# How to integrate Needle MCP with Claude Code ```json { "title": "How to integrate Needle MCP with Claude Code", "toolkit": "Needle", "toolkit_slug": "needle", "framework": "Claude Code", "framework_slug": "claude-code", "url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-code", "markdown_url": "https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-code.md", "updated_at": "2026-05-12T10:19:54.008Z" } ``` ## Introduction Manage your Needle directly from Claude Code with zero worries about OAuth hassles, API-breaking issues, or reliability and security concerns. You can do this in two different ways: - Via [Composio Connect](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_connect&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code) - Direct and easiest approach - Via [Composio SDK](https://docs.composio.dev/docs?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=composio_sdk) - Programmatic approach with more control ## Also integrate Needle with - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/crew-ai) ## TL;DR - Only one MCP URL to connect multiple apps with Claude Code with zero auth hassles. - Programmatic tool calling allows LLMs to write its code in a remote workbench to handle complex tool chaining. Reduces to-and-fro with LLMs for frequent tool calling. - Handling Large tool responses out of LLM context to minimize context rot. - Dynamic just-in-time access to 20,000 tools across 1000+ other Apps for cross-app workflows. It loads the tools you need, so LLMs aren't overwhelmed by tools you don't need. ## Connect Needle to Claude Code ### Connecting Needle to Claude Code using Composio 1. Add the Composio MCP to Claude ```bash claude mcp add --scope user --transport http composio https://connect.composio.dev/mcp ``` ## What is Claude Code? Claude Code is Anthropic's command line developer tool that lets you use Claude directly inside your terminal. Instead of switching between your editor, browser, and chat, you can stay in your project folder and ask Claude to help you build, debug, refactor, and understand code right where you're working. Key features include: - Terminal-Native Experience: Work with Claude directly in your command line without switching contexts - MCP Support: Built-in support for Model Context Protocol servers to extend Claude's capabilities - Project Context: Claude understands your project structure and can read, write, and modify files - Interactive Development: Ask questions, debug code, and get help in real-time while coding - Multi-Platform: Works on macOS, Linux, WSL, and Windows ## What is the Needle MCP server, and what's possible with it? The Needle MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects your AI agent and assistants like Claude, Cursor, etc directly to your Needle account. It provides structured and secure access to your semantic search collections, so your agent can perform actions like creating and managing collections, uploading and deleting files, retrieving collection statistics, and listing available data sources on your behalf. - Collection management and creation: Easily instruct your agent to create new semantic search collections tailored to your data needs. - File listing and retrieval: Have your agent list and retrieve all files within a specific collection, making it simple to view and organize your indexed data. - File deletion from collections: Direct your agent to remove unwanted or outdated files from any collection by specifying file IDs for cleanup and maintenance. - Collection statistics and insights: Ask your agent to fetch real-time statistics on any collection, including document counts, index size, and timestamps to monitor your data health. - Browse all available collections: Let your agent page through and present all your collections, so you can quickly access, search, or manage your data resources. ## Supported Tools | Tool slug | Name | Description | |---|---|---| | `NEEDLE_ADD_FILES_TO_COLLECTION` | Add files to a collection | Tool to add files to a collection by providing file URLs. Use when you need to add one or more files to an existing collection. URLs can be public or private (generated via the Files API). | | `NEEDLE_ADD_FILES_TO_LOCAL_CONNECTOR` | Add Files to Local Connector | Tool to add files to a local connector by providing file metadata. Use when you need to add external files to a connector using their URLs. | | `NEEDLE_CREATE_COLLECTION` | Create Collection | Tool to create a new collection. Use after confirming the collection name. | | `NEEDLE_CREATE_LOCAL_CONNECTOR` | Create Local Connector | Tool to create a local connector that monitors specified folders on a device. Use when setting up file indexing from a local machine into Needle collections. | | `NEEDLE_DELETE_FILES_FROM_COLLECTION` | Delete files from a collection | Tool to delete files from a specific collection by providing file IDs. Use after confirming valid file IDs to remove from the collection. | | `NEEDLE_DELETE_FILES_FROM_LOCAL_CONNECTOR` | Delete files from local connector | Tool to delete files from a local connector by filename or file IDs. Use when you need to remove files from a connector's local storage. | | `NEEDLE_GET_COLLECTION` | Get Collection | Tool to retrieve details for a specific collection by its ID. Use when you need to get collection metadata including name, creation date, and search query count. | | `NEEDLE_GET_COLLECTION_STATS` | Get collection stats | Tool to retrieve statistics for a specific collection by its ID. Use when you need document count, index size, and timestamps after confirming the collection exists. Zero document count is a valid response for empty collections, not an error. | | `NEEDLE_GET_FILE_DOWNLOAD_URL` | Get File Download URL | Tool to get a short-lived signed private download URL for a Needle file. Use when you need to retrieve file content but the public storage URL requires authentication. The returned URL should be used immediately as it expires quickly. | | `NEEDLE_GET_FILE_UPLOAD_URL` | Get File Upload URL | Tool to get signed URLs for uploading local files to Needle. Use when you need to upload files to a collection. The upload URLs are valid for a short time, so upload files immediately after receiving the URLs. Multiple content types can be specified to generate multiple upload URLs in a single request. | | `NEEDLE_GET_LOCAL_CONNECTOR` | Get local connector | Tool to retrieve details of a local connector by its ID. Use when you need information about a specific local connector's configuration, device details, and associated folders. | | `NEEDLE_LIST_COLLECTION_FILES` | List Collection Files | Tool to list all files within a specific collection by its ID. Returns file metadata (including file URLs) only — not document text content; fetch file URLs separately to access content. Use when you have a collection ID and need to retrieve its files. Supports pagination. | | `NEEDLE_LIST_COLLECTIONS` | List Collections | Tool to list collections. Use after authenticating with your API key to page through collections. Similar collection names can exist; always verify the correct `collection_id` from results before performing subsequent operations. | | `NEEDLE_LIST_CONNECTORS` | List Connectors | Tool to list connectors. Use to retrieve all configured connectors in your account. | | `NEEDLE_LIST_LOCAL_CONNECTORS` | List Local Connectors | Tool to list local connectors. Use to retrieve all local connectors configured in your Needle account. | | `NEEDLE_SEARCH_COLLECTION` | Search Collection | Tool to perform semantic search within a specific Needle collection and return ranked results with source references. Use when you need to retrieve relevant content from a known collection using natural language queries. | ## Supported Triggers None listed. ## Creating MCP Server - Stand-alone vs Composio SDK The Needle MCP server is an implementation of the Model Context Protocol that connects Claude Code (and other AI assistants like Claude and Cursor) directly to your Needle account. It provides structured and secure access so Claude can perform Needle operations on your behalf. With Composio's managed implementation, you don't have to create your own developer app. For production, if you're building an end product, we recommend using your own credentials. The managed server helps you prototype fast and go from 0-1 faster. ## Step-by-step Guide ### 1. Prerequisites Before starting, make sure you have: - Claude Pro, Max, or API billing enabled Anthropic account - Composio API Key - A Needle account - Basic knowledge of Python or TypeScript ### 1. Install Claude Code To install Claude Code, use one of the following methods based on your operating system: ```bash # macOS, Linux, WSL curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash # Windows PowerShell irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex # Windows CMD curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.cmd -o install.cmd && install.cmd && del install.cmd ``` ### 2. Set up Claude Code Open a terminal, go to your project folder, and start Claude Code: - Claude Code will open in your terminal - Follow the prompts to sign in with your Anthropic account - Complete the authentication flow - Once authenticated, you can start using Claude Code ```bash cd your-project-folder claude ``` ### 3. Set up environment variables Create a .env file in your project root with the following variables: - COMPOSIO_API_KEY authenticates with Composio (get it from [Composio dashboard](https://dashboard.composio.dev/login?utm_source=toolkits&utm_medium=framework_template&utm_campaign=claude-code&utm_content=api_key&next=%2F~%2Forg%2Fconnect%2Fclients%2Fclaude-code)) - USER_ID identifies the user for session management (use any unique identifier) ```bash COMPOSIO_API_KEY=your_composio_api_key_here USER_ID=your_user_id_here ``` ### 4. Install Composio library No description provided. ```python pip install composio-core python-dotenv ``` ```typescript npm install @composio/core dotenv ``` ### 5. Generate Composio MCP URL No description provided. ```python import os from composio import Composio from dotenv import load_dotenv load_dotenv() COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY") USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID") composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY) composio_session = composio_client.create( user_id=USER_ID, toolkits=["needle"], ) COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}") print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:") print(f'claude mcp add --transport http needle-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"') ``` ```typescript import 'dotenv/config'; import { Composio } from '@composio/core'; const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env; if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) { throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env'); } const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY }); const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, { toolkits: ['needle'], }); const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url; console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`); console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`); console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http needle-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`); ``` ### 6. Run the script and copy the MCP URL No description provided. ```python python generate_mcp_url.py ``` ```typescript node --loader ts-node/esm generate_mcp_url.ts # or if using tsx tsx generate_mcp_url.ts ``` ### 7. Add Needle MCP to Claude Code In your terminal, add the MCP server using the command from the previous step. The command format is: - claude mcp add registers a new MCP server with Claude Code - --transport http specifies that this is an HTTP-based MCP server - The server name (needle-composio) is how you'll reference it - The URL points to your Composio Tool Router session - --headers includes your Composio API key for authentication After running the command, close the current Claude Code session and start a new one for the changes to take effect. ```bash claude mcp add --transport http needle-composio "YOUR_MCP_URL_HERE" --headers "X-API-Key:YOUR_COMPOSIO_API_KEY" # Then restart Claude Code exit claude ``` ### 8. Verify the installation Check that your Needle MCP server is properly configured. - This command lists all MCP servers registered with Claude Code - You should see your needle-composio entry in the list - This confirms that Claude Code can now access Needle tools If everything is wired up, you should see your needle-composio entry listed: ```bash claude mcp list ``` ### 9. Authenticate Needle The first time you try to use Needle tools, you'll be prompted to authenticate. - Claude Code will detect that you need to authenticate with Needle - It will show you an authentication link - Open the link in your browser (or copy/paste it) - Complete the Needle authorization flow - Return to the terminal and start using Needle through Claude Code Once authenticated, you can ask Claude Code to perform Needle operations in natural language. For example: - "List all document collections I have" - "Show stats for my 'research' collection" - "Find files in collection uploaded this week" ## Complete Code ```python import os from composio import Composio from dotenv import load_dotenv load_dotenv() COMPOSIO_API_KEY = os.getenv("COMPOSIO_API_KEY") USER_ID = os.getenv("USER_ID") composio_client = Composio(api_key=COMPOSIO_API_KEY) composio_session = composio_client.create( user_id=USER_ID, toolkits=["needle"], ) COMPOSIO_MCP_URL = composio_session.mcp.url print(f"MCP URL: {COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}") print(f"\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:") print(f'claude mcp add --transport http needle-composio "{COMPOSIO_MCP_URL}" --headers "X-API-Key:{COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"') ``` ```typescript import 'dotenv/config'; import { Composio } from '@composio/core'; const { COMPOSIO_API_KEY, USER_ID } = process.env; if (!COMPOSIO_API_KEY || !USER_ID) { throw new Error('COMPOSIO_API_KEY and USER_ID required in .env'); } const composioClient = new Composio({ apiKey: COMPOSIO_API_KEY }); const composioSession = await composioClient.create(USER_ID, { toolkits: ['needle'], }); const composioMcpUrl = composioSession?.mcp.url; console.log(`MCP URL: ${composioMcpUrl}`); console.log(`\nUse this command to add to Claude Code:`); console.log(`claude mcp add --transport http needle-composio "${composioMcpUrl}" --headers "X-API-Key:${COMPOSIO_API_KEY}"`); ``` ## Conclusion You've successfully integrated Needle with Claude Code using Composio's MCP server. Now you can interact with Needle directly from your terminal using natural language commands. Key features of this setup: - Terminal-native experience without switching contexts - Natural language commands for Needle operations - Secure authentication through Composio's managed MCP - Tool Router for dynamic tool discovery and execution Next steps: - Try asking Claude Code to perform various Needle operations - Add more toolkits to your Tool Router session for multi-app workflows - Integrate this setup into your development workflow for increased productivity You can extend this by adding more toolkits, implementing custom workflows, or building automation scripts that leverage Claude Code's capabilities. ## How to build Needle MCP Agent with another framework - [OpenAI Agents SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/open-ai-agents-sdk) - [Claude Agent SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-agents-sdk) - [Claude Cowork](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/claude-cowork) - [Codex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/codex) - [OpenClaw](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/openclaw) - [Hermes](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/hermes-agent) - [CLI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/cli) - [Google ADK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/google-adk) - [LangChain](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/langchain) - [Vercel AI SDK](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/ai-sdk) - [Mastra AI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/mastra-ai) - [LlamaIndex](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/llama-index) - [CrewAI](https://composio.dev/toolkits/needle/framework/crew-ai) ## Related Toolkits - [Composio](https://composio.dev/toolkits/composio) - Composio is an integration platform that connects AI agents with hundreds of business tools. It streamlines authentication and lets you trigger actions across services—no custom code needed. - [Composio search](https://composio.dev/toolkits/composio_search) - Composio search is a unified web search toolkit spanning travel, e-commerce, news, financial markets, images, and more. It lets you and your apps tap into up-to-date web data from a single, easy-to-integrate service. - [Perplexityai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/perplexityai) - Perplexityai delivers natural, conversational AI models for generating human-like text. Instantly get context-aware, high-quality responses for chat, search, or complex workflows. - [Browser tool](https://composio.dev/toolkits/browser_tool) - Browser tool is a virtual browser integration that lets AI agents interact with the web programmatically. It enables automated browsing, scraping, and action-taking from any AI workflow. - [Ai ml api](https://composio.dev/toolkits/ai_ml_api) - Ai ml api is a suite of AI/ML models for natural language and image tasks. It provides fast, scalable access to advanced AI capabilities for your apps and workflows. - [Aivoov](https://composio.dev/toolkits/aivoov) - Aivoov is an AI-powered text-to-speech platform offering 1,000+ voices in over 150 languages. Instantly turn written content into natural, human-like audio for any application. - [All images ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/all_images_ai) - All-Images.ai is an AI-powered image generation and management platform. It helps you create, search, and organize images effortlessly with advanced AI capabilities. - [Anthropic administrator](https://composio.dev/toolkits/anthropic_administrator) - Anthropic administrator is an API for managing Anthropic organizational resources like members, workspaces, and API keys. It helps you automate admin tasks and streamline resource management across your Anthropic organization. - [Api labz](https://composio.dev/toolkits/api_labz) - Api labz is a platform offering a suite of AI-driven APIs and workflow tools. It helps developers automate tasks and build smarter, more efficient applications. - [Apipie ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/apipie_ai) - Apipie ai is an AI model aggregator offering a single API for accessing top AI models from multiple providers. It helps developers build cost-efficient, latency-optimized AI solutions without juggling multiple integrations. - [Astica ai](https://composio.dev/toolkits/astica_ai) - Astica ai provides APIs for computer vision, NLP, and voice synthesis. Integrate advanced AI features into your app with a single API key. - [Bigml](https://composio.dev/toolkits/bigml) - BigML is a machine learning platform that lets you build, train, and deploy predictive models from your data. Its intuitive interface and robust API make machine learning accessible and efficient. - [Botbaba](https://composio.dev/toolkits/botbaba) - Botbaba is a platform for building, managing, and deploying conversational AI chatbots across messaging channels. It streamlines chatbot automation, making it easier to integrate AI into customer interactions. - [Botpress](https://composio.dev/toolkits/botpress) - Botpress is an open-source platform for building, deploying, and managing chatbots. It helps teams automate conversations and deliver rich, interactive messaging experiences. - [Chatbotkit](https://composio.dev/toolkits/chatbotkit) - Chatbotkit is a platform for building and managing AI-powered chatbots using robust APIs and SDKs. It lets you easily add conversational AI to your apps for better user engagement. - [Cody](https://composio.dev/toolkits/cody) - Cody is an AI assistant built for businesses, trained on your company's knowledge and data. It delivers instant answers and insights, tailored for your team. - [Context7 MCP](https://composio.dev/toolkits/context7_mcp) - Context7 MCP delivers live, version-specific code docs and examples right from the source. It helps developers and AI agents instantly retrieve authoritative programming info—no more out-of-date docs. - [Customgpt](https://composio.dev/toolkits/customgpt) - CustomGPT.ai lets you build and deploy chatbots tailored to your own data and business needs. Get precise and context-aware AI conversations without writing code. - [Datarobot](https://composio.dev/toolkits/datarobot) - Datarobot is a machine learning platform that automates model development, deployment, and monitoring. It empowers organizations to quickly gain predictive insights from large datasets. - [Deepgram](https://composio.dev/toolkits/deepgram) - Deepgram is an AI-powered speech recognition platform for accurate audio transcription and understanding. It enables fast, scalable speech-to-text with advanced audio intelligence features. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What are the differences in Tool Router MCP and Needle MCP? With a standalone Needle MCP server, the agents and LLMs can only access a fixed set of Needle tools tied to that server. However, with the Composio Tool Router, agents can dynamically load tools from Needle and many other apps based on the task at hand, all through a single MCP endpoint. ### Can I use Tool Router MCP with Claude Code? Yes, you can. Claude Code fully supports MCP integration. You get structured tool calling, message history handling, and model orchestration while Tool Router takes care of discovering and serving the right Needle tools. ### Can I manage the permissions and scopes for Needle while using Tool Router? Yes, absolutely. You can configure which Needle scopes and actions are allowed when connecting your account to Composio. You can also bring your own OAuth credentials or API configuration so you keep full control over what the agent can do. ### How safe is my data with Composio Tool Router? All sensitive data such as tokens, keys, and configuration is fully encrypted at rest and in transit. Composio is SOC 2 Type 2 compliant and follows strict security practices so your Needle data and credentials are handled as safely as possible. --- [See all toolkits](https://composio.dev/toolkits) · [Composio docs](https://docs.composio.dev/llms.txt)