matlab-mcp

This Model Context Protocol (MCP) server provides integration with MATLAB, allowing you to create and execute MATLAB scripts and functions through Claude or other MCP clients.

• Python 3.11 (Python 3.13 and 3.12 are not currently supported by MATLAB Engine)
• MATLAB R2024a (or compatible version)
• uv package manager

1. Create and set up the Python environment:

# Pin Python version
uv python pin 3.11

# Create virtual environment
uv venv

# Activate virtual environment
source .venv/bin/activate

# Install MCP
uv add "mcp[cli]"

2. Install MATLAB Engine The MATLAB Engine will be installed automatically when the server first runs, using the MATLAB installation specified in the MATLAB_PATH environment variable.

• matlab_server.py: The main MCP server implementation
• matlab_scripts/: Directory where all MATLAB scripts and functions are saved (created automatically)
• pyproject.toml: Python project configuration
• .python-version: Specifies Python version for uv

1. Open your Claude Desktop configuration:

# On macOS
code ~/Library/Application\ Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

2. Add the MATLAB server configuration:

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "matlab": {
            "command": "uv",
            "args": [
                "--directory",
                "/absolute/path/to/matlab-mcp",
                "run",
                "matlab_server.py"
            ],
            "env": {
                "MATLAB_PATH": "/Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app"
            }
        }
    }
}

Make sure to:

• Replace /absolute/path/to/matlab-mcp with the actual path to your project directory
• Verify the MATLAB_PATH points to your MATLAB installation
• Use absolute paths (not relative)

The server provides several tools:

1. create_matlab_script: Create a new MATLAB script file

   • Scripts are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
   • File names must be valid MATLAB identifiers

2. create_matlab_function: Create a new MATLAB function file

   • Functions are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
   • Must include valid function definition

3. execute_matlab_script: Run a MATLAB script and get results

   • Returns output text, generated figures, and workspace variables
   • Can pass arguments to scripts

4. call_matlab_function: Call a MATLAB function with arguments

   • Returns function output and any generated figures

You can test the server using the MCP Inspector:

# Make sure you're in your virtual environment
source .venv/bin/activate

# Run the inspector
MATLAB_PATH=/Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app mcp dev matlab_server.py

Example test script:

t = 0:0.01:2*pi;
y = sin(t);
plot(t, y);
title('Test Plot');
xlabel('Time');
ylabel('Amplitude');

• All MATLAB scripts and functions are saved in the matlab_scripts directory
• This directory is created automatically when the server starts
• Files are named <script_name>.m or <function_name>.m
• The directory is in the same location as matlab_server.py

• MATLAB_PATH: Path to your MATLAB installation
  • Default: /Applications/MATLAB_R2024a.app
  • Set in Claude Desktop config or when running directly

1. MATLAB Engine Installation Fails

   • Verify MATLAB_PATH is correct
   • Try installing engine manually:

     cd $MATLAB_PATH/extern/engines/python
     python setup.py install

2. Python Version Issues

   • Make sure you're using Python 3.11
   • Check with: python --version
   • Use uv python pin 3.11 if needed

3. Script Execution Errors

   • Check the matlab_scripts directory exists
   • Verify script syntax is valid
   • Look for error messages in MATLAB output

• Keep your MATLAB installation updated
• Update Python packages as needed: uv pip install --upgrade mcp[cli]
• Check MATLAB engine compatibility when updating Python