MCP server/ai-tools

Zen MCP Server

Many Workflows. One Context.

★ 38jray2123/zen-mcp-server ↗by jray2123updated
1

Add it to Claude Code

claude mcp add -e "ZEN_API_KEY=${ZEN_API_KEY}" zen-mcp -- npx -y zen-mcp-server
Required:ZEN_API_KEY
2

Make your agent remember this setup

zen-mcp's config, env vars, and the gotchas you hit — recalled in every future Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex session.

npx conare@latest

Free · one command · indexes the sessions already on disk. Set up in the browser instead →

What it does

  • Orchestrates collaboration between multiple AI models within a single conversation.
  • Maintains context persistence across different AI models and sessions.
  • Provides specialized tools for planning, code review, debugging, and pre-commit validation.
  • Allows Claude to delegate subtasks to specialized models like Gemini or O3.
  • Enables multi-model consensus analysis for complex development decisions.

Tools 8

chatGeneral development chat and collaborative thinking.
thinkdeepExtended reasoning partner for complex problem solving.
challengeCritical challenge prompt to prevent superficial agreement.
plannerInteractive step-by-step project planning.
consensusMulti-model perspective gathering for analysis.
codereviewProfessional code review and audit.
precommitPre-commit validation for code changes.
debugExpert debugging assistant for complex problems.

Environment Variables

ZEN_API_KEYrequiredAPI key for accessing the orchestration services.

Try it

Perform a codereview using gemini pro and o3, then use planner to generate a detailed plan for the identified fixes.
Use the consensus tool to get perspectives from Claude and Gemini on the best architectural approach for this new feature.
Debug the current codebase error using the debug tool and maintain the context for a follow-up refactor.
Run a precommit validation on the modified files and ensure the output is reviewed by both Claude and O3.
Original README from jray2123/zen-mcp-server

Zen MCP: Many Workflows. One Context.

zen_web.webm

<b>🤖 Claude OR Gemini CLI + [Gemini / OpenAI / Grok / OpenRouter / DIAL / Ollama / Any Model] = Your Ultimate AI Development Team</b>

The ultimate development partners for your favorite Coding Agent (Claude OR Gemini CLI) - a Model Context Protocol server that gives you access to multiple AI models for enhanced code analysis, problem-solving, and collaborative development.

Features true AI orchestration with conversations that continue across workflows - Give Claude a complex workflow and let it orchestrate between models automatically. Claude stays in control, performs the actual work, but gets perspectives from the best AI for each subtask. With tools like `planner` for breaking down complex projects, `analyze` for understanding codebases, `codereview` for audits, `refactor` for improving code structure, `debug` for solving complex problems, and `precommit` for validating changes, Claude can switch between different tools and models mid-conversation, with context carrying forward seamlessly.

Example Workflow - Claude Code:

  1. Perform a codereview using gemini pro and o3 and use planner to generate a detailed plan, implement the fixes and do a final precommit check by continuing from the previous codereview
  2. This triggers a `codereview` workflow where Claude walks the code, looking for all kinds of issues
  3. After multiple passes, collects relevant code and makes note of issues along the way
  4. Maintains a confidence level between exploring, low, medium, high and certain to track how confidently it's been able to find and identify issues
  5. Generates a detailed list of critical -> low issues
  6. Shares the relevant files, findings, etc with Gemini Pro to perform a deep dive for a second `codereview`
  7. Comes back with a response and next does the same with o3, adding to the prompt if a new discovery comes to light
  8. When done, Claude takes in all the feedback and combines a single list of all critical -> low issues, including good patterns in your code. The final list includes new findings or revisions in case Claude misunderstood or missed something crucial and one of the other models pointed this out
  9. It then uses the `planner` workflow to break the work down into simpler steps if a major refactor is required
  10. Claude then performs the actual work of fixing highlighted issues
  11. When done, Claude returns to Gemini Pro for a `precommit` review

All within a single conversation thread! Gemini Pro in step 11 knows what was recommended by O3 in step 7! Taking that context and review into consideration to aid with its final pre-commit review.

Think of it as Claude Code for Claude Code. This MCP isn't magic. It's just super-glue.

Remember: Claude stays in full control — but YOU call the shots. Zen is designed to have Claude engage other models only when needed — and to follow through with meaningful back-and-forth. You're the one who crafts the powerful prompt that makes Claude bring in Gemini, Flash, O3 — or fly solo. You're the guide. The prompter. The puppeteer.

You are the AI - **Actually Intelligent**.

Because these AI models clearly aren't when they get chatty →

Quick Navigation

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of Zen MCP?

Orchestrates collaboration between multiple AI models within a single conversation.. Maintains context persistence across different AI models and sessions.. Provides specialized tools for planning, code review, debugging, and pre-commit validation.. Allows Claude to delegate subtasks to specialized models like Gemini or O3.. Enables multi-model consensus analysis for complex development decisions..

What can I use Zen MCP for?

Conducting deep-dive code reviews by aggregating feedback from multiple AI models.. Breaking down complex development projects into manageable steps using interactive planning.. Validating code changes through multi-model pre-commit checks to ensure high quality.. Solving complex debugging issues by leveraging the extended reasoning capabilities of different models..

How do I install Zen MCP?

Install Zen MCP by running: npx -y zen-mcp-server

What MCP clients work with Zen MCP?

Zen MCP works with any MCP-compatible client including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, and other editors with MCP support.

Conare · memory for coding agents

Turn this server into reusable context

Keep Zen MCP docs, env vars, and workflow notes in Conare so your agent carries them across sessions.

Set up free$npx conare@latest