JVM Source Lens vs Codesurface

In-depth architectural comparison of the JVM Source Lens and Codesurface 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.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose JVM Source Lens when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
• Primary tools included: search_classes, get_class_structure, get_method_signature.

Explore JVM Source Lens Details

Choose Codesurface when:

• You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
• You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
• Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
• Primary tools included: search, get_signature, get_class.

Explore Codesurface Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	JVM Source Lens Developer Tools	Codesurface Developer Tools
Summary	Gradle-accurate JVM classpath; fetch Java source, signatures, and class structure for agents.	Indexes your codebase's public API and serves it via compact MCP tool responses.
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

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).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "jvm-source-lens": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "jvmsrc"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "codesurface": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "codesurface"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Related MCP Server Comparisons