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MCP Java Decompiler Server

by idachev

MCP Java Decompiler Server (v1.2.4)

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for decompiling Java class files. This server allows AI assistants and tools that implement the MCP protocol to decompile Java bytecode into readable source code.

Features

  • Decompile Java .class files from file path

  • Decompile Java classes from package name (e.g., java.util.ArrayList)

  • Decompile Java classes from JAR files

  • Specify which class to extract from JAR files

  • Full MCP-compatible API

  • Stdio transport for seamless integration

  • Clean error handling

  • Temporary file management

Related MCP server: Java Inspector

Prerequisites

  • Node.js 16+

  • npm

  • No Java requirement (using JavaScript port of CFR decompiler)

Installation

You can run the server directly with npx without installing:

# Run the server
npx -y @idachev/mcp-javadc

Option 2: Global Installation

# Install globally
npm install -g @idachev/mcp-javadc

# Run the server
mcpjavadc

Option 3: From Source

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/idachev/mcp-javadc.git
cd mcp-javadc

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Run the server
npm start

Usage

Quick Start

The easiest way to run the server:

npm start

Integrating with MCP Clients

To use with an MCP client (like Claude or another MCP-compatible AI assistant):

# Configure the MCP client to use this server
npx some-mcp-client --server "node /path/to/mcp-javadc/index.js"

Adding to Claude Code

To add this tool to Claude Code:

claude mcp add javadc -s project -- npx -y @idachev/mcp-javadc

Example MCP client configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "javaDecompiler": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@idachev/mcp-javadc"],
      "env": {
        "CLASSPATH": "/path/to/java/classes"
      }
    }
  }
}

MCP Tools

The server provides three main tools:

1. decompile-from-path

Decompiles a Java .class file from a file path.

Parameters:

  • classFilePath: Absolute path to the Java .class file

Example request:

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": "1",
  "method": "mcp.tool.execute",
  "params": {
    "tool": "decompile-from-path",
    "args": {
      "classFilePath": "/path/to/Example.class"
    }
  }
}

2. decompile-from-package

Decompiles a Java class from a package name.

Parameters:

  • packageName: Fully qualified Java package and class name (e.g., java.util.ArrayList)

  • classpath: (Optional) Array of classpath directories to search

Example request:

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": "2",
  "method": "mcp.tool.execute",
  "params": {
    "tool": "decompile-from-package",
    "args": {
      "packageName": "java.util.ArrayList",
      "classpath": ["/path/to/rt.jar", "/path/to/classes"]
    }
  }
}

3. decompile-from-jar

Decompiles a Java class from a JAR file.

Parameters:

  • jarFilePath: Absolute path to the JAR file (required)

  • className: Fully qualified class name to extract from the JAR (required) (e.g., "com.example.MyClass")

Example request:

{
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "id": "3",
  "method": "mcp.tool.execute",
  "params": {
    "tool": "decompile-from-jar",
    "args": {
      "jarFilePath": "/path/to/example.jar",
      "className": "com.example.MyClass"
    }
  }
}

Known Issues

Java Class Decompilation

The CFR decompiler (@run-slicer/cfr) is a JavaScript port of the popular CFR Java decompiler. It works well with:

  1. Standard Java class files

  2. Classes that are part of a known package structure

  3. Modern Java features (all Java versions)

  4. JAR files containing Java classes

If you encounter issues with a specific class file, try:

  • Using the decompile-from-package tool with explicit classpath

  • Using the decompile-from-jar tool with explicit class name

  • Ensuring the class file is a valid Java bytecode file

  • Checking for corrupt class files or JAR archives

Maven Repository Usage

When working with JAR files from Maven repositories:

  • Use the find ~/.m2 -name "*dependency-name*jar" command to locate JAR files

  • Filter out source and javadoc JARs using grep -v source | grep -v javadoc

  • Use jar tf your-jar-file.jar | grep .class to list available classes in a JAR

  • Check that class names match the package structure in the JAR

Configuration

Environment Variables

  • CLASSPATH: Java classpath for finding class files (used when no classpath is specified)

Development

# Run in development mode
npm run dev

# Create test fixtures (creates sample Java class for testing)
npm run test:setup

# Run tests 
npm test

# Run linting
npm run lint

# Fix linting issues
npm run lint:fix

# Format code
npm run format

# Run with MCP Inspector for interactive testing
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector node ./index.js

Testing with MCP Inspector

You can use the official MCP Inspector tool to test the server functionality interactively:

# Install and run the MCP Inspector with the decompiler server
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector node ./index.js

The Inspector provides a user-friendly web interface that allows you to:

  • List all available tools

  • Execute the decompilation tools with custom parameters

  • View and explore the decompiled output

  • Test different inputs and error scenarios

This is especially useful for debugging and understanding the MCP server's capabilities before integrating it with other applications.

How It Works

  1. The server uses the CFR decompiler (@run-slicer/cfr - a JavaScript port of the popular CFR Java decompiler)

  2. When a decompile request is received, the server:

    • Reads the class file data directly or extracts it from a JAR file

    • Processes the class file with CFR decompiler

    • Returns the formatted source code

  3. For JAR files, the server:

    • Creates a temporary directory for extraction

    • Extracts the JAR contents

    • Decompiles the specified class (or first class if none specified)

    • Cleans up the temporary directory

License

ISC

Available Tools

3 tools
decompile-from-jarA

Decompiles a Java class from a JAR file

Using mcp_javadc with Maven Repository

When you need to decompile Java classes from dependencies in the M2 repository, follow these steps:

Step 1: Find the JAR file location

First, search for the dependency JAR in the local Maven repository:

find ~/.m2 -name "*dependency-name*jar" | grep -v source | grep -v javadoc

Notes:

  • Replace dependency-name with the artifact name

  • Filter out source and javadoc JARs using grep

  • Look for the correct version based on the project's POM file

Step 2: Use the correct mcp_javadc function

Once you have the JAR path, use this function:

For specific class decompilation:

  • jarFilePath: The absolute path to the JAR (from Step 1)

  • className: Fully qualified class name to decompile

For contextual exploration: If needed, first try to find all available classes in the JAR: jar tf /path/to/the.jar | grep .class | sort

Example workflow:

  1. Read the POM file to identify dependency version

  2. Search the M2 repository for the JAR

  3. Use mcp_javadc to decompile relevant classes

  4. If multiple versions exist, select the one matching the project's version requirement

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
classNameYesFully qualified class name to decompile from the JAR (e.g., "com.example.MyClass")
jarFilePathYesThe absolute path to the JAR file

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states the core function and provides usage workflow; it does not describe what the decompilation returns, whether it creates files, requires special permissions, or how errors are handled. For a tool with no annotation safety profile, this is a significant transparency gap.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is structured with a clear one-sentence overview followed by a multi-section guide with headings, code blocks, and notes. While organized, it is lengthy for a simple function and includes details like 'grep -v source' that may be beyond the tool's core usage. The repeated mention of 'mcp_javadc' (a different name) and the Maven-specific workflow add unnecessary verbosity, though the structure is readable.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The tool has two parameters, no output schema, and no annotations. The description provides a complete workflow for the Maven repository use case, which is valuable, but it does not explain the output format (decompiled source code) or address non-Maven JAR usage. It also lacks differentiation from sibling tools beyond the source type. This is adequate for a clear use case but incomplete for general application.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%—both parameter descriptions already explain the values clearly. The description adds some contextual meaning by showing how to locate the jarFilePath via Maven commands and gives an example of className format, but these are supplemental rather than essential. Baseline 3 is appropriate because the schema does the heavy lifting.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The opening line 'Decompiles a Java class from a JAR file' clearly states the verb (decompiles), resource (Java class), and source (JAR file). This immediately distinguishes it from sibling tools decompile-from-path and decompile-from-package by specifying the input type. The additional detail about fully qualified class names further clarifies the exact purpose.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description includes a detailed 'Using mcp_javadc with Maven Repository' section that explains when to use this tool: when decompiling classes from dependency JARs in the M2 repository. It provides step-by-step instructions including finding the JAR and using the function. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use this tool, so it misses the exclusion part, though the context is clear.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

decompile-from-packageB

Decompiles a Java class from a package name

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
classpathNoArray of classpath directories to search
packageNameYesFully qualified Java package and class name

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavioral traits, but it only states the basic action without detailing return values, side effects, classpath resolution behavior, error conditions, or whether the operation is read-only. This is minimal disclosure beyond the one-sentence purpose.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, tightly crafted sentence that conveys the essential purpose without any filler or repetition. It is front-loaded with the action and object, making it highly scannable.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the absence of annotations and output schema, the description is insufficiently complete. It does not explain what the decompilation returns, how the classpath is used, or how this tool differs behaviorally from siblings, leaving significant gaps for an agent deciding whether and how to use it.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with descriptive text for both packageName and classpath, so the schema already fully explains the parameters. The description adds no extra meaning about parameter semantics, making the baseline score appropriate.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the action ('Decompiles') and the resource ('a Java class from a package name'), immediately distinguishing it from sibling tools that decompile from paths or JARs. The specific phrase 'from a package name' conveys the exact scope of the tool.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage when the input is a fully-qualified Java package/class name, but it does not explicitly mention when to choose this tool over decompile-from-path or decompile-from-jar, nor does it provide exclusions or alternative recommendations. The schema clarifies parameter format but not selection criteria.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

decompile-from-pathA

Decompiles a Java .class file from a given file path

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
classFilePathYesThe absolute path to the .class file

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It only states the action 'decompiles' without mentioning whether output is returned, if side effects exist, or any error behaviors. This is a significant gap for a tool with no structured behavioral metadata.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that conveys the necessary information without unnecessary words. It is concise and well-structured.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

With only one parameter and no output schema, the description should at least clarify what the agent receives after decompilation (e.g., decompiled source code). The current description omits this, leaving the tool somewhat incomplete despite its simplicity.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100%, with classFilePath described as 'The absolute path to the .class file'. The description does not add any parameter details beyond the schema, so it meets the baseline but does not exceed it.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the verb 'decompiles' and the resource 'Java .class file', with the qualifier 'from a given file path' that distinguishes it from sibling tools decompile-from-package and decompile-from-jar. This meets the bar for specific verb+resource+scope.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

No explicit when-to-use or alternatives are mentioned, but the description implies usage for individual .class files at a specific path. The sibling tool names provide context, yet the description itself lacks explicit guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

TDQS

A3.9/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool targets a distinct input source: file path, package name, and JAR file. The purposes are clearly separated with no overlap, so an agent can accurately select the correct tool.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tool names follow the exact same pattern: 'decompile-from-' followed by the source type. This consistent verb_noun structure makes the API predictable and easy to learn.

Tool Count5/5

With only 3 tools, the server is tightly scoped to the core decompilation task. Each tool earns its place by covering a different input method, and the count is well within the ideal range.

Completeness4/5

The server covers the primary decompilation sources (file, package, JAR), which handles most use cases. However, there is no batch operation or way to list classes within a package/JAR, requiring manual workarounds or repeated calls for larger tasks.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessUnresponsive

Resources

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