# VS Code

> Connect Alpha Ladder's MCP server to Visual Studio Code by configuring a remote HTTP MCP server in mcp.json.

VS Code can connect to Alpha Ladder as a remote HTTP MCP server. This is a good fit for editor-based workflows where you want Alpha Ladder's tools available in GitHub Copilot Chat and agent tasks without leaving your workspace.

## Setup

Use either of these configuration scopes:

- **Workspace** — create `.vscode/mcp.json` in your project to share the MCP server setup with the team.
- **User profile** — use the Command Palette and run **MCP: Open User Configuration** to configure Alpha Ladder once for all workspaces.

Add the following configuration, replacing the input prompt label if you want:

```json
{
  "inputs": [
    {
      "type": "promptString",
      "id": "metacomp-api-key",
      "description": "Alpha Ladder API key",
      "password": true
    }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "metacomp": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://www.alphaladder.hk/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:metacomp-api-key}"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

When VS Code starts the server for the first time, it prompts you for the API key and stores it securely for reuse.

## Usage

Open Chat in VS Code and ask naturally:

```text
Show my Alpha Ladder account balance.
```

VS Code can then call the Alpha Ladder MCP tools directly from chat or agent-driven workflows.

## Notes

- **Auth:** For Alpha Ladder, the simplest VS Code setup is a direct Bearer token in the `headers` field of `mcp.json`.
- **No local install required:** VS Code connects to the hosted MCP server at `https://www.alphaladder.hk/mcp`.
- **Safer secret handling:** Prefer an input variable over hardcoding the API key directly in the file.
- **Manage servers:** Use **MCP: Add Server**, **MCP: List Servers**, or **MCP: Open User Configuration** from the Command Palette.
- **Auth details:** see [Authentication](/developers/getting-started/authentication).