Stata-MCP

# Stata Package Installation ## Overview The package installation module provides a convenient way to install Stata packages from the Statistical Software Components (SSC) archive. It supports automated package installation within Stata-MCP workflows, making it easy to extend Stata's functionality programmatically. ## Key Features ### SSC Archive Integration Directly installs packages from the Boston College Statistical Software Components archive: - **Automatic Installation**: Installs packages with a single command - **Dependency Handling**: Stata's package manager handles dependencies automatically - **Version Management**: Supports updating existing packages with the `replace` option ### Cross-Platform Support Works on all supported operating systems: - **Windows**: Full support through Stata's batch execution mode - **macOS**: Native support through Stata CLI - **Linux**: Native support through Stata CLI ### Installation Verification The module provides built-in verification to ensure successful installation: - Checks for installation success messages - Handles already-installed packages gracefully - Returns clear status messages for troubleshooting ## Use Cases - **Automated Setup**: Install required packages in automated research workflows - **Environment Initialization**: Prepare Stata environments with necessary packages - **Missing Package Recovery**: Automatically install packages when commands are not found - **CI/CD Pipelines**: Set up consistent Stata environments in automated testing ## How It Works 1. **Command Construction**: Builds the appropriate `ssc install {package}` command 2. **Stata Execution**: Sends the installation command to Stata CLI 3. **Result Verification**: Checks the output for success indicators 4. **Status Reporting**: Returns the installation status and any messages ## Installation Behavior By default, the installer uses the `replace` option: - **New Packages**: Installs the package for the first time - **Existing Packages**: Replaces with the latest version from SSC - **Up-to-Date Packages**: Skips installation if already at the latest version ## Common Packages Some frequently installed packages include: - **`estout`**: Regression and estimation tables - **`outreg2`**: Alternative regression table output - **`coefplot`**: Coefficient plots - **`tabout`**: Export tables to various formats - **`graphexport`**: Enhanced graph export options ## Error Handling The module handles common installation scenarios: - Package not found on SSC - Network connectivity issues - File permission problems - Stata license limitations ## Example Workflow ```stata // Install a package ssc install estout // The module handles: // 1. Downloading from SSC // 2. Installing to your Stata ado directory // 3. Setting up help files // 4. Verifying installation ``` ## Notes - Requires internet connection for SSC access - Installation speed depends on package size and network connection - Some packages may have additional system requirements - Always verify package functionality after installation