KiCAD-MCP-Server

# Changelog - 2025-11-30 ## IPC Backend Implementation - Real-time UI Synchronization This release implements the **KiCAD IPC API backend**, enabling real-time UI synchronization between the MCP server and KiCAD. Changes made through MCP tools now appear **instantly** in the KiCAD UI without requiring manual reload. ### Major Features #### Real-time UI Sync via IPC API - **Instant updates**: Tracks, vias, components, and text appear immediately in KiCAD - **No reload required**: Eliminates the manual File > Reload workflow - **Transaction support**: Operations can be grouped for single undo/redo steps - **Auto-detection**: Server automatically uses IPC when KiCAD is running with IPC enabled #### Automatic Backend Selection - IPC backend is now the **default** when available - Transparent fallback to SWIG when IPC unavailable - Environment variable `KICAD_BACKEND` for explicit control: - `auto` (default): Try IPC first, fall back to SWIG - `ipc`: Force IPC only - `swig`: Force SWIG only (deprecated) #### Commands with IPC Support The following commands now automatically use IPC for real-time updates: | Command | Description | |---------|-------------| | `route_trace` | Add traces with instant UI update | | `add_via` | Add vias with instant UI update | | `add_text` / `add_board_text` | Add text with instant UI update | | `set_board_size` | Set board size with instant outline update | | `get_board_info` | Read live board data | | `place_component` | Place components with instant UI update | | `move_component` | Move components with instant UI update | | `delete_component` | Delete components with instant UI update | | `get_component_list` | Read live component list | | `save_project` | Save via IPC | ### New Files - `python/kicad_api/ipc_backend.py` - Complete IPC backend implementation (~870 lines) - `python/test_ipc_backend.py` - Test script for IPC functionality - `docs/IPC_BACKEND_STATUS.md` - Implementation status documentation ### Modified Files - `python/kicad_interface.py` - Added IPC integration and automatic command routing - `python/kicad_api/base.py` - Added routing and transaction methods to base class - `python/kicad_api/factory.py` - Fixed kipy module detection - `docs/ROADMAP.md` - Updated Week 3 status to complete ### Dependencies - Added `kicad-python>=0.5.0` - Official KiCAD IPC API Python library ### Requirements To use real-time mode: 1. KiCAD 9.0+ must be running 2. Enable IPC API: `Preferences > Plugins > Enable IPC API Server` 3. Have a board open in PCB editor ### Deprecation Notice The **SWIG backend is now deprecated**: - Will continue to work as fallback - No new features will be added to SWIG path - Will be removed when KiCAD 10.0 drops SWIG support ### Testing Run the IPC test script: ```bash ./venv/bin/python python/test_ipc_backend.py ``` Or test individual commands: ```bash echo '{"command": "get_backend_info", "params": {}}' | \ PYTHONPATH=python ./venv/bin/python python/kicad_interface.py ``` ### Breaking Changes None. All existing commands continue to work. IPC is used transparently when available. --- **Version:** 2.1.0-alpha **Date:** 2025-11-30