Axon
A graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes codebases into a structural knowledge graph to provide AI agents with deep context on function calls, types, and execution flows. It offers local, zero-dependency tools for hybrid search, impact a
What is Axon?
Axon is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes codebases into a structural knowledge graph to provide ai agents with deep context on function calls, types, and execution flows. it offers local, z...
A graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes codebases into a structural knowledge graph to provide AI agents with deep context on function calls, types, and execution flows. It offers local, zero-dependency tools for hybrid search, impact a
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes codeba
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx axonConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Axon
Axon is a graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes your codebase into a structural knowledge graph, enabling AI agents to understand function calls, type references, and execution flows with precision. It runs entirely locally using an embedded KuzuDB graph database and Tree-sitter parsers, exposing MCP tools for hybrid search, impact analysis, dead code detection, and call-graph traversal. Developers use Axon to give Claude Code and other AI coding agents deep, accurate context about large codebases without sending code to external services.
Prerequisites
- Python 3.11 or higher installed
- uv package manager installed (recommended) or pip
- An MCP client such as Claude Code or Cursor
- Git repository to index (Axon works on any local codebase)
- No API keys required — Axon operates fully offline
Install Axon
Install the axoniq package using uv (recommended) or pip. For Neo4j backend support, include the optional dependency.
# Recommended
uv add axoniq
# Or with pip
pip install axoniq
# With Neo4j backend support
pip install axoniq[neo4j]Index your repository
Run axon analyze in your project root to parse and index all code symbols into the local knowledge graph. The graph data is stored at .axon/kuzu/ inside your project.
cd /path/to/your/project
axon analyze .Add .axon to .gitignore
The local graph database should not be committed to version control.
echo '.axon/' >> .gitignoreConfigure Axon as an MCP server in Claude Code
Add Axon to your project's .mcp.json file. The --watch flag enables live re-indexing as files change.
{
"mcpServers": {
"axon": {
"command": "axon",
"args": ["serve", "--watch"]
}
}
}Verify the server is running
Use the axon_list_repos tool to confirm the repository is indexed and the MCP server responds correctly. You can also launch the visual dashboard.
axon ui
# Opens dashboard at http://localhost:8420Query the knowledge graph
Use Axon's CLI to test queries before or alongside MCP integration. Hybrid search combines BM25, vector, and fuzzy matching.
axon context UserService # 360-degree view of a symbol
axon impact validate --depth 3 # Blast radius for a change
axon dead-code # Find unreachable symbolsAxon Examples
Client configuration
Add this to your project's .mcp.json to enable Axon as an MCP server for Claude Code or Cursor.
{
"mcpServers": {
"axon": {
"command": "axon",
"args": ["serve", "--watch"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
With Axon connected, ask Claude Code these questions to leverage the knowledge graph:
- "Search for all functions that call the database connection handler"
- "What is the blast radius if I change the UserService.authenticate method?"
- "Find all dead code in the src/ directory"
- "Show me the full call chain from the HTTP handler down to the SQL query for the login endpoint"
- "What symbols in this repo reference the PaymentProcessor type?"Troubleshooting Axon
axon command not found after installation
Ensure the Python environment where axoniq was installed is active. If using uv, run 'uv run axon' instead, or add the uv-managed bin directory to your PATH.
Index is stale or missing symbols after code changes
Run 'axon analyze .' again to re-index, or start the MCP server with 'axon serve --watch' to automatically re-index on file changes.
axon_cypher tool returns errors on Cypher queries
The axon_cypher tool is read-only; write queries are not permitted. Ensure your Cypher syntax targets KuzuDB (not Neo4j) node/relationship naming conventions from the Axon schema.
Frequently Asked Questions about Axon
What is Axon?
Axon is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that graph-powered code intelligence engine that indexes codebases into a structural knowledge graph to provide ai agents with deep context on function calls, types, and execution flows. it offers local, zero-dependency tools for hybrid search, impact a It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Axon?
Follow the installation instructions on the Axon GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with Axon?
Axon works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Axon free to use?
Yes, Axon is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
Axon Alternatives — Similar Developer Tools Servers
Looking for alternatives to Axon? Here are other popular developer tools servers you can use with Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
Ecc
★ 188.2kThe agent harness performance optimization system. Skills, instincts, memory, security, and research-first development for Claude Code, Codex, Opencode, Cursor and beyond.
Javaguide
★ 155.8kJava 面试 & 后端通用面试指南，覆盖计算机基础、数据库、分布式、高并发、系统设计与 AI 应用开发
Gemini CLI
★ 104.5kA secure MCP server that wraps the Google Gemini CLI, allowing clients to query Gemini models using local OAuth sessions without requiring an API key. It provides tools for model interaction and diagnostics with built-in protection against command in
Awesome MCP Servers
★ 87.3k⭐ Curated list of Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers - tools that extend Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, and other MCP clients with custom capabilities.
MCP Servers
★ 86.0kModel Context Protocol Servers
CC Switch
★ 77.5kA cross-platform desktop All-in-One assistant for Claude Code, Codex, OpenCode, OpenClaw, Gemini CLI & Hermes Agent. Only official website: ccswitch.io
Browse More Developer Tools MCP Servers
Explore all developer tools servers available in the MCPgee directory. Each server includes setup guides for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code.
Set Up Axon in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
Ready to use Axon?
Browse our complete directory of 33,000+ MCP servers, read setup guides for your editor, and start building with the Model Context Protocol.