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Windsurf (MCP)

Learn how to connect SQAI Suite to the Windsurf IDE using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). This guide covers the configuration process for the Windsurf "Cascade" agent, including how to verify server connectivity and manage individual tools.

Updated this week

The SQAI Suite MCP (Model Context Protocol) server acts as a centralized intelligence layer for your development environment. It connects your code, user stories, and test management tools into a single, real-time understanding of the system under development, which Windsurf's "Cascade" agent can then reason over.

Added Value: A Context-Aware Bridge

By connecting the SQAI MCP to Windsurf, you create a direct link between the Cascade AI agent and your broader project data:

  • Unified Intelligence: It connects code repositories, user stories, and documentation so Cascade understands the relationship between different project artifacts.

  • Automated Traceability: Easily perform tasks like automated test generation or impact analysis directly from your chat or coding session without leaving the editor.

  • Continuous Updates: As you modify your codebase or update external documentation, the MCP enables Cascade to maintain an accurate, up-to-date system model.

1. Generate Your API Key

You need an authentication key to securely connect the Windsurf IDE to the SQAI Platform.

  1. Log in to the SQAI Platform.

  2. Go to the MCP Configuration page: app.sqai-suite.com/mcp.

  3. Generate and copy your unique API Key.

2. Setup Instructions

Windsurf allows you to configure MCP servers through its built-in configuration panel or by directly editing the global mcp_config.json file.

2.1 Access the Configuration Panel

  1. Open Windsurf.

  2. Press CTRL + SHIFT + P (or CMD + SHIFT + P on macOS) to open the Command Palette.

  3. Search for and select: "Windsurf: MCP Configuration Panel".

  4. Click Add custom server +.

2.2 Edit the Configuration File

This will open the global configuration file, typically located at ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json.

Paste the following JSON snippet into the mcpServers object. Replace <YOUR_TOKEN> with the API key you generated in Step 1.

JSON

{
"mcpServers": {
"sqai-suite": {
"serverUrl": "https://api.sqai-suite.com/mcp/",
"headers": {
"Authorization": "Bearer <YOUR_TOKEN>"
}
}
}
}

3. How to Use

  1. Verify Connectivity: Go to File > Preferences > Windsurf Settings and click Manage MCPs to see the status of your connection.

  2. Manage Tools: In the "Manage MCPs" panel, you can see the specific tools provided by SQAI Suite (e.g., get-test-case, get-work-item) and toggle them on or off individually.

  3. Interact with Cascade: Open the Cascade panel (CTRL + L) and ensure it is in a mode that supports tool calling.

  4. Prompt Example:

    • "Analyze this file and retrieve the related work items from Jira via SQAI Suite to ensure all requirements are met."

Windsurf Cascade Additional Info

This official walkthrough from Windsurf University explains how Cascade uses MCP servers to access external tools and data, providing practical context for your setup.

Troubleshooting

Issue

Potential Cause

Solution

Server not appearing

Cache issue.

Click the Refresh button in the Windsurf Settings > MCP Servers section.

Connection Errors

Invalid Token.

Ensure your header is exactly Bearer <YOUR_TOKEN>. Check for missing quotes or commas in the JSON.

Tools Unresponsive

Server URL.

Verify the serverUrl is exactly https://api.sqai-suite.com/mcp/.

Viewing Logs

Unknown failure.

Open the Command Palette and select "Developer: Show Logs...", then choose Windsurf to see detailed connection logs.

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