self-claude-mcp

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MCP server for Claude Code self-management commands (hot restart, compaction).

Installation

pip install self-claude-mcp

Add to your Claude MCP config:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "self-claude": {
      "command": "self-claude-mcp",
      "env": {
        "AUTOPOIESIS": "1"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: AUTOPOIESIS=1 is optional. If set, restart messages will remind Claude to enable autopoiesis-mcp (makes Claude loop on purpose). Remove the env block if you don't use it.

Related MCP server: claude-sessions-mcp

Setup

After installing the MCP, Claude needs to install bash scripts for the commands to work.

Ask Claude to run:

Use self_claude with setup_only=True and install the scripts

Or manually: call self_claude(cmd="", setup_only=True) to get the installation instructions.

Requirements

• tmux: Scripts use tmux for session management

• Claude Code: Must be running inside a tmux session named "claude"

Starting Claude in tmux

Use claude-debug (installed by setup) or manually:

tmux -u new-session -d -s claude
tmux send-keys -t claude 'claude --debug' Enter
tmux -u attach -t claude

Usage

Once set up, Claude can use these commands:

Hot Restart

Use when MCP configs change and you need to reload without losing conversation:

1. Claude calls self_claude("self_restart") → returns bash self_restart

2. Claude runs bash self_restart

3. Handler sends /exit, waits for death, relaunches, sends /resume, selects session 1

Compaction

Use when context is running low:

1. Claude calls self_claude("self_compact") → returns bash self_compact

2. Claude runs bash self_compact

3. Sends /compact to the tmux session

Troubleshooting

"No tmux session 'claude'"

Make sure Claude Code is running inside a tmux session named "claude":

tmux -u new-session -s claude
claude --debug

"Handler not found"

Run the setup instructions again:

self_claude(cmd="", setup_only=True)

Then install the scripts to /usr/local/bin/.

Restart hangs

Check the handler log:

cat /tmp/claude_restart_handler.log

Common issues:

• pgrep -x "claude" matches wrong process → verify with pgrep -x "claude"

• tmux session died → restart with claude-debug

Docker / Container

If running in a container, make sure:

• tmux is installed: apt install tmux

• Scripts are in PATH: /usr/local/bin/ or ~/.local/bin/

• Container user can write to /tmp/

Scripts Installed

rules command

Manage Claude Code rule files from the command line:

# Add a rule
rules global my-rules "Always use TypeScript"
rules project api-rules "Use REST conventions"

# List rules
rules show global
rules show project

# Delete a rule
rules delete global my-rules

Rules are stored in ~/.claude/rules/ (global) or ./.claude/rules/ (project).

Environment Variables

Set in your shell profile or export before running Claude.

Security Note

⚠️ Warning: You should disallow this MCP on subagents. Subagents running these commands can cause strange interactions.

License

MIT