MCP Scratchpad

MCP server providing a 'think' tool for structured reasoning

python

0

GitHub Stars

python

Language

7 months ago

First Indexed

3 months ago

Catalog Refreshed

Documentation & install

Readme and setup notes from the catalogue, plus a client-ready config you can copy for your MCP host.

Installation

Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

View docs

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "joshuaoliphant-scratchpad_mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "mcp-server-scratchpad"
      ]
    }
  }
}

The MCP Scratchpad Server lets you log structured thinking steps during complex tool use, helping you organize reasoning and review intermediate results as you work with compatible MCP clients.

How to use

You use the Scratchpad by connecting it to an MCP client in your workflow. Start a session, then call the think tool to append your reasoning steps to the log. You can view all logged thoughts in a JSON-formatted log resource to track progress over time. When you’re done with a problem or want to start fresh, use the clear tool to reset the log. Follow the Structured Thinking prompt to guide your approach and ensure your reasoning stays organized as you work through steps, outputs, and decisions.

How to install

Prerequisites: ensure you have a working Python environment and access to a command line. You may also use the UVX runtime or pip to run the server directly.

Quick Start (Recommended) Run directly with UVX (no installation required):

The recommended quick start is to run the server via UVX which spins up the MCP Scratchpad without a separate installation step.

If you prefer a formal installation, you can install the server package globally using Python’s package manager and then run it via the runtime command.

Step-by-step commands

# Quick Start (recommended)\nuvx mcp-server-scratchpad\n\n# Install with pip (global Python installation)\npip install mcp-server-scratchpad\n# Run with UV after installation\nuv run mcp-server-scratchpad\n\n# Development installation (local)\n# 1. Clone the project repository\ngit clone https://github.com/JoshuaOliphant/scratchpad_mcp.git\ncd scratchpad_mcp\n# 2. Install dependencies and run\nuv sync\nuv run mcp-server-scratchpad"}]}]},{

Configuration, usage patterns, and testing

Two common ways to connect the Scratchpad to an MCP client are through a local runtime (stdio) or via a remote MCP server URL (HTTP). The local runtime path is shown when you want a tightly integrated, on-device flow, while the remote URL path enables centralized coordination. The following examples assume you use a Scratchpad container connected to your MCP client. Please choose the path that matches your setup.

To configure the Scratchpad for an MCP client, you can point at a local stdio-based server. The client can start the server using the runtime command shown in the installation section.

Use the log resource to review all logged thoughts in JSON format. The think tool appends a timestamped thought to the log. The clear_thoughts tool resets the log when you want to start a new problem.

Examples and best practices

Use descriptive thoughts that explain the reasoning behind each step, not just the actions taken. - Break complex problems into smaller parts and validate each reasoning step. - Summarize conclusions at the end and clear the log before starting a new task.

Available tools

think

Add a thinking step to the log with a timestamp for structured reasoning and traceability.

clear_thoughts

Clear all logged thoughts from the log to start a fresh reasoning session.