> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.withpointbreak.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# AI Assistants

> Setup guides for using Pointbreak with different AI assistants

## Two Installation Paths

<Note>
  Pointbreak supports two types of AI assistants, each requiring different installation steps:

  **Built-in AI agents (GitHub Copilot, Cursor):**

  * ✅ Just install the extension—MCP server auto-registers
  * ✅ No additional configuration needed
  * ✅ Works immediately after extension install

  **External AI assistants (Claude Code, Codex, Windsurf, etc.):**

  * ⚠️ Install the extension **AND** install CLI separately
  * ⚠️ Configure your AI assistant to use the MCP server
  * ⚠️ Both steps required for it to work

  Choose the section below that matches your AI assistant.
</Note>

***

## GitHub Copilot (VS Code Built-in)

<Tip>
  **Zero configuration required!** Just install the Pointbreak extension and GitHub Copilot automatically gains debugging superpowers.
</Tip>

### Setup

1. Install Pointbreak extension in VS Code
2. Use GitHub Copilot as normal

The MCP server auto-registers with GitHub Copilot when you install the extension—no CLI installation or configuration needed.

### Usage

Ask Copilot to debug your code:

```
"Set a breakpoint at line 42 and start debugging"
"Step through this function and show me variable values"
"Why is this returning null?"
```

## Claude Code

<Warning>
  **Both extension AND CLI required!** Claude Code won't be able to use Pointbreak unless you complete both Step 1 (install CLI) and Step 2 (configure MCP server).
</Warning>

### Setup

**Step 1: Install Prerequisites**

1. Install Pointbreak extension in VS Code
2. Install Pointbreak CLI:
   ```bash theme={null}
   # macOS / Linux
   curl -fsSL https://withpointbreak.com/install.sh | sh

   # Windows (PowerShell)
   irm https://withpointbreak.com/install.ps1 | iex
   ```

**Step 2: Add Pointbreak as an MCP Server**

Use the Claude Code CLI to add Pointbreak:

```bash theme={null}
claude mcp add --transport stdio pointbreak -- pointbreak mcp serve
```

This command:

* Registers Pointbreak as an MCP server in Claude Code
* Uses the `pointbreak` binary from your PATH (installed in Step 1)
* Runs `pointbreak mcp serve` to start the MCP server
* Configures it to communicate via stdio transport

**Step 3: Verify Installation**

Start Claude Code and use the `/mcp` command to view configured servers. You should see Pointbreak listed.

### Usage

Ask Claude to debug your code:

```
"Set a breakpoint at line 42 and start debugging"
"Step through this function and show me variable values"
"Why is this returning null?"
```

### Troubleshooting

**Claude can't find Pointbreak MCP server**:

* Verify the CLI is installed: `pointbreak --version`
* Check PATH includes binary location: `which pointbreak` (macOS/Linux) or `where.exe pointbreak` (Windows)
* List configured servers: `claude mcp list`
* Try removing and re-adding: `claude mcp remove pointbreak` then re-add

**Pointbreak binary not found**:

* Make sure you completed Step 1 (install script)
* Verify installation: `pointbreak --version`
* If using custom path, specify it explicitly:
  ```bash theme={null}
  claude mcp add --transport stdio pointbreak -- /full/path/to/pointbreak mcp serve
  ```

## Cursor (Built-in Agent)

<Tip>
  **Zero configuration required!** Just install the Pointbreak extension and Cursor's AI automatically gains debugging capabilities.
</Tip>

### Setup

1. Install Pointbreak extension in Cursor
2. Use Cursor's AI panel (Cmd+K / Ctrl+K)

The MCP server auto-registers with Cursor's built-in agent when you install the extension—no CLI installation or configuration needed.

### Usage

Ask Cursor's AI to debug:

```
"Debug this test and tell me why it fails"
"Set a breakpoint and inspect the state"
```

## Codex

Codex can use Pointbreak through MCP.

### Setup

**Step 1: Install Prerequisites**

1. Install Pointbreak extension in VS Code
2. Install Pointbreak CLI:
   ```bash theme={null}
   # macOS / Linux
   curl -fsSL https://withpointbreak.com/install.sh | sh

   # Windows (PowerShell)
   irm https://withpointbreak.com/install.ps1 | iex
   ```

**Step 2: Add Pointbreak as an MCP Server**

Use the Codex CLI to add Pointbreak:

```bash theme={null}
codex mcp add pointbreak -- pointbreak mcp serve
```

**Step 3: Verify Installation**

Start Codex and use the `/mcp` command to view configured servers. You should see Pointbreak listed.

### Usage

Ask Codex to use debugging tools through natural language.

## Windsurf

Windsurf requires manual MCP server installation.

### Setup

1. Install Pointbreak extension in Windsurf
2. Install MCP server:
   ```bash theme={null}
   # macOS / Linux
   curl -fsSL https://withpointbreak.com/install.sh | sh

   # Windows (PowerShell)
   irm https://withpointbreak.com/install.ps1 | iex
   ```
3. Configure Windsurf's MCP settings to point to the installed binary

## Other MCP Clients

Any MCP-compatible client can use Pointbreak through the Model Context Protocol.

### Setup

1. Install Pointbreak extension in your IDE
2. Install Pointbreak CLI:
   ```bash theme={null}
   # macOS / Linux
   curl -fsSL https://withpointbreak.com/install.sh | sh

   # Windows (PowerShell)
   irm https://withpointbreak.com/install.ps1 | iex
   ```
3. Configure your MCP client to use the Pointbreak binary

Refer to your MCP client's documentation for specific configuration instructions. The Pointbreak binary is typically installed at:

* **macOS/Linux**: `~/.local/bin/pointbreak`
* **Windows**: `%LOCALAPPDATA%\Pointbreak\bin\pointbreak.exe`

## Tips for All AI Assistants

### Be Specific

❌ "Debug this"
✅ "Set a breakpoint on line 42 of main.py and start debugging"

### Set Breakpoints First

❌ "Start debugging and figure out the bug"
✅ "Set a breakpoint at the error, then start debugging"

### Ask for Context

* "Show me the stack trace"
* "What are the local variables?"
* "Evaluate this expression"

### Use Natural Language

You don't need special syntax—just describe what you want!

## Troubleshooting

### AI Can't Find Pointbreak

**Check:**

1. Extension is installed and enabled
2. Output panel shows "Pointbreak MCP server started"
3. Restart your editor

### AI Uses console.log Instead

**Solution:** Be explicit:

```
"Use the debugger to investigate this, don't add console.log"
"Set a breakpoint and step through"
```

### Breakpoints Don't Work

**Check:**

1. Debug adapter is installed for your language
2. Debug configuration exists
3. Try manual debugging (F5) first

## More Information

* [Getting Started Guide](getting-started.md)
* [Usage Examples](usage.md)
* [Troubleshooting](troubleshooting.md)