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MCP server

Agents that can run commands should use the CLI through the bf-use skill. For hosts that prefer tools, bf mcp serves the same services over stdio:

bf mcp                 # every registered brain, or the enclosing one
bf mcp --brain brain    # one brain

It exposes two read-only tools:

  • search(query, since, until, source, type, status, limit, recent, changed_since, current) returns the same JSON as bf search.
  • read(ref, brain) returns the same JSON as bf read.

Text and structured results carry the same value. Errors hide brain paths. There is no collection, write or execution tool; retrieval may refresh the disposable cache and record private usage counts.

Connect a host

In your host's MCP settings, create a stdio server with command bf and arguments mcp, --brain, brain (replace brain with the intended registered brain). Use the full executable path from command -v bf if the host does not inherit your shell's PATH. The host starts and stops the process; you do not need a separate daemon or network port.

The selected brains are fixed when the server starts. Restart it after changing registrations or updating Brain Framework. Search covers those selected brains; the brain argument on read disambiguates a returned ref, and cannot open a brain outside that selection.

Confirm that the host lists exactly search and read. After the getting-started walkthrough, ask it why you keep original evidence and check that it reads projects/archive.md#decision. A working terminal command alone does not prove the host is connected.

Retrieved content is untrusted evidence: the host decides what to do with it. Its model provider may receive returned text. Choose an explicit team brain for work integrations and follow the security model.