How to Use the ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) MCP in Claude

Q: How do I configure ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) in Claude Desktop?

Open your local claudedesktopconfig.json file and add the MCP Server to the mcpServers block. Set the command to run the node executable and point it to the build file, passing your ElectricSQL HTTP Sync endpoint as an argument. Restart the application to load the tools.

Q: Can Claude Desktop handle large tables via ElectricSQL (Sync Engine)?

Yes, by using getshape with an offset of -1, the agent fetches an initial snapshot. For massive datasets, you should use postshape to define a narrow subset of your Postgres tables so you do not hit token limits.

Q: What is the difference between getshape and postshape?

The MCP Server uses getshape to fetch a stream of updates from a predefined Postgres shape. Use postshape when your agent needs to instantiate a new subset snapshot with specific filtering criteria on the fly.

Feed Postgres data shapes directly to Claude Desktop so your agent can reason over real-time database updates.

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Setup ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) with Claude Desktop

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Stream Postgres shapes directly inside Claude Desktop

The `get_shape` tool pulls specific slices of Postgres tables directly into your local Claude Desktop chat using the ElectricSQL HTTP Sync API. You pass a table name and an offset of -1 to grab the initial snapshot, letting your agent instantly inspect live database state without writing custom SQL queries. This means your agent can watch a specific table for changes during a debugging session. It reads the raw JSON stream directly through the local stdio transport, bypassing slow database clients.

Define dynamic subsets using this MCP Server

The `post_shape` tool lets your agent define custom data subsets to sync from Postgres through Claude Desktop. By posting a shape definition, the agent targets only the columns and rows it needs to solve your current task. Instead of dumping whole database schemas into the prompt, this MCP Server keeps context windows clean. Claude Desktop receives lightweight JSON payloads, which prevents token bloat and keeps reasoning fast.

Sync local databases to Claude Desktop in real-time

The `get_shape` tool connects Claude Desktop to your local development Postgres instance through ElectricSQL's sync engine. The agent reads the initial snapshot and handles subsequent deltas to keep its context fresh while you write code. You don't have to copy-paste database rows or export CSVs anymore. The agent pulls the exact shapes it needs to diagnose local issues right inside your workspace.

Setup guide

Set up ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) MCP in Claude Web or Desktop

1

Open Claude Settings

Go to claude.ai, click your profile icon, then navigate to Customize → Connectors.
2

Add Custom Connector

Click the "+" button and select Add custom connector. Paste your Vinkius endpoint URL: https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your token from cloud.vinkius.com. For OAuth-protected servers, expand Advanced settings to add credentials.
3

Start a conversation

Open a new chat. The ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) MCP tools are available immediately — no restart needed.

Endpoint URL

https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp

No configuration file needed — paste the URL directly in the Claude web interface.

Available on Free (1 connector), Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans.

Prerequisites

Claude Desktop installed (macOS or Windows)
Active Vinkius subscription with a valid endpoint token

1

Open Claude Desktop Settings

Click the menu icon at the top-left corner, go to Settings → Developer → Edit Config. This opens claude_desktop_config.json in your default text editor.
2

Paste the ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) MCP configuration

Copy the JSON snippet on the right into the mcpServers object. Replace [YOUR_TOKEN_HERE] with your endpoint token from cloud.vinkius.com.
3

Restart Claude Desktop

Close and reopen the application. Claude needs a full restart to load new MCPs — refreshing a conversation is not enough.
4

Verify the connection

Open a new conversation. Click the 🔌 icon at the bottom of the message input. You should see tools listed under electricsql-sync-engine-mcp.

json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "electricsql-sync-engine-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/[YOUR_TOKEN_HERE]/mcp"
    }
  }
}

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Common questions about ElectricSQL (Sync Engine) MCP in Claude Desktop

Open your local claude_desktop_config.json file and add the MCP Server to the mcpServers block. Set the command to run the node executable and point it to the build file, passing your ElectricSQL HTTP Sync endpoint as an argument. Restart the application to load the tools.

Yes, by using `get_shape` with an offset of -1, the agent fetches an initial snapshot. For massive datasets, you should use `post_shape` to define a narrow subset of your Postgres tables so you do not hit token limits.

The MCP Server fetches current shape states using the HTTP Sync API. Claude Desktop can repeatedly call `get_shape` with the last received offset to fetch only the newest deltas, keeping the agent updated on Postgres mutations.

The MCP Server uses `get_shape` to fetch a stream of updates from a predefined Postgres shape. Use `post_shape` when your agent needs to instantiate a new subset snapshot with specific filtering criteria on the fly.

Your Postgres database records remain protected because the server only accesses the specific shapes exposed by your ElectricSQL HTTP Sync API. No raw SQL execution is allowed, preventing arbitrary database access or injection risks.

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