MCP Shark/Inspectornpx -y @mcp-shark/mcp-shark@latest --openMonitor, inspect, and debug all MCP traffic in real-time. Capture every request and response between your IDE and MCP servers with an integrated playground for safe testing.
MCP Shark is compatible with all IDEs that support the Model Context Protocol
Whether you use Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, or any other MCP-compatible IDE, MCP Shark seamlessly integrates to capture and analyze your MCP traffic. Includes an integrated MCP playground for safe testing and exploration.
AI-powered code editor
AI-native IDE
Anthropic's coding assistant
MCP Shark comes bundled with an MCP playground where you can run commands and see results. Call tools, test prompts, and read resources—all without leaving the application. Perfect for debugging, exploring capabilities, and validating your MCP integrations.
MCP Shark works with any IDE or application that implements the Model Context Protocol standard. As long as your IDE can connect to MCP servers via HTTP or stdio, MCP Shark can capture and analyze the traffic. With its integrated MCP playground for testing tools and resources, it's the perfect tool for developers using Cursor, Windsurf, Claude Code, or any other MCP-compatible development environment.
Integrated playground for safely testing tools, prompts, and resources. Perfect for debugging MCP server capabilities.
Static security analysis with YARA-based detection. Scan running servers for vulnerabilities based on MCP & Agentic Top 10.
Deep dive into MCP communications with detailed request/response inspection for debugging and analysis
Capture all HTTP traffic between your IDE and MCP servers in real-time with comprehensive forensic capabilities
Filter traffic by session, server, method, status, and more with multiple view modes for investigation
Live web interface showing all MCP traffic as it happens with comprehensive search and inspection
Export captured traffic and logs in JSON, CSV, or TXT formats for further investigation and reporting
Aggregate multiple MCP servers (HTTP and stdio) through a single unified endpoint for investigation
MCP Shark is a powerful MCP proxy and traffic monitor designed for forensic investigation of Model Context Protocol (MCP) communications. MCP Shark acts as an intermediary gateway between your IDE and MCP servers, capturing and analyzing all HTTP requests and responses to provide deep visibility into every interaction. This MCP debugger enables you to monitor, filter, and audit all MCP traffic in real-time.
Perfect for investigating issues, debugging integrations, detecting suspicious MCP server behavior, or understanding exactly how your MCP servers communicate. MCP Shark gives you the forensic tools you need to inspect, filter, and export traffic for thorough investigation. The application includes an integrated MCP playground where you can safely test tools, prompts, and resources, plus Local Analysis for static security scanning with YARA-based detection rules.
A simple visual guide to understand the architecture and data flow
IDE connects directly to MCP Shark Server (mcp.json overwritten). Server acts as gateway to MCP servers.
UI reads from SQLite DB in real-time and can start/stop the server. All traffic is logged automatically.
Responses flow back through MCP Shark Server to IDE. Server captures and logs everything.
MCP SharkGet started with MCP Shark in just a few simple steps
Install MCP Shark via npm for command-line usage
Everything you need to know about MCP Shark
Explore our comprehensive guides on capturing MCP traffic, securing your MCP setup, and understanding how Model Context Protocol works.
Learn how to use static security scanning with YARA-based detection rules for MCP servers.
Step-by-step guide for capturing MCP HTTP calls from Cursor, Windsurf, and Claude Code using MCP Shark as an MCP proxy.
Learn how to identify suspicious MCP server behavior and audit tool lists for security threats.
Best practices for MCP audit logging, observability, and securing your MCP infrastructure.
Explore all our tutorials, guides, and deep dives on MCP traffic analysis and security.
Found a bug or have a feature request? Report it on GitHub.
Report bugs, request features, or ask questions about MCP Shark (Inspector).