What is the key difference between Forage and Ncp?

Forage belongs to the Aggregators category with local stdio execution, while Ncp belongs to the Aggregators category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Forage or Ncp in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Forage and Ncp free or paid?

Forage operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Ncp operates under a Free / Open Source model (API Key required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Forage lists 6 tools with 3 views and 15 GitHub stars. Ncp lists 6 tools with 2 views and 97 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Forage and Ncp together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Forage or Ncp in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Forage and Ncp free to use, or do they require API keys?

Forage is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Ncp operates under a Free / Open Source model with API Key required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Forage and Ncp at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both isaac-levine-forage and portel-dev-ncp as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Forage has a Quality Score of 44 /100 ( Fair ) with 3 views, 0 installs, and 15 GitHub stars. Ncp holds a Quality Score of 49 /100 ( Fair ) with 2 views, 0 installs, and 97 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Forage vs Ncp

In-depth architectural comparison of the Forage and Ncp MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.

At a Glance & Executive Verdict

Forage

Aggregators · Local stdio

Quality: 44/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required

Ncp

Aggregators · Local stdio

Quality: 49/100 (Fair) | Auth: API Key required

Verdict Summary: Choose Forage if you need specialized Aggregators tools running via a local process. Choose Ncp if your workspace requires Aggregators integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Forage when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Aggregators domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Primary tools included: Searches Official MCP Registry, Smithery, and npm for MCP servers, Installs MCP servers as child processes via npx, Proxies tool calls to installed MCP servers with namespaced tool names.

Explore Forage Details

Choose Ncp when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Aggregators domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: API Key required (Free / Open Source).
You have access to required keys: NCP_API_KEY, NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG.
Primary tools included: Single interface for 50+ MCP tools and skills, Code mode execution with TypeScript, Tool and skill discovery via 'find' command.

Explore Ncp Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Forage isaac-levine Aggregators	Ncp portel-dev Aggregators
Summary	Self-improving tool discovery for AI agents. Searches registries, installs MCP servers as subprocesses, and persists tool knowledge across sessions — no restarts needed.	NCP orchestrates your entire MCP ecosystem through intelligent discovery, eliminating token overhead while maintaining 98.2% accuracy.
Category & Scope	Aggregators	Aggregators
Quality signal	44/100 (Fair)	49/100 (Fair)
Transport Protocol	Local Subprocess (stdio)	Local Subprocess (stdio)
Auth Requirement	No auth required	API Key required
Pricing Model	Free / Open Source	Free / Open Source
Required Env Vars	None required	`NCP_API_KEYNCP_PROJECT_CONFIG`
Compatible Clients	Claude DesktopCursorWindsurfClineVS Code	Claude DesktopCursorWindsurfClineVS Code
Install path signal	`npx · low`	`npx · low`
Engagement & Health	3 views 0 copies 0 upvotes 15 stars	2 views 0 copies 0 upvotes 97 stars
Verified / Official	Community Listing	Community Listing
Open full listing	View Forage Listing	View Ncp Listing

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Forage Tools (6)

Searches Official MCP Registry, Smithery, and npm for MCP servers

Installs MCP servers as child processes via npx

Proxies tool calls to installed MCP servers with namespaced tool names

Emits notifications to update agent tool list without restart

Persists installed tools and usage instructions in local manifest

Includes CLI for human interaction and management

Ncp Tools (6)

Single interface for 50+ MCP tools and skills

Code mode execution with TypeScript

Tool and skill discovery via 'find' command

Direct tool execution with 'run' command

Project-level MCP configuration

Caching and health management of MCPs

Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations

Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).

Forage Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "isaac-levine-forage": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "isaac-levine-forage"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Ncp Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "portel-dev-ncp": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "portel-dev-ncp"
      ],
      "env": {
        "NCP_API_KEY": "YOUR_NCP_API_KEY_HERE",
        "NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG": "YOUR_NCP_PROJECT_CONFIG_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Forage is categorized under Aggregators and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Ncp belongs to Aggregators using local stdio subprocess. Select Forage when you need capabilities focused on aggregators and Ncp when you require tools for aggregators.

More alternatives to Forage More alternatives to Ncp Aggregators category hub