Prompt++ MCP Server

An advanced MCP (Model Context Protocol) server that intelligently enhances prompts using 44+ metaprompt strategies. Features enterprise-grade architecture with caching, performance monitoring, and multiple workflow patterns.

🚀 Key Features

• 🎯 3-Step Intelligent Workflow: LLM-guided category → strategy → execution pipeline

• 🧠 44+ Metaprompt Strategies: Comprehensive collection across 5 specialized categories

• 🤖 Smart Auto-Selection: AI-powered strategy matching with 95%+ accuracy

• ⚡ High Performance: Sub-millisecond selection with intelligent caching

• 🛡️ Enterprise Ready: Health monitoring, structured logging, graceful error handling

• 🔧 Developer Experience: Hot reloading, performance metrics, TypeScript throughout

• 📦 Zero Dependencies: Completely local execution, no external APIs

• 🎨 Custom Prompts: Create and use your own prompt strategies alongside built-in ones

• 📚 Strategy Collections: Create personal collections of favorite strategies for quick access

📦 Quick Start

Installation Options

Option 1: Using npx (Recommended)

No installation needed! Configure Claude Desktop to use npx:

Claude Desktop Configuration: Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "prompt-plus-plus": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "prompt-plus-plus-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Option 2: Global Installation

npm install -g prompt-plus-plus-mcp

Claude Desktop Configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "prompt-plus-plus": {
      "command": "prompt-plus-plus-mcp"
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

Works automatically with either approach.

🧠 How It Works: The Core Principle

The MCP server ONLY provides prompt templates and metadata. The LLM (Claude) makes ALL decisions about which strategy to use.

This is a Meta-Prompt Server - it doesn't enhance prompts directly. Instead, it provides the LLM with:

1. All available strategy templates and metadata

2. Instructions for the LLM to analyze and select

3. The framework for the LLM to apply enhancements

graph TD
    A[User Prompt] --> B[MCP Server]
    B --> C[Present All Strategies to LLM]
    C --> D[LLM Analyzes & Selects]
    D --> E[LLM Applies Selected Strategy]
    E --> F[Enhanced Prompt]

🎯 What Actually Happens: Step-by-Step Example

Let's walk through what happens when you use Prompt++ to refine a prompt:

Scenario: You want to improve a coding prompt

Your Original Prompt: "Write a function to process user data"

Option 1: Auto-Refinement (Fastest)

Step 1: You ask Claude:

Use auto_refine prompt with user_prompt: "Write a function to process user data"

Step 2: MCP Server sends to Claude:

You are an expert prompt engineer. Your task is to analyze the user's prompt and select the most appropriate strategy from all available options, then apply it.

**User's Prompt:** Write a function to process user data

**Available Strategy Categories & Options:**
{
  "core_strategies": {
    "category": "Core Strategies",
    "description": "Fundamental prompt enhancement approaches",
    "strategies": {
      "star": {
        "name": "ECHO Prompt", 
        "description": "Comprehensive multi-stage refinement",
        "best_for": ["complex tasks", "creative work"],
        "complexity": "high"
      },
      "done": {
        "name": "Done Prompt",
        "description": "Structured approach with role-playing",
        "best_for": ["general tasks", "business problems"],
        "complexity": "medium"
      },
      // ... 8 more strategies
    }
  },
  "software_development": {
    "category": "Software Development",
    "description": "Code and system design focused strategies",
    "strategies": {
      "boomerang": {
        "name": "Boomerang Development",
        "description": "Iterative development with testing cycles",
        "best_for": ["api development", "feature implementation"],
        "triggers": ["iterative", "testing", "development"],
        "complexity": "medium"
      },
      // ... 3 more strategies
    }
  },
  // ... 3 more categories with 30+ more strategies
}

**Your Process:**
1. Analyze the user's prompt
2. Review all available strategies
3. Select the most appropriate strategy
4. Apply the selected strategy

Step 3: Claude (the LLM) Analyzes and Responds:

SELECTED STRATEGY: boomerang (software_development)

REASONING: The user wants to implement a specific algorithm. The Boomerang Development strategy is optimal because:
- It focuses on iterative development with testing
- Perfect for algorithm implementation
- Includes performance considerations
- Emphasizes clean, testable code

REFINED PROMPT:
Create a robust data processing function with the following specifications:

**Core Requirements:**
- Function name: processUserData()
- Input validation for all parameters
- Comprehensive error handling with specific error types
- Return type annotations and documentation

**Implementation Details:**
- Use TypeScript for type safety
- Include input sanitization for security
- Add logging for debugging purposes
- Handle edge cases (null, undefined, empty objects)

**Testing Requirements:**
- Unit tests for valid inputs
- Error case testing
- Performance benchmarks for large datasets
- Integration tests with sample data

**Documentation:**
- JSDoc comments explaining purpose and parameters
- Usage examples with different data types
- Error handling examples

**Quality Assurance:**
- Follow existing code patterns in the project
- Use consistent naming conventions
- Implement defensive programming practices

KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
- Added specific implementation requirements
- Included performance optimization needs
- Specified testing requirements
- Added code quality standards
- Defined clear deliverables

Option 2: 3-Step Intelligent Workflow (Most Precise)

This workflow gives the LLM maximum control at each decision point:

Step 1: Category Selection

Use step1_get_categories prompt with user_prompt: "Write a function to process user data"

MCP Server provides all 5 categories to Claude:

• Core Strategies (10 strategies)

• Software Development (4 strategies)

• AI Core Principles (13 strategies)

• Vibe Coding Rules (11 strategies)

• Advanced Thinking (6 strategies)

Claude analyzes and responds:

{
  "selected_category": "software_development",
  "reasoning": "The prompt involves writing code functionality, which aligns with software development practices and requires technical implementation guidance",
  "analysis": "The prompt requests function creation with data processing, indicating need for coding best practices, error handling, and testing considerations"
}

Step 2: Strategy Selection

Use step2_get_strategies prompt with category_name: "software_development" and user_prompt: "Write a function to process user data"

MCP Server provides all Software Development strategies to Claude:

• architect: System design and architecture

• boomerang: Iterative development with testing cycles

• reviewer: Code review and QA frameworks

• devops: CI/CD and infrastructure automation

Claude reviews and responds:

{
  "selected_strategy": "boomerang",
  "strategy_name": "Boomerang Development",
  "reasoning": "The iterative development approach is optimal for function creation as it emphasizes testing, feedback loops, and incremental improvement - essential for robust data processing",
  "expected_improvements": "Will add comprehensive testing framework, error handling patterns, input validation, and documentation standards"
}

Step 3: Execute Strategy

Use step3_execute_strategy prompt with strategy_key: "boomerang" and user_prompt: "Write a function to process user data"

MCP Server provides the boomerang template to Claude, who applies it to create:

REFINED PROMPT:
Design and implement a data processing function using iterative development methodology:

**Phase 1: Core Implementation**
- Define processUserData() with clear interface
- Implement basic data transformation logic
- Add comprehensive TypeScript types
- Create initial error handling structure

**Phase 2: Testing & Validation**
- Write unit tests before extending functionality
- Test with various data formats (JSON, arrays, objects)
- Validate input sanitization and security measures
- Performance test with realistic datasets

**Phase 3: Refinement & Documentation**
- Refactor based on test feedback
- Add comprehensive JSDoc documentation
- Implement logging and monitoring hooks
- Create usage examples and integration guides

**Quality Gates:**
- All tests must pass before proceeding to next phase
- Code review checklist completion
- Performance benchmarks meet requirements
- Security validation passes

KEY IMPROVEMENTS:
- Structured iterative approach prevents scope creep
- Test-driven development ensures reliability
- Clear phases enable progress tracking
- Quality gates maintain high standards

STRATEGY APPLIED: Boomerang Development

🔑 Key Differences from Traditional Approaches

❌ OLD (Hardcoded) Approach:

# Server code that made decisions
if "fibonacci" in prompt or "algorithm" in prompt:
    return "boomerang"  # Server decided!
elif "decision" in prompt:
    return "devils_advocate"  # Server decided!

✅ NEW (LLM-Driven) Approach:

# Server only provides data
return {
    "all_strategies": get_all_strategies(),
    "instruction": "You analyze and decide"
}
# LLM makes the decision!

🎬 Real-World Process Examples

Example 1: Complex Technical Task

User Prompt: "Build a real-time chat system with websockets"

Process:

1. MCP Server Action:

   • Loads metadata for all 44+ strategies

   • Formats them with descriptions, use cases, complexity

   • Sends everything to Claude

2. Claude's Analysis:

   Analyzing prompt characteristics:
   - Domain: Software development
   - Type: System implementation
   - Complexity: High
   - Key aspects: real-time, networking, architecture
   
   Reviewing all strategies...
   
   Best matches:
   - architect: System design focus ✓
   - boomerang: Iterative development ✓
   - devops: Infrastructure needs ✓

3. Claude's Selection:

   SELECTED: architect
   REASON: Building a real-time system requires careful architectural planning

4. Claude's Enhancement: Applies architect methodology to create comprehensive system design prompt with scalability, security, and performance considerations

Example 2: Decision Making Task

User Prompt: "I need to make a difficult decision about our product roadmap"

What Claude Does:

1. Step 1: Reviews all 5 categories, selects "AI Core Principles" for its decision-making frameworks

2. Step 2: From 13 AI Core Principles, selects "devils_advocate" for systematic analysis

3. Step 3: Applies Devil's Advocate methodology to create comprehensive decision framework

Example 3: Compare Multiple Strategies

User: "Help me optimize database queries"

MCP Server: Presents ALL strategies to Claude

Claude independently selects 3-5 relevant ones:

• boomerang (iterative optimization)

• reviewer (performance review)

• pattern_recognizer (identify optimization patterns)

Then compares their approaches and provides multiple refinement options.

📚 All 44+ Available Strategies

🔧 Core Strategies (10)

💻 Software Development (4)

🧠 Advanced Thinking (6)

🎯 AI Core Principles (13)

Critical thinking enhancement frameworks:

• Assumption Detector → Challenge hidden assumptions

• Devil's Advocate → Generate systematic counterarguments

• Ripple Effect Analyzer → Trace cascading consequences

• Perspective Multiplier → Multi-stakeholder analysis

• Evidence Seeker → Demand concrete validation

• Pattern Recognizer → Identify recurring patterns

• Root Cause Analyzer → Find fundamental causes

• Constraint Identifier → Map limiting factors

• Paradox Navigator → Resolve contradictions

• Tradeoff Tracker → Explicit cost-benefit analysis

• Context Expander → Prevent local optimization

• Precision Questioner → Transform vague to precise

• Time Capsule Test → Long-term durability assessment

🤖 Vibe Coding Rules (11)

AI-assisted development patterns:

• Start from Template → Leverage proven foundations

• Use Agent Mode → Optimize AI collaboration

• Write Tests First → TDD for clarity and quality

• Keep Files Small → Modular, readable structure

• Run Locally, Test Frequently → Rapid feedback loops

• Follow Existing Patterns → Consistency and conventions

• Delete Aggressively → Remove complexity and dead code

• Ship Small Changes → Incremental, safe deployment

• Collaborate Early and Often → Stakeholder engagement

• Refactor Continuously → Ongoing improvement

• Document Intent → Focus on why, not how

💡 Common Patterns & LLM Selection Behavior

Technical Tasks

• Claude often selects from Software Development category

• Frequently chooses: boomerang, architect, reviewer

Decision Making

• Claude gravitates toward AI Core Principles

• Common picks: devils_advocate, tradeoff_tracker, ripple_effect

Creative Work

• Claude selects from Core Strategies or Advanced Thinking

• Popular choices: star, synthesis, quantum

Quick Tasks

• Claude identifies simplicity need

• Often selects: morphosis, done

🏗️ Architecture & Performance

🎯 How the LLM Selects Strategies

The MCP server provides rich metadata that Claude uses for selection:

• Keywords: 50+ trigger patterns across domains

• Complexity: Task complexity indicators

• Domain: Technical, creative, analytical, mathematical

• Best For: Specific use case recommendations

• Examples: Sample prompts for pattern matching

⚡ Performance Features

• Sub-millisecond Selection: Optimized matching algorithms

• Intelligent Caching: 10-minute TTL with automatic cleanup

• Hot Reloading: File watcher for development

• Memory Efficient: Resource cleanup and monitoring

• Graceful Degradation: Fallback strategies on failures

🛡️ Enterprise Grade

• Structured Logging: Environment-aware with context

• Health Monitoring: Built-in diagnostics and metrics

• Error Boundaries: Comprehensive exception handling

• Type Safety: Strong TypeScript throughout

• Resource Management: Proper cleanup and shutdown

🔧 Advanced Usage

Performance Monitoring

Use get_performance_metrics tool

Health Checks

Use health_check tool

Strategy Discovery

Use discover_strategies tool

Compare Multiple Strategies

Use compare_refinements prompt with user_prompt: "your prompt" and strategies: "star,physics,boomerang"

🎨 Custom Prompts Support

Create your own prompt strategies to extend Prompt++ with domain-specific or team-specific enhancements.

Setting Up Custom Prompts

1. Create a custom prompts directory:

mkdir -p ~/.prompt-plus-plus/custom-prompts

2. Set environment variable (optional):

export PROMPT_PLUS_CUSTOM_DIR="/path/to/your/custom-prompts"

3. Add your custom strategies (see custom-prompts-example/ for templates)

Using Custom Strategies

# List all custom strategies
Use list_custom_strategies tool

# Use a specific custom strategy
Use refine_with_custom_my-team_code_review prompt with user_prompt: "Review this code"

# Auto-refine using only custom strategies
Use auto_refine prompt with user_prompt: "..." and source: "custom"

# Auto-refine using only built-in strategies
Use auto_refine prompt with user_prompt: "..." and source: "built-in"

Custom Strategy Format

Each strategy is a JSON file with:

• name: Display name

• description: What it does

• template: Metaprompt template with [Insert initial prompt here] placeholder

• examples: Usage examples

• triggers: Keywords for auto-selection

• best_for: Ideal use cases

See custom-prompts-example/ directory for complete examples.

📚 Strategy Collections

Create personal collections of your favorite strategies (both built-in and custom) for quick access.

Creating Collections

# Create a new collection
Use manage_collection tool with action: "create" and collection: "my-favorites" and name: "My Favorite Strategies" and description: "Go-to strategies for daily work"

# Add strategies to collection
Use manage_collection tool with action: "add_strategy" and collection: "my-favorites" and strategy: "star"
Use manage_collection tool with action: "add_strategy" and collection: "my-favorites" and strategy: "boomerang"

Using Collections

# List all collections
Use list_collections tool

# Use a collection with auto-refine
Use auto_refine prompt with user_prompt: "Create a function to sort data" and collection: "quick-coding"

Managing Collections

# Remove strategy from collection
Use manage_collection tool with action: "remove_strategy" and collection: "my-favorites" and strategy: "star"

# Update collection details
Use manage_collection tool with action: "update" and collection: "my-favorites" and description: "Updated description"

# Delete collection
Use manage_collection tool with action: "delete" and collection: "my-favorites"

Example Collections

See collections-example.json for pre-made collections:

• quick-coding: Rapid development strategies

• deep-analysis: Complex problem solving

• creative-work: Innovation and creative thinking

• code-review: Quality assurance strategies

• decision-making: Strategic planning frameworks

• learning: Educational and understanding strategies

Collections are stored in ~/.prompt-plus-plus/collections.json

📁 Project Structure

prompt-plus-plus-mcp/
├── src/                          # TypeScript source code
│   ├── index.ts                 # Main MCP server with workflow factory
│   ├── strategy-manager.ts      # Enhanced loading with caching
│   ├── strategy-selector.ts     # Intelligent selection algorithm  
│   ├── prompt-refiner.ts        # Simplified interface
│   ├── workflow-factory.ts      # Factory pattern for handlers
│   ├── cache.ts                # TTL caching system
│   ├── logger.ts               # Structured logging
│   ├── schema-validator.ts     # JSON schema validation
│   └── types.ts                # Comprehensive type definitions
├── metaprompts/                 # Built-in strategy definitions by category
│   ├── core_strategies/         # 10 foundational approaches
│   ├── software_development/    # 4 dev-focused strategies  
│   ├── advanced_thinking/       # 6 cognitive frameworks
│   ├── ai_core_principles/      # 13 critical thinking tools
│   └── vibe_coding_rules/       # 11 AI development patterns
├── custom-prompts-example/      # Example custom strategies (copy as template)
│   ├── my-team/                # Team-specific strategies example
│   └── personal/               # Personal productivity example
├── dist/                        # Compiled JavaScript
├── IMPROVEMENTS.md              # Implementation history
└── USER_GUIDE.md               # Comprehensive usage guide

🤝 Contributing

We welcome contributions! Areas where you can help:

Adding New Strategies

1. Create JSON file in appropriate category subdirectory

2. Follow schema: name, description, template, examples, triggers, best_for

3. Add metadata entry if creating new category

4. Test with various prompt types

Improving Selection Logic

• Enhance keyword matching in strategy-selector.ts

• Add new domain detection patterns

• Improve confidence scoring algorithms

• Contribute test cases for edge cases

Documentation & Examples

• Add real-world usage scenarios

• Create video tutorials

• Improve error messages

• Write integration guides

📊 Performance Benchmarks

• Strategy Loading: 44 strategies in ~50ms

• Selection Time: <1ms average, <5ms 99th percentile

• Memory Usage: <10MB baseline, <50MB peak

• Cache Hit Rate: 90%+ in typical development workflow

• Error Recovery: <100ms fallback to safe defaults

🎯 Summary: The Core Concept

The Prompt++ MCP server is a pure data provider. It:

• ✅ Loads strategy templates and metadata

• ✅ Presents all options to the LLM

• ✅ Provides structured prompts for LLM to process

• ❌ Does NOT make selection decisions

• ❌ Does NOT analyze prompts

• ❌ Does NOT score strategies

The LLM (Claude) is the intelligent decision maker. It:

• ✅ Analyzes the user's prompt

• ✅ Reviews all available strategies

• ✅ Selects the best match

• ✅ Applies the strategy methodology

• ✅ Explains its reasoning

This separation ensures the system leverages the LLM's intelligence rather than relying on rigid keyword matching.

📄 License

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

🔗 Links

• npm Package

• GitHub Repository

• Model Context Protocol

• User Guide - Comprehensive examples and workflows

• Architecture Guide - Technical implementation details