python-rewrite-strategy.md•5.62 kB
# Claude Server MCP: Python Rewrite Strategy
## Overview
This document outlines the strategy for rewriting the Claude Server MCP from JavaScript/TypeScript to Python. This fundamental change will allow for improved maintainability, better performance, and integration with Python-based AI tooling.
## Technology Stack
### Core Technologies
- **Language**: Python 3.10+ (for stability and modern features)
- **Data Validation**: Pydantic (for schema definition and validation)
- **API Framework**: FastAPI (for async capabilities and automatic OpenAPI docs)
- **Storage**: JSON-based file storage initially with a path to SQLite/PostgreSQL
### Potential Integrations
- **Pydantic AI**: Explore AI-enhanced schema generation and validation
- **LangChain/LlamaIndex**: For potential context management enhancements
- **Session Management**: Custom solution for Claude session tracking
## Feature Migration Map
| Current Feature | Migration Priority | Notes |
|-----------------|-------------------|-------|
| Basic MCP Protocol | High | Core functionality for client communication |
| Context Storage | High | Essential but needs redesign for better UX |
| Project Context Management | Medium | Useful but needs better UX |
| Context Tagging | Medium | Beneficial for organization |
| Parent-Child Relationships | Low | Advanced feature, can come later |
| Reference Linking | Low | Advanced feature, can come later |
| Cross-session Context | High | Critical UX improvement needed |
## UX Improvements
### Session Management Challenges
Current implementation requires:
1. A Claude session ID for context association
2. Manual tracking of project IDs
3. Explicit context loading in new sessions
### Proposed Solutions
1. **Automatic Session Association**
   - Use conversation fingerprinting to associate contexts
   - Create persistent client identifiers
   - Build intelligence to suggest relevant contexts
2. **Context Discovery**
   - Implement search by content/keywords
   - Create context browsing capabilities
   - Add smart context recommendations
3. **Simplified API**
   - Reduce required parameters
   - Add sensible defaults
   - Implement progressive disclosure pattern
## Implementation Approach
### Phase 1: Core Infrastructure (2-4 weeks)
1. **Setup Python Project Structure**
   - Define module organization
   - Setup dependency management
   - Configure development environment
2. **Implement MCP Protocol Basics**
   - Create MCP server in Python
   - Implement basic tools interface 
   - Ensure protocol compatibility
3. **Create Storage Layer**
   - Design improved storage schema
   - Implement file-based storage
   - Create migration tool for existing data
### Phase 2: Feature Implementation (4-6 weeks)
1. **Context Management Core**
   - Implement context CRUD operations
   - Add tagging and organization
   - Design improved context schema
2. **Session Management**
   - Create session tracking mechanism
   - Implement context association logic
   - Build session persistence
3. **Improved UX Tools**
   - Create context discovery tools
   - Implement smart recommendations
   - Build context search capabilities
### Phase 3: Advanced Features (6-8 weeks)
1. **Relationship Management**
   - Implement parent-child relationships
   - Add cross-references between contexts
   - Create context graphs
2. **AI Enhancements**
   - Integrate Pydantic AI (if viable)
   - Add intelligent context suggestions
   - Implement semantic search
3. **Production Hardening**
   - Add comprehensive error handling
   - Implement security features
   - Performance optimization
## Technical Considerations
### Pydantic Integration
Pydantic will provide several benefits:
- Strong type validation for MCP messages
- Schema definition and enforcement
- JSON serialization/deserialization
- Integration with FastAPI (if used for admin interface)
### Pydantic AI Exploration
Need to investigate:
- Current stability and production readiness
- Benefits for context schema definition
- Potential for intelligent context processing
- Any licensing or deployment limitations
### Storage Considerations
1. **Initial Approach**
   - JSON files for simplicity and continuity 
   - Improved directory structure
   - Better indexing for performance
2. **Future Options**
   - SQLite for embedded database
   - PostgreSQL for larger installations
   - Vector database for semantic search
## Migration Strategy
### For Existing Users
1. Provide a migration tool to convert existing context files
2. Document the transition process clearly
3. Maintain backward compatibility where possible
4. Provide a clear deprecation timeline
### For New Users
1. Simplified onboarding process
2. Reduced dependency on Claude session IDs
3. Better documentation and examples
4. Improved error messages and guidance
## Success Metrics
- **Usability**: Significantly reduced friction in context management
- **Session Handling**: Seamless context persistence across sessions
- **Performance**: Equal or better performance compared to Node.js version
- **Maintainability**: Cleaner, well-documented Python codebase
- **Extensibility**: Clear paths for feature additions and customization
## Conclusion
The Python rewrite represents a significant opportunity to address the core UX challenges in the current implementation while improving maintainability and extensibility. By focusing on session management and context discovery, we can create a much more intuitive and useful tool that enhances Claude's capabilities without requiring users to manage technical details like session IDs.