GSoC Project Proposal: Enhanced Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support for Theia AI
Enhanced Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support for Theia AI
Description
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is revolutionizing how AI applications interact with data sources and tools, functioning as a "USB-C port for AI." Eclipse Theia AI is an open framework, part of the Theia Platform, for building custom, AI-native Cloud & Desktop tools and IDEs. The AI-powered Theia IDE is an open, flexible and transparent AI coding tool based on Theia AI.
While Theia AI currently offers basic MCP support limited to tool calling, this project aims to develop comprehensive, first-class MCP integration within the Theia IDE ecosystem. In particular, this project will expand Theia's MCP capabilities by implementing support for additional MCP concepts (roots, resources, templates), enhancing tool call management with granular permission controls, and improving the overall configuration experience.
By the end of this project, Theia IDE will offer developers a sophisticated, secure, and user-friendly interface for leveraging AI capabilities through the MCP standard. The enhanced MCP support will enable developers to build more powerful AI-assisted workflows directly within their IDE or customized development environment, with better control over which tools are accessible and how they can be used. This aligns with the growing importance of AI-powered development tools, the increasing popularity of MCP, and the need for more open and customizable AI-native IDEs and tools, as Theia.
Links to Eclipse Project
- https://projects.eclipse.org/projects/ecd.theia
- https://theia-ide.org/
- https://github.com/eclipse-theia/theia
Expected outcomes
- Complete MCP Concept Support
- Implementation of MCP roots, resources, and templates (currently only tools are supported)
- Integration of these concepts into the existing Theia AI infrastructure
- Comprehensive documentation for developers on utilizing the new MCP capabilities
- Advanced Tool Call Control System
- Implementation of permission levels for tool calls
- UI components for managing tool call permissions
- Tool invocation mechanism to support these permission levels
- Enhanced MCP Configuration and Management
- Improved MCP configuration view with capabilities to add, edit, and manage MCP servers
- Integration with installation tools like mcp-installer or the proposed VS Code Extension API
Skills required/preferred
- Strong JavaScript/TypeScript development skills
- Experience with VS Code extension development or similar IDE extensions
- Familiarity with React for UI components
- Understanding of client-server architecture and protocols
- Basic knowledge of AI/LLM concepts and integration patterns
- Experience with package management in TypeScript environments
- Ability to work with existing codebases and follow established patterns
Project size
350 hours
Possible mentors:
Rating
Medium