Use SpecStream in VS Code

Add SpecStream to VS Code as an HTTP MCP server. Your API key is asked for once and kept out of the file.

What you need

• A SpecStream account. Start free: $10 of work for 30 days, no card.

The server address is the same for every client:

https://api.specstream.ai/mcp

Connect

Install in VS Code

VS Code adds the server and asks you to sign in to SpecStream. Or add it by hand:

1. Run MCP: Add Server from the Command Palette, choose an HTTP server, and paste the server address. Or add it to .vscode/mcp.json yourself:

{
  "servers": {
    "specstream": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.specstream.ai/mcp"
    }
  }
}

2. Approve the trust dialog the first time the server starts. VS Code opens a browser window to sign in to SpecStream. Review what it asks for.
3. Open chat in agent mode and ask.

Or use an API key

Create an API key

1. Open Agents & API in the workspace and choose API keys.
2. Choose Create API key. Give it only what the task needs: read, prepare or execute permissions, the projects it may use, an expiry and a spending limit.
3. Copy the key when it's shown. It isn't shown again.

Add the server

1. For one project, create .vscode/mcp.json. For every project, run MCP: Open User Configuration from the Command Palette. (The guided MCP: Add Server command writes the same file.)
2. Add the server. The key is typed into a prompt when the server starts, and never saved in the file:

{
  "inputs": [
    {
      "type": "promptString",
      "id": "specstream-key",
      "description": "SpecStream API key",
      "password": true
    }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "specstream": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.specstream.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:specstream-key}"
      }
    }
  }
}

3. Approve the trust dialog VS Code shows when the server first starts, and paste your key into the prompt.
4. Open chat in agent mode and ask.

The file holds no key, so it is safe to commit and share with your team.

Try it

Once VS Code shows SpecStream's tools, ask in your own words:

Use SpecStream to find proposed rules in the Federal Register about drone operations with comments still open. Include the agency and the comment deadline. Show me the price first.

SpecStream reads the request back and gives you the price. Nothing is spent until you approve a maximum, and you pay only for the matches, each with its source.

Set access and spending limits

An agent works on your account, with the same balance, permissions and spending limits you have. Give its key the least it needs: read, prepare or execute permissions, project limits, an expiry and a spending ceiling. Paid work needs an approved price with a ceiling, and reading, exporting and sharing cost nothing.

More

• MCP connection details, including the 97 tools.
• The REST API, the SDKs and command line, and everything your agent can do.
• How quotes and billing work.
• Other clients: Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, Perplexity.

Get started – free

Steps checked against VS Code's documentation on Oct 7, 2026: VS Code: MCP servers, VS Code: MCP configuration reference.