# Installation Guide for Claude-LMStudio Bridge
This guide provides detailed instructions for setting up the Claude-LMStudio Bridge MCP server.
## Installing the MCP Python SDK
The primary issue users face is not having the MCP module installed properly. Here are different ways to install it:
### Using uv (Recommended)
`uv` is a modern Python package installer that's recommended for MCP development:
```bash
# Install uv if you don't have it
pip install uv
# Install the MCP SDK with CLI support
uv add "mcp[cli]"
```
### Using pip
Alternatively, you can use pip:
```bash
pip install "mcp[cli]"
```
## Verifying Installation
After installation, verify that the module is correctly installed:
```bash
python -c "import mcp; print(mcp.__version__)"
```
This should print the version of the MCP SDK if it's installed correctly.
## Ensuring the Correct Environment
Make sure you're using the correct Python environment:
1. If using a virtual environment, activate it before running your script:
```bash
# Activate virtual environment
source venv/bin/activate # For Mac/Linux
# or
venv\Scripts\activate # For Windows
```
2. Verify the Python path to ensure you're using the expected Python interpreter:
```bash
which python # On Mac/Linux
where python # On Windows
```
## Testing the Installation
Run the test script to verify your setup:
```bash
python test_mcp.py
```
If this works successfully, you should be ready to run the server.
## Common Issues and Solutions
1. **ModuleNotFoundError: No module named 'mcp'**
- The MCP module isn't installed in your current Python environment
- Solution: Install the MCP SDK as described above
2. **MCP installed but still getting import errors**
- You might be running Python from a different environment
- Solution: Check which Python is being used with `which python` and make sure your virtual environment is activated
3. **Error loading the server in Claude**
- Make sure you're using absolute paths in your Claude Desktop configuration
- Check that the server is executable and that Python has permission to access it