Connect Zoho Notebook MCP with VS Code
Overview
VS Code is a widely used code editor that supports MCP, allowing you to connect external tools directly into your coding workflow. By adding Zoho Notebook as an MCP server in VS Code, you can create notes, search your knowledge base, and log ideas without leaving your editor.
This is especially useful for developers who want to capture code snippets, meeting notes, or task updates directly into Zoho Notebook while they work.
Info: VS Code supports MCP through its Command Palette and a JSON configuration file. Both methods are covered in this guide.
Before You Begin
- Your Zoho Notebook MCP server must be configured.
- You need your MCP URL from the Zoho MCP Server Console.
- You must download GitHub Copilot and enable it in Visual Studio Code for Zoho MCP to function correctly.
Method 1 — Using the VS Code Command Palette (Automatic)
Step 1 — Access the MCP Console
2. Navigate to Connect > MCP Clients > VS Code tab.
3. Click the Add to VS Code button under the Steps to Automatic Configuration section. This will re-direct to VS code automatically.
Step 2 — Install and Authorise
4. Once VS Code launches with your Zoho Notebook MCP server name, click Install.
5. When the pop-up appears, select Allow and then click Open.
6. You will be directed to the Zoho MCP authorization screen on your local host. Click Allow.
7. On the MCP authentication page, select the checkbox to grant the required permissions, click Accept, and then click Allow when prompted again.
Success: Authentication is successful and your Zoho Notebook MCP server is now enabled in VS Code along with the added tools.
Method 2 — Using the mcp.json Config File (Manual)
If you prefer to configure VS Code using a file, locate or create the MCP config file in your project or user directory.
Step 1 — Open the Command Palette
1. Open the VS Code Command Palette using the keyboard shortcut:
- Mac: Shift + Command + P
- Windows: Ctrl + Shift + P
2. Type MCP and select MCP: Add Server from the dropdown.
3. Choose HTTP (HTTP or Server-Sent Events) and press Enter.
Step 2 — Enter Server Details
Field | Value |
Server URL | Paste your MCP URL from the Zoho Notebook MCP Server Console |
Server ID | Enter a name of your server (e.g. zoho-notebook) |
Auth | OAuth 2.0 |
4. Press Enter after each field.
5. Click Allow when the authentication window appears.
6. You will be directed to the Zoho MCP authorization screen on your local host. Click Allow.
7. On the MCP authentication page, select the checkbox to grant the required permissions, click Accept, and then click Allow when prompted again.
Tip: Your Zoho Notebook MCP server is now visible in the mcp.json file with Running status. Use the project-level config when you want Zoho Notebook available only for a specific project. Use the user-level config for access across all projects.
Testing the Connection
In VS Code's GitHub Copilot chat panel (Agent mode), type:
List all notebooks in my Zoho Notebook account. |
If VS Code returns your notebook list, the connection is working. You are ready to use Zoho Notebook from within your editor.
Practical Uses for Developers
- Save code snippets directly as notes in Zoho Notebook from inside VS Code.
- Log bugs, ideas, or decisions into a Notebook as you work.
- Search your Notebook for past notes on a library, API, or project.
- Create structured meeting notes from a transcript without leaving your editor.
- Tag and organize notes by project or sprint.
Troubleshooting
Problem | Solution |
Zoho Notebook not appearing in VS Code tools | Ensure you are in Agent mode (not standard chat). MCP tools only appear in Agent mode. |
Authorization window does not open | Check that your browser is not blocking popups from VS Code. |
mcp.json changes not taking effect | Make sure you fully restarted VS Code after saving the file. |
Connection error with the MCP URL | Verify the URL matches your data centre: .com (US), .eu (EU), .in (India). |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What can I do with Zoho Notebook MCP in Visual Studio Code?
You can use natural-language prompts in Visual Studio Code to interact with your Zoho Notebook content and perform actions supported by the available Notebook MCP tools.
2. Do I need to configure Zoho Notebook MCP every time I use Visual Studio Code?
No, Once Zoho Notebook MCP is successfully configured and authorized, you can continue using it unless the configuration is removed, changed, or requires reauthorization.
3. What Zoho Notebook data can Visual Studio Code access through MCP?
Visual Studio Code can access only the Notebook data and actions supported by Zoho Notebook MCP, based on the permissions you authorize while setting up the connection.
Need Further Assistance?
If you have any questions or need help, feel free to reach out to us at support@zohonotebook.com, we're happy to assist you.
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