Claude Desktop API Integration via MCP

Features

• Direct Claude API integration via MCP

• Conversation history tracking and management

• System prompt support

• Seamless switching between Professional Plan and API usage

• Easy configuration with Claude Desktop

When to Use

• **Professional Plan** (default): - Regular conversations in Claude Desktop - Basic usage within plan limits - No special configuration needed

• **API Token** (via this MCP server): - When you need longer context windows - To use custom system prompts - To bypass rate limits - For advanced conversation management

Setup Instructions

1. **Clone the Repository** ```bash # Using VS Code: # 1. Press Cmd + Shift + P # 2. Type "Git: Clone" # 3. Paste: https://github.com/mlobo2012/Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCP.git # Or using terminal: git clone https://github.com/mlobo2012/Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCP.git cd Claude_Desktop_API_USE_VIA_MCP ```

2. **Install Dependencies** ```bash pip install -r requirements.txt ```

3. **Configure Environment** ```bash # Copy environment template cp .env.example .env # Edit .env and add your API key ANTHROPIC_API_KEY=your_api_key_here ```

4. **Configure Claude Desktop** - macOS: Navigate to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/` ```bash # Using Finder: # 1. Press Cmd + Shift + G # 2. Enter: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/ ``` - Windows: Navigate to `%APPDATA%\Claude\` - Create or edit `claude_desktop_config.json` - Copy contents from `config/claude_desktop_config.json` - Update paths and API keys

Usage Guide

Basic Usage

1. **Regular Claude Desktop Usage** - Just chat normally with Claude - Uses your Professional Plan - No special commands needed

2. **API Usage** ``` @claude-api Please answer using the API: What is the capital of France? ```

Advanced Features

1. **Using System Prompts** ``` @claude-api {"system_prompt": "You are an expert fitness coach"} Create a workout plan ```

2. **Managing Conversations** ``` # Start a new conversation @claude-api {"conversation_id": "project1"} Let's discuss Python # Continue same conversation @claude-api {"conversation_id": "project1"} Tell me more # View conversation history @claude-api get_conversation_history project1 # Clear conversation @claude-api clear_conversation project1 ```

Cost Management

• API calls use your Anthropic API credits and may incur charges

• Use the Professional Plan for regular queries

• Only use @claude-api when you specifically need: - Longer context windows - Custom system prompts - To bypass rate limits

MCP Tools Available

1. `query_claude` - Make direct API calls to Claude - Support for system prompts - Conversation tracking

2. `clear_conversation` - Reset conversation history - Manage multiple conversation threads

3. `get_conversation_history` - Retrieve conversation records - Debug conversation flow

Development

Troubleshooting

1. **API Key Issues** - Verify your API key in .env - Check Claude Desktop config paths - Ensure API key has correct permissions

2. **Connection Issues** - Check if MCP server is running - Verify Python environment - Check Claude Desktop logs

3. **Usage Issues** - Ensure correct @claude-api syntax - Check conversation IDs - Verify system prompt format

Contributing

1. Fork the repository

2. Create a feature branch

3. Make your changes

4. Submit a pull request

License

Support

1. Open an issue in the repository

2. Check existing discussions

3. Review the troubleshooting guide