TSP MCP Server

Overview

The TSP MCP Server is a specialized Model Context Protocol service that turns the classic Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) into an interactive, natural‑language experience for AI assistants such as Claude Desktop. By exposing a set of algorithmic tools and visual outputs through MCP, developers can ask an assistant to solve routing puzzles, calculate distances, or generate clean SVG maps—all without writing custom code. This removes the need to manually implement TSP solvers or visualizers in every project, saving time and ensuring consistency across applications.

At its core, the server implements two complementary algorithms. For small instances (up to ten cities) it uses Dynamic Programming to guarantee an optimal route, while for larger sets it applies a fast Nearest Neighbor + 2‑opt heuristic that quickly converges to high‑quality solutions. The dual‑strategy design gives developers confidence: small problems are solved exactly, and larger ones still receive a competitive approximation. The server also supports both coordinate‑only and named city inputs, automatically calculating Euclidean distances or user‑provided metrics as needed.

Beyond raw computation, the TSP MCP Server offers a suite of visualization features. It can generate SVG maps that highlight the route, annotate city names, and allow fine‑grained styling—canvas size, colors, labels, and more. This makes it easy to embed crisp route diagrams directly into reports or chat windows, turning abstract numbers into immediately understandable graphics. The ability to query distance for a custom city order further empowers users to explore alternative routes or perform sensitivity analyses.

Typical use cases include logistics planning, delivery route optimization, and educational demonstrations. For example, a warehouse manager can ask the assistant to “find the shortest delivery path for these five stores,” while a teacher might use it to illustrate NP‑hard problems in class. In automated workflows, the MCP server can be chained with other tools—such as geocoding services or real‑time traffic APIs—to create end‑to‑end routing solutions that adapt to live data. Its integration with Claude Desktop is straightforward: once the server is registered, any natural‑language prompt that mentions TSP will be routed to the MCP endpoint, returning a JSON payload with route details and an SVG image.

What sets this server apart is its developer‑friendly abstraction. By encapsulating complex algorithms and visual rendering behind a clean MCP interface, it allows developers to focus on higher‑level business logic rather than algorithmic plumbing. The combination of optimal guarantees for small instances, efficient heuristics for larger ones, and ready‑made visual output makes the TSP MCP Server a powerful addition to any AI‑augmented workflow that requires route optimization.