MCP Server support

[mefellows]

To eliminate workflow friction and support AI-native IDEs, we propose developing an MCP-compatible server that exposes PactFlow AI functionality (e.g., test generation, review, updates) directly inside IDEs. MCP is rapidly becoming a standard across editors, enabling faster adoption without the need for bespoke IDE plugins.

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By aligning with MCP, PactFlow can offer:

1. Immediate support for multiple IDEs without maintaining separate integrations.
2. Foundational tool as new AI-powered IDEs (e.g. cline.ai, Cursor) emerge.
3. A more natural, integrated experience for users to leverage AI for contract testing in their development context.

Features:
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1. MCP server exposing PactFlow AI capabilities: Enable AI-powered test generation, test updating, code review, and usage of test templates directly in supported IDEs.
2. Support for standard Model Context Protocol features: Implement core MCP operations such as code actions, inline explanations, file creation/editing, and context-aware suggestions—leveraging both current PactFlow AI capabilities and those added over time.
3. Expose PactFlow APIs for insights: Expose common PactFlow/Pact Broker APIs to enhance agentic use cases (e.g. provider contract, matrix information, provider states)
4. Provide useful prompts: Provide well crafted prompt templates for common scenarios, including setup instructions for new Pact projects, updating existing tests, and fixing common issues exposed in the PactFlow UI or CLI output.

[YOU54F]

See the developer documentation for contract testing via SmartBear's MCP server

http://developer.smartbear.com/smartbear-mcp/docs/contract-testing-with-pactflow

[mefellows]

Initial release is out, with the following basic capabilities:

1. Support for AI endpoints (generation, review, status)
2. API calls (provider states, matrix, can-i-deploy)

We've now turned our attention to use case-driven workflows such as setting up Pact on a new project. Follow the developer documentation above for further updates - closing this item for now.