Slide MCP Server

An MCP server implementation that integrates with the Slide API, providing comprehensive device and infrastructure management capabilities through a streamlined meta-tools architecture.

🚀 Go Binary Implementation ⚡

• Single binary: No dependencies, just download and run
• Fast startup: ~50ms startup time with initial context loading
• Low memory usage: 10-20MB memory footprint
• Cross-platform: Linux, macOS, Windows binaries
• Zero Installation Hassle: Simple download and configure
• Streamlined Interface: 13 meta-tools instead of 52+ individual tools for better LLM interaction
• Enhanced Performance: Initial context loading eliminates first API call delays

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For quick setup instructions with Claude Desktop, see the installation section below.

🎯 Major Architecture Improvement

Meta-Tools Design: This MCP server uses an innovative meta-tools architecture that consolidates 52+ individual API operations into just 13 focused meta-tools. This design significantly reduces complexity for LLMs while maintaining full functionality.

Each meta-tool accepts an operation parameter that specifies the action to perform, along with the relevant parameters for that operation.

Example Usage Pattern

{
  "name": "slide_devices",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "list",
    "limit": 10,
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Available Meta-Tools

🔧 Core Infrastructure

1. slide_devices - Physical device management

   • Operations: list, get, update, poweroff, reboot
   • Power control, hostname/display name updates, client assignment

2. slide_agents - Backup agent management

   • Operations: list, get, create, pair, update
   • Agent creation, pairing with devices, display name management

3. slide_networks - Network infrastructure

   • Operations: list, get, create, update, delete
   • Network creation with DHCP, VPN support, client isolation
   • IPSec: create_ipsec, update_ipsec, delete_ipsec
   • Port Forwarding: create_port_forward, update_port_forward, delete_port_forward
   • WireGuard VPN: create_wg_peer, update_wg_peer, delete_wg_peer

💾 Data Management

4. slide_backups - Backup operations

   • Operations: list, get, start
   • Initiate and monitor backup jobs

5. slide_snapshots - Snapshot management

   • Operations: list, get
   • Browse and access point-in-time snapshots with advanced filtering

6. slide_restores - File & image restoration

   • File Restores: list_files, get_file, create_file, delete_file, browse_file
   • Push Restores: list_pushes, create_push, update_push - Restore files directly to protected systems (destination must be X:\SlideRestore)
   • Image Exports: list_images, get_image, create_image, delete_image, browse_image
   • Support for VHD, VHDX (dynamic/fixed), and Raw disk formats
   • Optional boot modifications (passwordless admin user)

☁️ Virtual Infrastructure

7. slide_vms - Virtual machine management
   • Operations: list, get, create, update, delete, get_rdp_bookmark
   • Browser-based VNC console access and downloadable RDP bookmarks
   • Configurable CPU (1-16 cores) and RAM (1-12GB)
   • Multiple network modes and disk bus types

👥 Administration

8. slide_user_management - User and account management

   • Users: list_users, get_user - User account information and permissions
   • Accounts: list_accounts, get_account, update_account - Account settings and alert email configuration
   • Clients: list_clients, get_client, create_client, update_client, delete_client - Client organization and resource management

9. slide_alerts - Alert monitoring

   • Operations: list, get, update (resolve)
   • System alert management and resolution

📊 Data Presentation & Reporting

10. slide_presentation - Professional data formatting and documentation

    • Operations: get_card, get_runbook_template, get_daily_report_template, get_monthly_report_template
    • Card Types: Individual item cards (agent, client, device, snapshot) and table cards (agents_table, clients_table, etc.)
    • Report Templates: Runbook procedures, daily activity summaries, monthly analysis reports
    • Formats: HTML, Markdown, HAML support for multiple output needs
    • Perfect for status displays, dashboards, documentation, and professional reporting
    • ⚠️ DISABLED BY DEFAULT: Must be explicitly enabled with --enable-presentation flag or SLIDE_ENABLE_PRESENTATION=true ⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you are building your own presentation logic or custom formatting, you may want to disable the slide_presentation tool to avoid conflicts with your custom implementation. To disable just the slide_presentation tool, add it to the DISABLED_TOOLS environment variable or in the --disabled-tools part of the CLI

11. slide_meta - Meta tools for reporting and aggregated data views

    • Operations: list_all_clients_devices_and_agents, get_snapshot_changes, get_reporting_data
    • list_all_clients_devices_and_agents: Complete hierarchical view of infrastructure
    • get_snapshot_changes: Track new and deleted snapshots over time periods (day, week, month)
    • get_reporting_data: Pre-formatted data for populating report templates
    • Perfect for generating reports with accurate, pre-calculated metrics

12. slide_reports - Pre-calculated statistics and reports for backup/snapshot analysis

    • ⚠️ DISABLED BY DEFAULT: Must be explicitly enabled with --enable-reports flag or SLIDE_ENABLE_REPORTS=true
    • Operations: daily_backup_snapshot, weekly_backup_snapshot, monthly_backup_snapshot
    • Daily Reports: Single day statistics with backup success rates and failure reasons
    • Weekly Reports: 7-day breakdown with daily agent counts and success metrics
    • Monthly Reports: Full month analysis with visual calendar view (in markdown format)
    • Filtering: By agent_id, device_id, or client_id for targeted reporting
    • Formats: JSON (structured data) or Markdown (human-readable)
    • Performance: Use verbose mode to track progress on large reports

13. slide_docs - Access to official Slide documentation

    • Operations: list_sections, get_topics, search_docs, get_content, get_api_reference
    • Documentation Access: Browse and search docs.slide.tech content directly
    • Contextual Help: Get best practices, troubleshooting guidance, and feature explanations
    • API Reference: Quick access to API endpoint documentation
    • Integration: Complements other tools by providing context and guidance

🔍 Special Tools

• list_all_clients_devices_and_agents - Hierarchical overview (now part of slide_meta)
  • Get complete view of all clients, their devices, and agents in one call
  • Perfect for answering questions about infrastructure scale and organization
  • Can be called directly or via slide_meta with operation list_all_clients_devices_and_agents

Key Features

🔐 Infrastructure Management

• Device Control: Remote power operations, hostname management, client assignment
• Agent Deployment: Automated pairing, display name management
• Network Isolation: Client-specific networks with VPN access
• Advanced Networking: IPSec tunnels, port forwarding, WireGuard peers

💽 Data Protection & Recovery

• Automated Backups: Agent-based backup initiation and monitoring
• Point-in-Time Recovery: Snapshot browsing with location filtering
• Flexible Restores: File-level and full disk image exports
• Multiple Formats: VHD, VHDX (dynamic/fixed), Raw disk images
• Boot Modifications: Optional passwordless admin account creation

☁️ Virtualization

• VM Creation: Create VMs from any snapshot
• Resource Control: Configurable CPU/RAM allocation
• Network Integration: Connect VMs to isolated networks
• Console Access: Browser-based VNC for direct VM interaction
• RDP Bookmarks: Generate downloadable .rdp files for easy Windows Remote Desktop access

📊 Monitoring & Organization

• Alert Management: Centralized alert monitoring and resolution
• Client Organization: Group resources by client for better management
• User Management: Account access and permissions
• Comprehensive Filtering: Advanced pagination and sorting across all resources

📋 Professional Data Presentation

• Smart Cards: Individual and table-based cards for agents, clients, devices, and snapshots
• Report Templates: Runbook procedures, daily summaries, and monthly analysis reports
• Multiple Formats: HTML, Markdown, and HAML output for different use cases
• Dashboard Ready: Pre-formatted cards perfect for status displays and monitoring
• Documentation Support: Professional templates for operational procedures and troubleshooting

All meta-tools support pagination (limit, offset) and sorting options where applicable.

📊 Data Presentation Tool Guide

The slide_presentation tool is your primary resource for professional data formatting and documentation. It provides pre-built templates and smart cards that transform raw data into polished, readable formats.

🎯 When to Use the Presentation Tool

Always consider this tool first when you need to:

• Display system status or monitoring data to users
• Show lists of items (agents, clients, devices, snapshots)
• Present individual item details in a structured format
• Create reports or summaries
• Generate documentation or procedures
• Format any data that could benefit from professional presentation

📋 Report Templates

Perfect for comprehensive documentation and analysis:

Runbook Templates (get_runbook_template)

• Purpose: Operational procedures, troubleshooting guides, step-by-step instructions
• Use Cases: Incident response, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting guides
• Formats: HTML, Markdown, HAML

Daily Report Templates (get_daily_report_template)

• Purpose: Activity summaries, status updates, end-of-day reports
• Use Cases: Daily operational summaries, status briefings, activity tracking
• Formats: HTML (default), Markdown, HAML

Monthly Report Templates (get_monthly_report_template)

• Purpose: Comprehensive analysis, trends, monthly summaries
• Use Cases: Executive summaries, trend analysis, performance reviews
• Formats: HTML (default), Markdown, HAML

📊 Smart Cards

Perfect for status displays, dashboards, and data visualization:

Single Item Cards - Detailed Views

• agent: Individual backup agent with hostname, OS, status, recent backups
• client: Individual client with name, agent count, device assignments, stats
• device: Individual backup device with capacity, assignments, storage info
• snapshot: Individual backup snapshot with date, size, status, retention

Table Cards - Overview Dashboards

• agents_table: Multiple agents comparison with status overview and assignments
• clients_table: Multiple clients summary with agent counts and status
• devices_table: Multiple devices overview with capacity and utilization
• snapshots_table: Chronological backup history with sizes and status

💡 Decision Guide

Choose the right presentation format based on your needs:

Need	Recommendation	Example
Show ONE item in detail	Single item cards	agent, client, device, snapshot
Show MULTIPLE items overview	Table cards	agents_table, clients_table, devices_table
Create documentation	Report templates	get_runbook_template
Generate status reports	Daily/Monthly templates	get_daily_report_template
Dashboard display	Table cards	agents_table, devices_table
Troubleshooting guide	Runbook template	get_runbook_template

🚀 Best Practices

1. Start with Presentation: Always consider using the presentation tool before displaying raw data
2. Choose the Right Card: Use single cards for details, table cards for overviews
3. Format for Purpose: Use HTML for web displays, Markdown for documentation
4. Professional Output: Let the tool handle formatting instead of manual formatting
5. Consistent Experience: Use cards for a consistent look and feel across all data displays

📦 Installation & Configuration

Getting an API Key

1. Log in to your Slide account
2. Navigate to your account settings
3. Generate your API key from the API section

🎯 Quick Setup with Claude Desktop

🖥️ GUI Installer (Recommended)

For the easiest installation experience, use our cross-platform GUI installer with native desktop integration:

macOS

1. Download the installer: From the latest release

   • Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3/M4): slide-mcp-installer-v2.3.2-darwin-arm64-signed.tar.gz
   • Intel Mac: slide-mcp-installer-v2.3.2-darwin-amd64-signed.tar.gz

2. Extract and run:

   tar -xzf slide-mcp-installer-v2.3.2-darwin-[arch]-signed.tar.gz
   open slide-mcp-installer.app
   

3. Enter your API key: Input your Slide API key when prompted

4. Install: Click "Install Slide MCP Server"

5. Restart Claude Desktop: The installer will configure everything automatically

Windows

1. Download the installer: From the latest release

   • 64-bit: slide-mcp-installer-v2.3.2-windows-amd64.zip

2. Extract and run:

   • Extract the ZIP file
   • Run slide-mcp-installer.exe

3. Enter your API key: Input your Slide API key when prompted

4. Install: Click "Install Slide MCP Server"

5. Restart Claude Desktop: The installer will configure everything automatically

The GUI installer provides:

• ✅ Smart Detection: Automatically detects Claude Desktop installation and existing configurations
• ✅ Native Integration: Proper .app bundle on macOS with icon support, no terminal windows
• ✅ Automatic Download: Fetches the latest slide-mcp-server binary for your platform
• ✅ Intelligent Installation: Installs to the correct location with proper permissions
• ✅ Configuration Management: Updates Claude Desktop configuration seamlessly
• ✅ API Key Management: Shows current API key status and allows easy updates
• ✅ Progress Tracking: Visual progress bar and status updates during installation
• ✅ Clean Uninstall: Complete removal of server and configuration when needed
• ✅ Cross-Platform: Available for Windows, macOS (Intel & Apple Silicon), and Linux

Manual Installation

Download Pre-built Binary (v2.3.2)

For macOS ARM64 (Apple Silicon):

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-arm64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-arm64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-arm64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-arm64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-arm64 slide-mcp-server

For macOS x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-x64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-x64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-x64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-x64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-macos-x64 slide-mcp-server

For Linux x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-x64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-x64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-x64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-x64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-x64 slide-mcp-server

For Linux ARM64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-arm64.tar.gz https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-arm64.tar.gz
tar -xzf slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-arm64.tar.gz
chmod +x slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-arm64
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-linux-arm64 slide-mcp-server

For Windows x64:

curl -L -o slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-windows-x64.zip https://github.com/amcchord/slideMCP/releases/latest/download/slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-windows-x64.zip
unzip slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-windows-x64.zip
mv slide-mcp-server-v2.3.2-windows-x64.exe slide-mcp-server.exe

Build from Source

git clone https://github.com/austinmcchord/slide-mcp-server.git
cd slide-mcp-server
make build
# Binary will be in build/slide-mcp-server

Claude Desktop Configuration

Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

If installed system-wide:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

With custom permission mode and disabled tools:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "env": {
        "SLIDE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "SLIDE_TOOLS": "reporting",
        "SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS": "slide_accounts,slide_users"
      }
    }
  }
}

Or using CLI arguments:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slide": {
      "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
      "args": [
        "--api-key", "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE",
        "--tools", "full-safe", 
        "--disabled-tools", "slide_agents,slide_backups"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Test Your Installation

# Set your API key
export SLIDE_API_KEY="your-api-key-here"

# Test the server
echo '{"jsonrpc":"2.0","id":1,"method":"initialize","params":{}}' | ./slide-mcp-server

# Should respond with server info and capabilities

🔧 CLI Arguments & Configuration

The Slide MCP Server supports several command-line arguments for flexible configuration:

Command Line Arguments

# Basic usage with API key
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_API_KEY

# All available flags
./slide-mcp-server [OPTIONS]

Flag	Description	Environment Variable	Default
--api-key	Slide API key for authentication	SLIDE_API_KEY	Required
--base-url	Base URL for Slide API endpoint	SLIDE_BASE_URL	https://api.slide.tech
--tools	Permission mode for tool access	SLIDE_TOOLS	full-safe
--disabled-tools	Comma-separated list of tools to disable	SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS	None
--enable-presentation	Enable the slide_presentation tool	SLIDE_ENABLE_PRESENTATION	false
--enable-reports	Enable the slide_reports tool	SLIDE_ENABLE_REPORTS	false
--version	Show version information and exit	-	-

Priority: CLI flags take precedence over environment variables.

Examples

# Using CLI flags
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --base-url https://custom.api.endpoint --tools reporting

# Using environment variables
export SLIDE_API_KEY="sk_test_123"
export SLIDE_BASE_URL="https://custom.api.endpoint" 
export SLIDE_TOOLS="reporting"
./slide-mcp-server

# Mixed usage (CLI overrides environment)
export SLIDE_TOOLS="full"
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --tools reporting  # Uses reporting mode

# Disable specific tools
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --disabled-tools "slide_agents,slide_backups"

# Enable presentation and reports tools (disabled by default)
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --enable-presentation --enable-reports

# Enable only the presentation tool
./slide-mcp-server --api-key sk_test_123 --enable-presentation

# Show version
./slide-mcp-server --version
# Output: slide-mcp-server version 2.3.2

🚫 Disabling Specific Tools

In addition to permission modes, you can disable specific tools entirely using the --disabled-tools flag or SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS environment variable. This provides fine-grained control over which tools are available.

Usage Examples

# Disable specific tools via CLI flag
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --disabled-tools "slide_agents,slide_backups"

# Disable tools via environment variable
export SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS="slide_devices,slide_users"
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY

# Combined with permission modes
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_snapshots"

# Whitespace is handled gracefully
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --disabled-tools " slide_agents , slide_backups , slide_devices "

Available Tool Names

• slide_agents - Agent management
• slide_backups - Backup operations
• slide_snapshots - Snapshot management
• slide_restores - File and image restoration
• slide_networks - Network management
• slide_user_management - User and account management
• slide_alerts - Alert monitoring
• slide_devices - Device management
• slide_vms - Virtual machine management
• slide_presentation - Data presentation and reporting
• slide_meta - Meta tools for reporting and aggregated data views
• slide_reports - Pre-calculated backup/snapshot statistics and reports
• slide_docs - Access to official Slide documentation
• list_all_clients_devices_and_agents - Hierarchical overview (legacy, use slide_meta instead)

Key Features

• Precedence: CLI flags take precedence over environment variables
• Whitespace Handling: Extra spaces around tool names are automatically trimmed
• Error Messages: Clear error messages when attempting to use disabled tools
• Combined Filtering: Works alongside permission modes for layered access control
• Transparency: Logs which tools are disabled on server startup

Use Cases

# Create a read-only server that can't access sensitive data
./slide-mcp-server --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_accounts,slide_users"

# Allow restores but prevent network changes
./slide-mcp-server --tools restores --disabled-tools "slide_networks"

# Monitoring setup that excludes VM management
./slide-mcp-server --tools reporting --disabled-tools "slide_vms,slide_networks"

When a disabled tool is called, the server returns:

{
  "error": {
    "code": -32601,
    "message": "Tool 'slide_agents' is disabled"
  }
}

🎯 Enabling Presentation & Reports Tools

The slide_presentation and slide_reports tools are disabled by default and must be explicitly enabled using CLI flags or environment variables. This design prevents accidental exposure of potentially sensitive reporting capabilities.

Why These Tools Are Disabled by Default

• slide_presentation: Provides advanced formatting and templating capabilities that could potentially be misused for data extraction or system information gathering
• slide_reports: Generates comprehensive system reports that may contain sensitive operational data

Enabling These Tools

# Enable both tools via CLI flags
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --enable-presentation --enable-reports

# Enable only presentation tool
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --enable-presentation  

# Enable only reports tool
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --enable-reports

# Enable via environment variables
export SLIDE_ENABLE_PRESENTATION=true
export SLIDE_ENABLE_REPORTS=true
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY

# CLI flags take precedence over environment variables
export SLIDE_ENABLE_PRESENTATION=false
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --enable-presentation  # Presentation tool will be enabled

Combined with Other Options

# Enable with specific tools mode
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools reporting --enable-presentation --enable-reports

# Enable while disabling other tools
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --enable-reports --disabled-tools "slide_agents,slide_backups"

🔒 Permission Modes

The server includes a sophisticated permission system with four distinct access levels:

Permission Levels

reporting - Read-Only Access

Use Case: Monitoring, reporting, and dashboard integrations

• ✅ Allowed: All read operations (list, get, browse)
• ❌ Blocked: All create, update, delete operations
• ❌ Blocked: Power control operations

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools reporting

restores - Data Recovery & VM Management

Use Case: IT support teams performing data recovery and VM management

• ✅ Allowed: All reporting operations
• ✅ Allowed: VM management (create, update, delete)
• ✅ Allowed: File restore operations
• ✅ Allowed: Image export operations
• ✅ Allowed: Network management
• ✅ Allowed: Device management (updates only)
• ✅ Allowed: Agent management (create, pair, update)
• ✅ Allowed: Backup management
• ❌ Blocked: Device power control (poweroff, reboot)
• ❌ Blocked: Account/client management
• ❌ Blocked: Alert resolution
• ❌ Blocked: Agent deletion
• ❌ Blocked: Snapshot deletion

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools restores

full-safe - Comprehensive Access (Default)

Use Case: General administration with safety guardrails

• ✅ Allowed: All operations except dangerous ones
• ❌ Blocked: Agent deletion (prevents accidental backup disruption)
• ❌ Blocked: Snapshot deletion (prevents data loss)
• ❌ Blocked: Device power control (prevents accidental shutdowns)

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools full-safe
# OR simply (default mode)
./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY

full - Complete Access

Use Case: Advanced administrators who need unrestricted access

• ✅ Allowed: All operations including dangerous ones
• ⚠️ Warning: Includes agent and snapshot deletion

./slide-mcp-server --api-key YOUR_KEY --tools full

Permission Matrix

Operation Category	reporting	restores	full-safe	full
List/Get/Browse	✅	✅	✅	✅
Device Power Control	❌	❌	❌	✅
VM Management	❌	✅	✅	✅
Network Management	❌	✅	✅	✅
File Restores	❌	✅	✅	✅
Image Exports	❌	✅	✅	✅
Backup Jobs	❌	✅	✅	✅
Account Management	❌	❌	✅	✅
Alert Resolution	❌	❌	✅	✅
Agent Creation/Updates	❌	✅	✅	✅
Agent Deletion	❌	❌	❌	✅
Snapshot Deletion	❌	❌	❌	✅

Security Recommendations

• Production Monitoring: Use reporting mode for read-only dashboards and monitoring systems
• Support Teams: Use restores mode for IT support staff performing data recovery
• General Administration: Use full-safe mode (default) for most administrative tasks
• Advanced Users Only: Use full mode only when agent or snapshot deletion is specifically required

Usage with VS Code

For VS Code integration, add the following JSON block to your User Settings (JSON) file. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + Shift + P and typing Preferences: Open User Settings (JSON).

Optionally, you can add it to a file called .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace. This will allow you to share the configuration with others.

Note that the mcp key is not needed in the .vscode/mcp.json file.

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "slide_api_key",
        "description": "Slide API Key",
        "password": true
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "slide": {
        "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
        "env": {
          "SLIDE_API_KEY": "${input:slide_api_key}"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

With custom configuration and disabled tools:

{
  "mcp": {
    "inputs": [
      {
        "type": "promptString",
        "id": "slide_api_key",
        "description": "Slide API Key",
        "password": true
      }
    ],
    "servers": {
      "slide": {
        "command": "/path/to/slide-mcp-server",
        "env": {
          "SLIDE_API_KEY": "${input:slide_api_key}",
          "SLIDE_TOOLS": "reporting",
          "SLIDE_DISABLED_TOOLS": "slide_accounts,slide_users"
        }
      }
    }
  }
}

💡 Usage Examples

List All Devices

{
  "name": "slide_devices",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "list",
    "limit": 20,
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Create a Network with VPN

{
  "name": "slide_networks",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create",
    "name": "Development Network",
    "type": "standard",
    "router_prefix": "192.168.100.1/24",
    "dhcp": true,
    "dhcp_range_start": "192.168.100.10",
    "dhcp_range_end": "192.168.100.200",
    "wg": true,
    "wg_prefix": "10.100.0.0/24",
    "client_id": "client-123"
  }
}

Create VM from Snapshot

{
  "name": "slide_vms",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create",
    "snapshot_id": "snapshot-456",
    "device_id": "device-789",
    "cpu_count": 4,
    "memory_in_mb": 8192,
    "network_type": "network-id",
    "network_source": "network-123"
  }
}

Generate RDP Bookmark for VM

{
  "name": "slide_vms",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_rdp_bookmark",
    "virt_id": "vm-123"
  }
}

Search Documentation

{
  "name": "slide_docs",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "search_docs",
    "query": "backup retention policies"
  }
}

🆕 What's New in v2.4.0

🎯 LLM Optimization

• Streamlined Tool Descriptions: All tool descriptions optimized for modern LLMs with concise, action-oriented language
• Consistent Format: Standardized description format across all 13 meta-tools for better LLM comprehension
• Reduced Verbosity: Tool descriptions reduced by 60-80% while maintaining clarity
• Faster Tool Selection: LLMs can now select the right tool more quickly with clearer, more focused descriptions

🔧 MCP Protocol Enhancements

• Enhanced Capabilities: Added MCP protocol capabilities metadata for better client integration
• Richer Initial Context: Startup context now includes tools mode, API base URL, and cache metadata
• Better Performance: Initial context loading provides immediate infrastructure overview at startup

🚀 Unified Release Automation

• One-Command Release: New release-all-in-one.sh script handles complete release workflow
• Automated Version Management: Auto-increment patch version or specify custom version
• Integrated Workflow: Commits, builds, signs, packages, and publishes to GitHub in one step
• Dry-Run Mode: Test release process without making changes
• Flexible Options: Skip tests, local-only builds, and more

📚 Previous Features (v2.3.x)

• Initial Context Loading for faster startup
• RDP Bookmark Generation for VM access
• Built-in Documentation Access via slide_docs tool
• Cross-Platform GUI Installer

Start Backup Job

{
  "name": "slide_backups",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "start",
    "agent_id": "agent-456"
  }
}

Export Snapshot as VHD Image

{
  "name": "slide_restores",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "create_image",
    "snapshot_id": "snapshot-789",
    "device_id": "device-123",
    "image_type": "vhd-dynamic",
    "boot_remove_passwords": true
  }
}

Display Agent Status Card

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_card",
    "card_type": "agent"
  }
}

Generate Multiple Devices Overview

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_card",
    "card_type": "devices_table"
  }
}

Create Runbook Template

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_runbook_template",
    "format": "markdown"
  }
}

Generate Daily Report Template

{
  "name": "slide_presentation",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "get_daily_report_template",
    "format": "html"
  }
}

Generate Backup Reports

{
  "name": "slide_reports",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "daily_backup_snapshot",
    "agent_id": "agent-123",
    "format": "markdown"
  }
}

Search Documentation

{
  "name": "slide_docs",
  "arguments": {
    "operation": "search_docs",
    "query": "backup retention policies"
  }
}

Documentation System

The MCP server includes a comprehensive documentation access system through the slide_docs tool. The documentation system has been enhanced with contextual descriptions to help LLMs make better choices when navigating between similar-sounding sections.

Enhanced Context Features

1. Section Descriptions: Each documentation section now includes a detailed description explaining its purpose

   • Example: "Slide Console > Networks" is clarified as "managing virtual networks on Slide devices/cloud"
   • Example: "Product > Networking" is clarified as "network infrastructure requirements and prerequisites"

2. Topic Descriptions: Ambiguous topic names include contextual descriptions

   • Topics like "Networks (Managing Networks)" vs "Networking (Requirements)" are clearly differentiated

3. Context-Aware Search: Search results include section and topic descriptions to help identify the correct documentation

4. Improved Navigation: The LLM can now better distinguish between:

   • Configuration vs Requirements documentation
   • Console UI features vs System prerequisites
   • User management vs Client organization management

Testing Documentation Context

Run the test script to verify the context improvements:

./test_scripts/test_docs_context.sh

Build

# Build for current platform
make build

# Build for all platforms
make build-all

# Create release packages
make release

# View available commands
make help

Release Process

Unified Release Script (Recommended)

The release-all-in-one.sh script automates the entire release workflow:

# Auto-increment patch version and create release
./scripts/release-all-in-one.sh

# Release specific version
./scripts/release-all-in-one.sh v2.5.0

# Test release process without making changes
./scripts/release-all-in-one.sh --dry-run v2.5.0

# Build locally without pushing to GitHub
./scripts/release-all-in-one.sh --no-push

# Re-release existing version (overwrite tag and GitHub release)
./scripts/release-all-in-one.sh --force v2.5.0

What it does:

1. Checks prerequisites (Go, GitHub CLI, jq)
2. Validates git status (clean working directory, on main branch)
3. Updates version numbers in Makefile and config.go
4. Runs tests (optional with --skip-tests)
5. Commits version changes
6. Builds binaries for all platforms
7. Signs and notarizes macOS binaries (if credentials provided)
8. Creates release packages (.tar.gz for Unix, .zip for Windows)
9. Generates SHA256 checksums
10. Creates release notes from git history
11. Tags the release
12. Pushes to GitHub
13. Creates GitHub release with all assets

Environment Variables (REQUIRED for releases):

• APPLE_ID: Apple ID for macOS notarization
• APP_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD: App-specific password for notarization

⚠️ Important: macOS binaries MUST be signed and notarized to work on user systems. The script enforces this requirement and will fail if credentials are not provided. For local testing only, use --no-push --skip-macos-signing.

Setting Up Credentials (One-Time Setup):

# Option 1: Use credentials file (Recommended - saves credentials locally)
# File is already created at scripts/release-env.sh and gitignored for security
source scripts/release-env.sh

# Option 2: Set manually each time
export APPLE_ID='your-apple-id@example.com'
export APP_SPECIFIC_PASSWORD='xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx'

Getting Apple Credentials:

1. Apple ID: Your Apple Developer account email
2. App-Specific Password:
   • Go to appleid.apple.com
   • Sign in and navigate to Security section
   • Click "Generate Password" under App-Specific Passwords
   • Copy the generated password (format: xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx)
3. Developer ID Certificate: Install from Apple Developer account
   • Required for code signing
   • Must be "Developer ID Application" certificate

Security Note: The scripts/release-env.sh file is gitignored and will never be committed to the repository.

Options:

• --dry-run: Simulate without making changes
• --skip-tests: Skip running tests
• --no-push: Build locally without GitHub operations
• --skip-macos-signing: Skip signing (TESTING ONLY, must use with --no-push)
• --force or -f: Force overwrite existing release (deletes tag and GitHub release)
• --help: Show detailed help

Manual Release (Legacy)

For manual control, use the existing automated-release.sh script (see scripts/RELEASE_README.md).

Architecture Benefits

For LLMs

• Reduced Complexity: 14 meta-tools vs 52+ individual tools
• Logical Grouping: Related operations organized together
• Consistent Interface: All meta-tools follow the same operation pattern
• Better Context: Less tool switching, more focused conversations

For Developers

• Maintainable: Each meta-tool in its own file
• Extensible: Easy to add new operations to existing categories
• Backward Compatible: All original functionality preserved
• Schema Validation: Conditional parameter validation per operation

License

This MCP server is licensed under the MIT License. This means you are free to use, modify, and distribute the software, subject to the terms and conditions of the MIT License. For more details, please see the LICENSE file in the project repository.