IDE Integration Guide¶

The Escape MCP (Model Context Protocol) server can be integrated into various IDEs, including Visual Studio Code, Cursor, and other MCP-compatible editors. This guide demonstrates configuration for accessing Escape's capabilities directly within your development environment.

Prerequisites¶

• An active Escape account
• Visual Studio Code, Cursor, or another MCP-compatible IDE
• Internet connection to access the Escape MCP server

Step 1: Obtain Your API Key¶

API keys are used to authenticate your IDE with the Escape MCP server. Each key is scoped to your user account and provides access to your organizations and applications.

1. Navigate to the Escape Dashboard
2. Access your User Settings (profile menu in the top-right corner)
3. Locate the API Key section
4. Copy your API key

Step 2: Configure MCP Server in Your IDE¶

Visual Studio Code¶

Visual Studio Code provides native support for MCP servers through the MCP extension.

1. Create or edit .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace root

2. Add the Escape MCP server configuration:

   {
     "servers": {
       "escape-mcp": {
         "type": "http",
         "url": "https://mcp.escape.tech/mcp",
         "headers": {
           "X-ESCAPE-API-KEY": "your_api_key_here"
         }
       }
     }
   }
   

3. Replace your_api_key_here with the API key obtained in Step 1

4. Save the file

Cursor¶

Cursor supports MCP servers through the same configuration format as Visual Studio Code:

1. Create or edit .vscode/mcp.json in your workspace root (Cursor uses the same configuration directory)
2. Add the Escape MCP server configuration (same as VS Code configuration above)
3. Restart Cursor to load the new configuration

Other IDEs¶

Any IDE that supports the Model Context Protocol can connect to the Escape MCP server using the HTTP endpoint:

• Endpoint: https://mcp.escape.tech/mcp
• Authentication Header: X-ESCAPE-API-KEY: your_api_key_here
• Protocol: HTTP-based MCP

Consult your IDE's documentation for specific MCP server configuration instructions.

Step 3: Verify the Connection¶

After configuration, verification ensures the MCP server is accessible and operational within your IDE.

1. Restart your IDE or reload the window

   • VS Code: Ctrl+Shift+P → "Developer: Reload Window"
   • Cursor: Cmd+R (macOS) or Ctrl+R (Windows/Linux)

2. Open your AI assistant interface (Copilot, Claude, etc.)

3. Verify that Escape MCP tools are available in the tool list

Troubleshooting¶

MCP Server Not Appearing¶

• Verify the mcp.json file is in the correct location (.vscode/mcp.json at workspace root)
• Confirm JSON syntax is valid (use a JSON validator)
• Ensure the API key is correct and has not been regenerated
• Restart the IDE after configuration changes

Authentication Errors¶

• Verify the API key is active in your Escape user settings
• Check that the header name is exactly X-ESCAPE-API-KEY (case-sensitive)
• Ensure the API key has not been revoked or regenerated

Connection Timeouts¶

• Confirm internet connectivity
• Verify your network allows HTTPS connections to https://mcp.escape.tech
• Check for proxy or firewall configurations that may block the connection

Security Best Practices¶

• Never commit API keys: Add .vscode/mcp.json to your .gitignore file
• Use environment variables: Consider referencing environment variables in your MCP configuration if your IDE supports it
• Rotate keys regularly: Periodically regenerate API keys in your Escape user settings
• Scope access appropriately: API keys inherit your user permissions—ensure your account has only necessary access

Next Steps¶

• Explore Escape Copilot capabilities
• Review the Public API documentation
• Configure automated scanning workflows

Related Documentation¶

• Model Context Protocol Specification
• Escape Public API
• Application Management
• DAST Scanning