode - on-demand loading
    npx @codemcp/workflows setup copilot --mode skill
    npx @codemcp/workflows setup gemini --mode skill

    # List all available targets
    npx @codemcp/workflows setup list

## Manual Setup ​

For unsupported agents or custom configurations:

1. Get the system prompt from any generated config file (e.g., `CLAUDE.md`, `GEMINI.md`)

2. Configure MCP server in your agent's settings:

   json

       {
         "mcpServers": {
           "workflows": {
             "command": "npx",
             "args": ["-y", "@codemcp/workflows-server"]
           }
         }
       }

3. Grant tool permissions for these essential tools:

   - `whats_next`
   - `start_development`
   - `proceed_to_phase`
   - `conduct_review`
   - `list_workflows`
   - `get_tool_info`

## Verification ​

After setup, verify the integration works:

1. Start a conversation with your agent
2. Ask: "Help me implement a new feature"
3. The agent should call `start_development()` or `whats_next()`
4. Check for `.vibe/development-plan-*.md` files being created

## Troubleshooting ​

Agent doesn't call MCP tools:

- Verify system prompt is configured correctly
- Check MCP server connection in agent settings
- Restart your agent/IDE

"Tool not found" errors:

- Run `npx @codemcp/workflows` directly to test the server
- Check server configuration path and permissions

Project path issues:

- Set `PROJECT_PATH` environment variable in MCP config if needed
- Ensure the path exists and is writable

## Next Steps ​

- How It Works – Understand the development flow
- Tutorial – Hands-on walkthrough
- Workflows – Explore available methodologies