Offers a complementary approach to Git with simpler, AI-focused backup capabilities for code. Unlike Git, the system creates instant backups with agent context without requiring commit messages or repository initialization, suitable for emergency 'save points' during edits.
Uses npm for installation and dependencies, with configuration settings for the MCP server that can be managed through npm scripts and environment variables.
Provides backup and restoration capabilities for TypeScript files, allowing targeted backups with pattern filtering (*.ts) and preserving agent context when making critical changes to TypeScript code.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@MCP Backup Serverbackup the src folder before refactoring the authentication module"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
MCP Backup Server
A specialized MCP server that provides backup and restoration capabilities for AI agents and code editing tools. Tested in both Cursor and Windsurf editors.
Repository: https://github.com/hexitex/MCP-Backup-Server
Why Use This (Not Git)
This system serves a different purpose than Git:
Pros:
Creates instant, targeted backups with agent context
Simpler than Git for single-operation safety
Preserves thought process and intent in backups
No commit messages or branching required
Better for AI agents making critical changes
Works without repository initialization
Faster for emergency "save points" during edits
Cons:
Not for long-term version tracking
Limited collaboration features
No merging or conflict resolution
No distributed backup capabilities
Not a replacement for proper version control
Stores complete file copies rather than diffs
When to use: Before risky edits, folder restructuring, or when you need quick safety backups with context.
When to use Git instead: For proper version history, collaboration, and project management.
Related MCP server: Memory Bank MCP Server
Features
Preserves agent context and reasoning
Creates targeted, minimal backups
Supports file and folder operations
Maintains version history
Provides restore safety
Uses pattern filtering
Tracks operations
Allows cancellation
Setup
Installing via Smithery
To install Backup Server for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:
npx -y @smithery/cli install @hexitex/MCP-Backup-Server --client claudeInstalling Manually
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Build TypeScript files
npm run build
# Start the backup server
npm startConfig
Env:
BACKUP_DIR: Backup directory (./.code_backups)EMERGENCY_BACKUP_DIR: Emergency backups (./.code_emergency_backups)MAX_VERSIONS: Version limit (10)
Configure in editor:
Windsurf MCP config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"backup": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["./dist/index.js"],
"env": {
"BACKUP_DIR": "./.code_backups",
"EMERGENCY_BACKUP_DIR": "./.code_emergency_backups",
"MAX_VERSIONS": "20"
}
}
}
}Cursor: Create .cursor/mcp.json with similar config.
Tools
File Operations
backup_create: Create backup with contextbackup_list: List available backupsbackup_restore: Restore with safety backup
Folder Operations
backup_folder_create: Backup with pattern filteringbackup_folder_list: List folder backupsbackup_folder_restore: Restore folder structure
Management
backup_list_all: List all backupsmcp_cancel: Cancel operations
When to Use Backups
Only create backups when truly needed:
Before Refactoring: When changing important code
Before Removing Folders: When reorganizing project structure
Multiple Related Changes: When updating several connected files
Resuming Major Work: When continuing significant changes
Before Restores: Create safety backup before restoring
Keep backups minimal and purposeful. Document why each backup is needed.
Rules for Copy-Paste
Always try to use the backup MCP server for operations that require a backup, listing backups and restoring backups.
Only backup before critical code changes, folder removal, changes to multiple related files, resuming major work, or restoring files.
Keep backups minimal and focused only on files being changed.
Always provide clear context for why a backup is being created.
Use pattern filters to exclude irrelevant files from folder backups.
Use relative file paths when creating backups.
Create emergency backups before restore operations.
Clean up old backups to maintain system efficiency.
Backup tools: backup_create, backup_list, backup_restore, backup_folder_create, backup_folder_list, backup_folder_restore, backup_list_all, mcp_cancel.For Human Users
Simple commands like these at the start you may have to mention MCP tool
# Back up an important file
"Back up my core file before refactoring"
# Back up a folder before changes
"Create backup of the API folder before restructuring"
# Find previous backups
"Show me my recent backups"
# Restore a previous version
"Restore my core file from this morning"Agent Examples
Quick Backups
// Before project changes
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_folder_create",
"parameters": {
"folder_path": "./src",
"include_pattern": "*.{js,ts}",
"exclude_pattern": "{node_modules,dist,test}/**",
"agent_context": "Start auth changes"
}
}
// Before core fix
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_create",
"parameters": {
"file_path": "./src/core.js",
"agent_context": "Fix validation"
}
}Resume Session
// View recent work
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_list_all",
"parameters": {
"include_pattern": "src/**/*.js"
}
}
// Get last version
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_restore",
"parameters": {
"file_path": "./src/core.js",
"timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
"create_emergency_backup": true
}
}Core Changes
// Critical update
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_create",
"parameters": {
"file_path": "./src/core.js",
"agent_context": "Add validation"
}
}
// Module update
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_folder_create",
"parameters": {
"folder_path": "./src/api",
"include_pattern": "*.js",
"exclude_pattern": "test/**",
"agent_context": "Refactor modules"
}
}Restore Points
// Check versions
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_list",
"parameters": {
"file_path": "./src/core.js"
}
}
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_folder_list",
"parameters": {
"folder_path": "./src/api"
}
}
// File restore
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_restore",
"parameters": {
"file_path": "./src/core.js",
"timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
"create_emergency_backup": true
}
}
// Folder restore
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_folder_restore",
"parameters": {
"folder_path": "./src/api",
"timestamp": "20250310-055950-000",
"create_emergency_backup": true
}
}Manage
// List recent
{
"name": "mcp0_backup_list_all",
"parameters": {
"include_pattern": "src/**/*.js"
}
}
// Stop backup
{
"name": "mcp0_mcp_cancel",
"parameters": {
"operationId": "backup_1234"
}
}License
MIT