MCP (Model Context Protocol)

Lingo.dev MCP Integration connects AI tools directly to Lingo.dev's translation capabilities using the Model Context Protocol. This allows you to translate content without leaving your preferred AI environment.

Unlike the JavaScript and PHP SDKs which require direct code integration, MCP provides translation functionality through AI tool interfaces like Cursor, Claude Desktop, and VS Code extensions.

What is Model Context Protocol

Model Context Protocol allows AI tools to access external services like Lingo.dev. When you ask your AI tool to translate content, it uses Lingo.dev's translation engine behind the scenes through the MCP connection.

Supported AI Tools

Lingo.dev MCP Integration works with these AI tools:

  • Cursor — AI-powered code editor
  • Claude Desktop — Anthropic's AI assistant
  • Cline for VS Code — VS Code extension for AI assistance

Basic Command

All MCP integrations use this command:

npx -y lingo.dev mcp <api-key>

Replace <api-key> with your project API key from the Lingo.dev dashboard.

Cursor Setup

Configure Cursor for Lingo.dev:

  1. Open Cursor Settings
  2. Select the MCP tab
  3. Click + Add new MCP server
  4. Configure with:
    • Name: Lingo.dev
    • Type: command
    • Command: npx -y lingo.dev mcp <api-key>
  5. Look for green status indicator and "translate" tool in the list

The integration appears as a connected MCP server with translation capabilities.

Claude Desktop Setup

Configure Claude Desktop for Lingo.dev:

  1. Open Settings in Claude desktop
  2. Navigate to the Developer tab
  3. Click Edit Config to open configuration file
  4. Add this JSON configuration:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "lingodotdev": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "lingo.dev", "mcp", "<api-key>"]
    }
  }
}
  1. Save the file and restart Claude
  2. Look for hammer icon in chat input showing MCP connection

Cline for VS Code Setup

Configure Cline extension for Lingo.dev:

  1. Open Cline sidebar (Cmd+Shift+P, type > cline: focus on view)
  2. Click MCP Servers icon in top right
  3. Select Configure MCP Servers
  4. Add this JSON configuration:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "lingodotdev": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "lingo.dev", "mcp", "<api-key>"]
    }
  }
}
  1. Save the file
  2. Verify "lingodotdev" server appears with "translate" tool available

Using MCP Translation

Request translations through AI tool interface:

Translate this paragraph to Spanish using Lingo.dev

Use Lingo.dev to translate this JSON file to German

Translate these chat messages to French with Lingo.dev

The AI tool handles the translation request through the MCP connection, using Lingo.dev's translation engine automatically.

Translation Capabilities

MCP integration provides access to:

  • Text translation — Single strings and paragraphs
  • Object translation — JSON and structured data
  • Chat translation — Conversation arrays
  • Language detection — Automatic source language identification
  • Multiple target languages — Batch translation support

The exact capabilities depend on how the AI tool implements the MCP integration.

Troubleshooting

Verify MCP connection:

  • Check that the API key is correct
  • Ensure the AI tool shows active MCP server status
  • Restart the AI tool after configuration changes
  • Look for "translate" tool in available MCP tools list

Connection issues usually indicate incorrect API key or configuration syntax errors.