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shannon-thinking

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MCP server for applying a Claude Shannon-inspired problem-solving pattern

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Overview

Shannon Thinking is an MCP server that implements a systematic problem-solving methodology inspired by Claude Shannon, the father of information theory. It helps users break down complex problems into structured thoughts through defined stages.

To use Shannon Thinking, install the server via npm and utilize the shannonthinking tool to structure your problem-solving thoughts according to Shannon's methodology.

  • Iterative problem-solving with support for revisions and rechecks. - Flexible validation combining formal proofs and experimental testing. - Dependency tracking to understand how thoughts build upon each other. - Clear documentation of assumptions and confidence levels for each thought. - Rich feedback with formatted console output.
  1. Analyzing complex systems.
  2. Solving information processing problems.
  3. Engineering design challenges.
  4. Developing theoretical frameworks for optimization problems.
  5. Iterative refinement of solutions through empirical testing.

Add to your AI client

Use these steps to connect shannon-thinking in Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible apps. The same JSON appears in the Use with menu above for one-click copy.

Cursor

Add this to your .cursor/mcp.json file in your project root, then restart Cursor.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add this server entry to the mcpServers object in your Claude Desktop config, then restart the app.

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

Add this to your project's .mcp.json file. Claude Code will detect it automatically.

.mcp.json (project root)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code (Copilot)

Add this to your .vscode/mcp.json file. Requires the GitHub Copilot extension with MCP support enabled.

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "servers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Windsurf

Add this to your Windsurf MCP config file, then restart Windsurf.

~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Cline

Open Cline settings, navigate to MCP Servers, and add this server configuration.

Cline MCP Settings (via UI)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shannon-thinking-olaservo": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-shannon-thinking-olaservo"
      ]
    }
  }
}

FAQ

What is the main purpose of Shannon Thinking?

It is designed to guide users through a systematic approach to problem-solving, ensuring clarity and structure.

Can I use Shannon Thinking for any type of problem?

Yes, it is particularly useful for complex problems that require a structured approach and iterative refinement.

Is there a cost to use Shannon Thinking?

No, Shannon Thinking is open-source and free to use.7:["$","div",null,{"className":"container mx-auto flex flex-col gap-4","children":["$L26","$L27",["$","$L28",null,{"currentProject":{"id":1001,"uuid":"b74583f3-91cd-482e-bd19-8dcfd4f9ccdc","name":"shannon-thinking","title":"shannon-thinking","description":"MCP server for applying a Claude Shannon-inspired problem-solving pattern","avatar_url":"https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/16480113?v=4","created_at":"2025-01-28T02:26:17.974Z","updated_at":"2025-02-23T07:13:16.101Z","status":"created","author_name":"olaservo","author_avatar_url":"https://avatars.githubusercontent.com/u/16480113?v=4","tags":"[]","category":"research-and-data","is_featured":false,"sort":1,"url":"https://github.com/olaservo/shannon-thinking","target":"_self","content":"$29","summary":"$2a","img_url":"https://camo.githubusercontent.com/a4ad8d3af24412a0e5e9ba8327e126f8980a8f92c62103dfaff6b45c573993fe/68747470733a2f2f676c616d612e61692f6d63702f736572766572732f696666666668777171772f6261646765","type":null,"metadata":"{\"star\":\"10\",\"license\":\"MIT license\",\"language\":\"TypeScript\",\"is_official\":false,\"latest_commit_time\":\"2025-04-18 06:22:35\"}","user_uuid":null,"tools":null,"sse_url":null,"sse_provider":null,"sse_params":null,"is_official":false,"server_command":null,"server_params":null,"server_config":null,"allow_call":false,"is_innovation":false,"is_dxt":false,"dxt_manifest":null,"dxt_file_url":null,"is_audit":false},"randomProjects":[],"currentServerKey":"$undefined"}]]}]

Research and data