MCP Configuration
MCP server takes too long to start
A server that needs to download dependencies or initialize a heavier process on first launch can take noticeably longer than one already warmed up.
The first time a server starts — especially an npx-based one pulling a package fresh — expect it to take longer than every run after, since that first run includes the download itself.
If it consistently stays stuck rather than eventually connecting, that's a genuine failure worth investigating rather than a timing issue: check /mcp for the actual status, and try running the server's start command directly in a terminal to see what it's actually doing.
A server that works fine standalone but times out specifically through Claude Code is worth reporting with /bug, since that gap points at something environment-specific rather than the server itself.
Run the server's start command directly and watch what it does before timing outFrequently asked questions
What does MCP server takes too long to start do in Claude Code?
A server that needs to download dependencies or initialize a heavier process on first launch can take noticeably longer than one already warmed up.
How do I use it?
Try: Run the server's start command directly and watch what it does before timing out
Any caveats to know about?
A server that works fine standalone but times out specifically through Claude Code is worth reporting with /bug, since that gap points at something environment-specific rather than the server itself.
Is this covered in the Claude Code Toolkit?
Yes — MCP server takes too long to start and patterns like it are part of the full command, hook, and template pack included with a Claude Code Toolkit subscription.
Want the full command, hook, and template pack?
This is one pattern out of the full Claude Code Toolkit — subscribe for the complete set, plus everything we add going forward.
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