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TypeScript Definition Finder

by runninghare

TypeScript Definition Finder MCP Server

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that helps AI code editors find TypeScript symbol definitions in your codebase. This tool is particularly useful when you need to locate the original definition of imported symbols, classes, interfaces, or functions in a TypeScript project.

Features

  • Finds original definitions of TypeScript symbols

  • Works with imported symbols from external packages

  • Returns both the definition location and code snippet

  • Supports stdio interface for seamless integration with AI code editors

Related MCP server: agent-workspace-mcp

Prerequisites

  • Bun v1.2.2 or later

  • Node.js for running the compiled server

Installation

Installing via Smithery

To install TypeScript Definition Finder for Claude Desktop automatically via Smithery:

npx -y @smithery/cli install @runninghare/ts-def-mcp --client claude

Manual Installation

  1. Install dependencies:

bun install
  1. Build the project:

bun run build

Usage

Start the stdio server:

node dist/run.js

Tool Description

The server provides a find_typescript_definition tool with the following capabilities:

  • Tool Name: find_typescript_definition

  • Trigger Command: /ts-def (Useful in Cursor if you want to force AI editor to find the referenced symbol definition)

  • Purpose: Locates the original definition of TypeScript symbols in your codebase

Input Parameters

The tool requires three parameters:

  1. file_path (string):

    • The absolute path to the current TypeScript file

    • Example: /path/to/your/project/src/index.ts

  2. line_content (string):

    • The entire line containing the symbol you want to find the definition of

    • Used to locate the correct line in the file

    • Must match the line exactly as it appears in the file

  3. column_number (number):

    • The 1-based column number where the symbol starts

    • Must be the exact column position of the symbol's first character

Examples

  1. Finding an Imported Symbol Definition

Given this import statement:

import { StdioServerTransport } from "@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/stdio.js";

To find the definition of StdioServerTransport, which starts at column 10, you would use:

{
  "file_path": "~/my-mcp-project/src/index.ts",
  "line_content": "import { StdioServerTransport } from \"@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/stdio.js\";",
  "column_number": 10
}

The output of this tool will be:

[
  {
    "file": "~/my-mcp-project/node_modules/@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/dist/esm/server/stdio.d.ts",
    "type": "Definition",
    "location": "Line 9, Column 22",
    "codeSnippet": "   8    */\n   9 > export declare class StdioServerTransport implements Transport {\n  10 +     private _stdin;\n  11 +     private _stdout;\n  12 +     private _readBuffer;\n  13 +     private _started;\n  14 +     constructor(_stdin?: Readable, _stdout?: Writable);\n  15 +     onclose?: () => void;\n  16 +     onerror?: (error: Error) => void;\n  17 +     onmessage?: (message: JSONRPCMessage) => void;\n  18 +     _ondata: (chunk: Buffer) => void;\n  19 +     _onerror: (error: Error) => void;\n  20 +     /**\n  21 +      * Starts listening for messages on stdin.\n  22 +      */\n  23 +     start(): Promise<void>;\n  24 +     private processReadBuffer;\n  25 +     close(): Promise<void>;\n  26 +     send(message: JSONRPCMessage): Promise<void>;\n  27   }\n"
  }
]
  1. Finding a Local Symbol Definition

For a local class usage:

class MyService {
  private transport: StdioServerTransport;
}

To find the definition of StdioServerTransport, which starts at column 20, use:

{
  "file_path": "/path/to/project/src/service.ts",
  "line_content": "  private transport: StdioServerTransport;",
  "column_number": 20
}

Response Format

The tool returns a JSON response containing:

  • The file path where the definition was found

  • The line number of the definition

  • The actual code snippet of the definition

Claude Desktop Example

Development

This project was created using bun init in bun v1.2.2. Bun is a fast all-in-one JavaScript runtime.

Running in Development Mode

For development, you can run the server directly using Bun:

bun run index.ts

License

[Add your license information here]

Contributing

[Add contribution guidelines here]

Available Tools

1 tool
find_typescript_definitionB

Use /ts-def to trigger this tool. This tool can find the definition of a TypeScript symbol in your codebase. When you encounter an imported symbol (e.g., 'import { StdioServerTransport } from "@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server/stdio.js"'), this tool will locate its original definition file and code. Simply provide the current file path, the symbol you want to find (e.g., 'StdioServerTransport'), and the line content containing that symbol.

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
file_pathYesThe absolute path to the current typescript file (e.g., '/remote/.../src/index.ts')
symbolYesThe TypeScript symbol (variable, class name, interface, type, etc.) you want to find the definition of. This symbol must be present in the line_content.
line_contentYesThe entire line containing the symbol you want to find the definition of. The line content will be used to find both the line number in the file and the exact position of the symbol.

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. While it explains what the tool does (finds definitions) and provides usage examples, it doesn't disclose important behavioral traits like error conditions, performance characteristics, rate limits, authentication needs, or what happens when symbols aren't found. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this leaves significant gaps in understanding its behavior.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded, starting with the triggering mechanism and core purpose. Each sentence adds value: the first explains triggering, the second states the purpose, the third provides usage context, and the fourth explains parameter usage. There's minimal redundancy, though the final sentence could be slightly more concise.

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?

Given there's no output schema and no annotations, the description provides adequate basic information about what the tool does and how to use it. However, for a tool that performs code analysis (potentially complex), it lacks information about return format, error handling, and limitations. The description is complete enough for basic understanding but leaves important contextual gaps.

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?

The schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already fully documents all three parameters. The description adds some context about how parameters relate ('symbol must be present in the line_content') and provides examples, but doesn't add significant semantic meaning beyond what's already in the schema descriptions. This meets the baseline expectation when schema coverage is complete.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'find the definition of a TypeScript symbol in your codebase' with specific examples. It uses the verb 'find' and identifies the resource 'TypeScript symbol definition'. However, since there are no sibling tools mentioned, it cannot demonstrate differentiation from alternatives.

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 provides clear context for when to use the tool: 'When you encounter an imported symbol... this tool will locate its original definition file and code.' It gives specific examples and explains the triggering mechanism ('/ts-def'). However, it doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it or mention any alternatives since no siblings exist.

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

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

With only one tool, there is no possibility of ambiguity or overlap between tools. The tool's purpose is clearly defined and distinct.

Naming Consistency5/5

The single tool name 'find_typescript_definition' follows a clear verb_noun pattern, and with only one tool, consistency is inherently perfect.

Tool Count2/5

A single tool is too few for a server named 'TypeScript Definition Finder', as it suggests a limited scope that might not cover related operations like searching multiple symbols or handling different import types. Typically, such a domain would benefit from additional tools for broader functionality.

Completeness2/5

The tool surface is severely incomplete for the domain. While it can find definitions, there are obvious gaps such as listing available symbols, handling bulk searches, or providing context about dependencies, which limits agent effectiveness in TypeScript code exploration.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessNo issues

Resources

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