Ghostwriter MCP Server

Ghostwriter is a terminal‑based text editor designed to be the ultimate companion for AI developers who need instant, reliable access to source code and documentation while working across local and remote environments. By providing a lightweight, zero‑configuration interface that automatically keeps files in sync, it removes the friction of setting up elaborate editors or dealing with manual saves when an AI assistant is pulling data from a workspace. The result is a seamless editing experience that feels native to the developer’s workflow, whether they are on a laptop or editing code from a remote server.

The core value of Ghostwriter lies in its continuous synchronization. Every keystroke is instantly propagated to the server, guaranteeing that an AI model reading the file system always sees the most up‑to‑date version. This eliminates stale state issues that can arise when AI assistants rely on cached or locally stored files, making it ideal for real‑time code analysis, debugging, and auto‑completion tasks. The editor’s client–server mode means that a single instance can serve multiple machines, yet the user experience remains consistent—no extra configuration, no switching between local and remote GUIs.

Key features include zero‑config operation, which ships with opinionated defaults that work for most projects, and a strict single‑user sandbox that protects the workspace from accidental exposure or malicious code. The editor’s terminal interface keeps resource usage minimal, while its built‑in networking stack exposes a WebSocket endpoint that AI assistants can tap into. Developers can easily launch Ghostwriter with a single command, specifying the directory to expose and the port number, then connect from any machine using the same protocol. This eliminates the need for SSH tunnels or third‑party sync tools.

Typical use cases involve developers who want an AI assistant to read and write code in real time. For example, a language model can analyze the current file structure to suggest refactorings, generate documentation, or run tests while the developer continues editing. In remote development scenarios—such as coding on a cloud VM or collaborating with teammates—the editor ensures that the AI sees the same file state regardless of where the code is being edited. Additionally, the sandboxed environment makes it safe to expose a workspace to an external AI service without risking unintended access to the host system.

Ghostwriter’s design gives it a competitive edge: it is intentionally minimalistic yet fully functional, avoiding the bloat of full‑featured IDEs. Its tight integration with MCP servers means that AI assistants can discover and interact with the editor through standard resource discovery, making it straightforward to add new capabilities like syntax highlighting or live linting via additional MCP tools. For developers who need a fast, reliable editor that plays well with AI workflows, Ghostwriter offers an elegant solution that balances performance, security, and ease of use.