Unified Diff MCP Server

Overview

The Unified Diff MCP Server provides a streamlined, visually rich way to inspect and share code changes directly from Claude Desktop. Instead of scrolling through raw diff text, the server converts diffs into polished HTML or PNG representations using diff2html, enabling side‑by‑side comparisons, color‑coded additions and deletions, and an overall cleaner presentation. This is especially valuable for developers who need to review code changes quickly or include them in documentation without manual formatting.

What Problem Does It Solve?

When working with AI assistants, developers often receive diffs as plain text or rely on external tools to render them. This process can be tedious: copying the diff, pasting it into a web service, waiting for rendering, and then sharing the result. The Unified Diff MCP eliminates these steps by exposing two dedicated tools— and . They take a diff string, render it instantly, and either host it on GitHub Gist for instant sharing or write the output to a local file, all within the same AI workflow.

Core Features & Value

• Beautiful HTML Rendering – Uses diff2html to produce clean, side‑by‑side diffs that are easy to read and navigate.
• GitHub Gist Integration – Creates temporary Gists that are automatically deleted after 30 minutes, ensuring privacy while still allowing quick collaboration.
• Local File Output – Generates PNG or HTML files that can be embedded in slides, reports, or stored for future reference.
• Auto‑Open & Auto‑Delete – Optional auto‑opening of generated URLs or files keeps the workflow frictionless, while auto‑deletion protects sensitive code.
• Cross‑Platform & High Performance – Built on the Bun runtime, it runs efficiently on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Multi‑Level Security – Supports Low/Medium/High security settings for shared diffs, giving developers control over access and retention.

Real‑World Use Cases

• Code Review Sessions – Quickly generate a shareable link that teammates can open in their browsers, eliminating the need to copy and paste diffs.
• Documentation & Presentations – Export diffs as PNG or HTML files to embed in slides, wikis, or internal knowledge bases.
• Rapid Prototyping – Visualize changes on the fly while iterating with an AI assistant, ensuring that every tweak is immediately visible.
• Secure Collaboration – Share sensitive diffs with high‑security Gists that self‑expire, protecting intellectual property during review cycles.

Integration Into AI Workflows

Claude Desktop users can invoke the MCP tools directly from prompts. A simple prompt like “Please visualize and preview the following diff” will trigger , returning a URL that opens in the browser. For local storage, a prompt such as “Please visualize and save this diff to a file” calls , yielding an HTML or PNG on disk. Configuration variables (, , etc.) allow developers to tailor the behavior to their environment, ensuring seamless operation whether they prefer cloud sharing or local archives.

Standout Advantages

Unlike generic diff viewers, this MCP server is tightly coupled with Claude Desktop and the Smithery ecosystem, providing a one‑click experience from AI conversation to visual diff. Its built‑in auto‑deletion and multi‑level security give it a professional edge for teams that need both speed and confidentiality. The combination of instant Gist sharing, local file generation, and high‑performance rendering makes it a versatile tool for any developer looking to elevate their code review and documentation processes.