MCP in Continue.dev

Continue.dev is an open-source AI coding assistant for VS Code and JetBrains IDEs. With Synapse MCP, Continue gains persistent memory across sessions.

Prerequisites

• VS Code or JetBrains IDE
• Continue.dev extension installed
• Node.js 18+
• Your Synapse Mind Key

Setup

Step 1: Open Continue Config

In VS Code or JetBrains:

1. Open the Continue extension sidebar
2. Click the gear icon → "Open config.json"

Or edit ~/.continue/config.json directly.

Step 2: Add Synapse MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "synapse": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "synapse-mcp-api@latest"],
      "env": {
        "SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY": "mk_YOUR_MIND_KEY_HERE",
        "SYNAPSE_URL": "https://synapse.schaefer.zone"
      }
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Reload Continue

Reload the VS Code window (Cmd+Shift+P → "Reload Window") or restart your IDE.

Verify It Works

In the Continue chat:

recall all my memories

Continue should call memory_recall and respond with your stored memories.

Common Patterns

Project context

recalling project context for this codebase

Continue calls memory_recall, sees your project memories, and continues work where you left off.

Code review patterns

search memories: "code review checklist"

Continue finds your stored code review patterns and applies them.

Pair programming memory

store this: "User prefers functional style over OOP for this project.
Decided 2026-06-27."

Continue stores it as a preference memory.

Troubleshooting

MCP server not connecting

1. Check ~/.continue/config.json is valid JSON
2. Verify Node.js: node --version
3. Check Continue's output panel (View → Output → Continue)
4. Restart IDE

Tools not appearing

• Verify Continue version supports MCP (≥ 0.9.x)
• Check SYNAPSE_MIND_KEY env var is set in the config
• Look for MCP errors in Continue's logs

Next Steps

• Claude Desktop Setup
• Custom MCP Client