# Getting Started with Simplenote MCP Server
This tutorial will help you set up and use the Simplenote MCP Server with Claude Desktop.
## Prerequisites
- Python 3.10 or higher
- Claude Desktop app
- Simplenote account
## Quick Start
### 1. Install the Server
```bash
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/yourusername/simplenote-mcp-server.git
cd simplenote-mcp-server
# Install using pip
pip install -e .
# Or use Docker (recommended)
docker build -t simplenote-mcp-server .
```
### 2. Configure Claude Desktop
Add to your Claude Desktop config file:
- macOS: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
- Windows: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"simplenote": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "simplenote_mcp.server"],
"env": {
"SIMPLENOTE_EMAIL": "your-email@example.com",
"SIMPLENOTE_PASSWORD": "your-password"
}
}
}
}
```
For Docker setup:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"simplenote": {
"command": "docker",
"args": ["run", "--rm", "-i", "simplenote-mcp-server"],
"env": {
"SIMPLENOTE_EMAIL": "your-email@example.com",
"SIMPLENOTE_PASSWORD": "your-password"
}
}
}
}
```
### 3. Restart Claude Desktop
After updating the config, restart Claude Desktop to load the server.
## Basic Usage
In Claude Desktop, you can now:
### Create Notes
```
Can you create a note titled "Meeting Notes" with today's action items?
```
### Search Notes
```
Search for all notes containing "project update"
```
### Update Notes
```
Update my "Todo List" note to add "Review documentation"
```
### Get Specific Notes
```
Show me the contents of my "Ideas" note
```
### Delete Notes
```
Delete the note titled "Old Meeting Notes"
```
## Verifying Setup
1. Check if the server is running:
```bash
./simplenote_mcp/scripts/check_server_pid.sh
```
2. View server logs:
```bash
./simplenote_mcp/scripts/watch_logs.sh
```
3. Test tools are available:
```bash
./simplenote_mcp/scripts/verify_tools.sh
```
## Troubleshooting
### Server Not Connecting
- Verify credentials in config file
- Check logs: `tail -f ~/.cache/simplenote-mcp/server.log`
- Ensure only one server instance is running
### Tools Not Available
- Restart Claude Desktop
- Run cleanup script: `./simplenote_mcp/scripts/cleanup_servers.sh`
- Verify MCP server appears in Claude's server list
### Authentication Issues
- Double-check email and password
- Ensure no special characters need escaping in JSON
- Try logging into Simplenote web to verify credentials
## Example Workflow
1. **Capture Ideas**
```
Create a note called "Project Ideas" and add:
- Mobile app redesign
- API performance optimization
- User onboarding improvements
```
2. **Organize Tasks**
```
Search for all notes with "todo" and create a summary
```
3. **Update Progress**
```
Update "Sprint Tasks" note - mark "Database migration" as complete
```
## Next Steps
- Explore the [full documentation](README.md)
- Check available [scripts](simplenote_mcp/scripts/) for automation
- Review [CLAUDE.md](CLAUDE.md) for development guidelines
