minimax-mcp-usage

name	minimax-mcp-usage
description	Optimal patterns for MiniMax MCP tools (web_search + understand_image)

ultrathink - Take a deep breath. We're not here to write code. We're here to make a dent in the universe.

The Vision

MiniMax queries should be lean, accurate, and decisive.

Your Work, Step by Step

1. Choose tool: web_search vs understand_image.
2. Craft query: Specific, time-bound, and focused.
3. Run analysis: Collect results with minimal noise.
4. Synthesize: Convert outputs into clear guidance.

Ultrathink Principles in Practice

• Think Different: Use the lowest-cost path to truth.
• Obsess Over Details: Precision in queries matters.
• Plan Like Da Vinci: Decide intent before search.
• Craft, Don't Code: Keep results actionable.
• Iterate Relentlessly: Refine queries until clear.
• Simplify Ruthlessly: Cut vague or broad requests.

MiniMax MCP Usage Patterns (v2.24)

This skill documents optimal usage patterns for MiniMax MCP tools.

Available Tools

1. mcp__MiniMax__web_search

Purpose: Web search with 8% cost of alternatives

Input:

query: string  # 3-5 keywords, include year for recent topics

Output:

{
  "organic": [{ "title", "link", "snippet", "date" }],
  "related_searches": [{ "query" }]
}

Optimal Patterns:

# Good: Specific, time-bounded
mcp__MiniMax__web_search:
  query: "React 19 useOptimistic hook examples 2025"

# Good: Error-focused
mcp__MiniMax__web_search:
  query: "TypeError cannot read property undefined Next.js"

# Bad: Too vague
mcp__MiniMax__web_search:
  query: "javascript"  # Too broad

2. mcp__MiniMax__understand_image

Purpose: Image analysis for debugging and review

Input:

prompt: string       # Clear, specific question about the image
image_source: string # Local path (no @) or HTTPS URL

Optimal Patterns:

# Good: Specific analysis request
mcp__MiniMax__understand_image:
  prompt: "Identify the exact error message and stack trace in this screenshot"
  image_source: "/tmp/error.png"

# Good: UI review
mcp__MiniMax__understand_image:
  prompt: "List all accessibility violations in this form design"
  image_source: "./mockup.png"

# Bad: Vague prompt
mcp__MiniMax__understand_image:
  prompt: "What's this?"  # Too vague
  image_source: "./image.png"

Integration with Ralph Loop

# Research phase: Use web_search
Task:
  prompt: |
    Research latest patterns for $TOPIC using mcp__MiniMax__web_search.
    Compile findings into structured report.

# Debugging phase: Use understand_image
Task:
  prompt: |
    Analyze error screenshot at $PATH using mcp__MiniMax__understand_image.
    Identify root cause and suggest fixes.

Cost Analysis

Operation	MiniMax MCP	Gemini CLI	Savings
Web search	~$0.008	~$0.06	87%
Image analysis	~$0.01	N/A	New capability

When NOT to Use

Scenario	Alternative
US-only search	WebSearch (free)
Code search	ast-grep MCP (v2.23)
Long-form generation	Gemini CLI (1M context)
Real-time data	Native WebFetch

Troubleshooting

Issue	Solution
"API key invalid"	Check MINIMAX_API_KEY in ~/.claude.json
"Image too large"	Compress to <20MB
"Format not supported"	Convert to JPEG/PNG/WebP
"No results"	Refine query with more keywords