Add npx auto-install documentation and comparative analysis

[Copilot]

The issue questioned whether npx auto-install (like excel-mcp-server) is better than the current npm run setup approach. Analysis shows npx is superior for end users (75% fewer steps, zero-config), while npm run setup remains essential for contributors.

Changes

README Installation Section

• Added three installation methods with clear availability status:
  • npx auto-install: Zero-config, auto-updates (requires npm publication)
  • Global install: Traditional npm workflow (requires npm publication)
  • From source: Current method for contributors and users
• Included Windows-specific configuration (npx.cmd vs npx)
• Added environment variable examples for each method

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "simple-memory-mcp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "simple-memory-mcp"],
      "env": {
        "MEMORY_DB": "/custom/path/memory.db"
      }
    }
  }
}

New Documentation

• docs/INSTALLATION_COMPARISON.md: Comparative analysis with pros/cons matrix, troubleshooting, migration paths
• docs/NPX_RECOMMENDATION.md: Cost-benefit analysis and implementation strategy
• docs/ISSUE_RESOLUTION.md: Executive summary of findings

Recommendation

Support both methods targeting different audiences:

• npx auto-install → end users (primary after npm publication)
• npm run setup → contributors (maintains source access, VS Code auto-config)

Package Status

Verified package ready for npm publication:

• Correct bin configuration
• Proper shebang in dist/index.js
• Tested tarball and global install
• All tests passing (11/11)

Next step: npm publish to enable npx installation method.

Original prompt

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This section details on the original issue you should resolve

<issue_title>Auto install via npx / npm ?</issue_title>
<issue_description>https://github.com/negokaz/excel-mcp-server/blob/main/README.md
Makes use of

{
    "mcpServers": {
        "excel": {
            "command": "cmd",
            "args": ["/c", "npx", "--yes", "@negokaz/excel-mcp-server"],
            "env": {
                "EXCEL_MCP_PAGING_CELLS_LIMIT": "4000"
            }
        }
    }
}

To auto install the tooling. I find that pretty nice but is that better or worse than our npm run setup solution ?
Review and recommend actions.</issue_description>

Comments on the Issue (you are @copilot in this section)

• Fixes Auto install via npx / npm ? #37

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