# Claude Desktop

> Configure Alpha Ladder as a local MCP server in Claude Desktop using the npm package.

Claude Desktop runs MCP servers as local processes via stdio. Alpha Ladder provides an npm package that Claude Desktop launches automatically on startup — no hosted connection or OAuth flow is required.

## Setup

Locate and open your Claude Desktop configuration file:

- **macOS:** `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
- **Windows:** `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`

Add the following entry under `mcpServers`, replacing `YOUR_API_KEY` with your Alpha Ladder API key (`sk-…`):

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "metacomp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "--package", "@metacomp/agentx-mcp", "metacomp-mcp", "--token", "YOUR_API_KEY"]
    }
  }
}
```

Save the file and **restart Claude Desktop**. The Alpha Ladder tools will appear in the tool panel.

## Usage

Once connected, ask naturally in any conversation:

- "Show my Alpha Ladder account balance."
- "Deposit 1000 USD into my account."

Claude Desktop will invoke the appropriate MCP tool and return the result inline.

## Notes

- **Auth:** The `--token` flag passes your API key directly to the local npm process. There is no OAuth flow or token expiry — the key is valid until revoked.
- **Package source:** The npm package is `@metacomp/agentx-mcp`. npx downloads and caches it automatically.
- **Auth details:** see [Authentication — Local / npm MCP](/developers/getting-started/authentication#local--npm-mcp---token).