| name | r-mcptools |
| description | Use when code loads or uses mcptools (library(mcptools), mcptools::), connecting AI agents to R sessions via MCP, or exposing R as an MCP server for Claude Code or VS Code |
mcptools: R as Model Context Protocol Server
Overview
mcptools lets AI agents INTO your R session. Agents (Claude Code, VS Code, etc.) can run R code, query data, call functions in your live R environment.
btw vs mcptools: btw gives tools TO ellmer (R → LLM). mcptools lets agents INTO R (LLM → R).
Install: install.packages("mcptools")
References
Read references/API.md before writing code.
references/API.md - Complete function reference
references/package-docs.md - Setup and configuration
references/server.md - MCP server setup and agent configuration
When to Use
- Let Claude Code/VS Code run R code
- Give agents access to live R session
- Expose R functions as MCP tools
- Query R data stores from agents
When NOT to Use
- Want to call LLMs FROM R (use r-ellmer)
- Just need R object descriptions (use r-btw)
- Building chatbot in R (use r-ellmer + r-btw)
Quick Reference
library(mcptools)
mcp_session()
CRITICAL: Call mcp_session() in console at each R startup, NOT in scripts.
Common Mistakes
| Issue | Solution |
|---|
| btw vs mcptools confusion | btw = tools TO chat; mcptools = agent INTO R |
| mcp_session() in scripts | Call in console, each startup |
| Expecting clipboard copy | mcptools is for agent access, not clipboard |
| Session not detected | Restart R, call mcp_session() in console |
Core Functions
Session Management:
mcp_session(): Initialize MCP session (console only, per startup)
mcp_mcp_server(): Launch MCP server
Advanced
See references/ for:
- API.md: Complete function reference
- server.md: R as MCP server details
- Package docs: Full package documentation
Integration
With Claude Code: Call mcp_session() in R console
With ragnar: Agents can query ragnar stores
Cross-package patterns: See r-ai meta-skill