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setup-tooluniverse

ToolUniverse setup guides you through installing and configuring the platform across three access modes: chat-based MCP for AI assistants, command-line interface with nine subcommands, or Python SDK for automation. The skill covers uv installation, MCP configuration for 12+ AI clients, full CLI reference, Coding API patterns, API key setup, and troubleshooting.

setup-tooluniverse installs ToolUniverse as an MCP server, CLI, or Python SDK for accessing 2,000+ scientific databases.

AI-generated summary based on this skill's SKILL.md

1,595 242 Apache-2.0updated by mims-harvard

Decision gist · record as of 2026-07-27

setup-tooluniverse installs ToolUniverse as an MCP server, CLI, or Python SDK for accessing 2,000+ scientific databases. ToolUniverse setup guides you through installing and configuring the platform across three access modes: chat-based MCP for AI assistants, command-line interface with nine subcommands, or Python SDK for automation. The skill covers uv installation, MCP configuration for 12+ AI clients, full CLI reference, Coding API patterns, API key setup, and troubleshooting.

manual: git clone https://github.com/mims-harvard/ToolUniverse → cp -r ToolUniverse/skills/setup-tooluniverse ~/.claude/skills/setup-tooluniverse
skills/setup-tooluniverse/SKILL.md · version 46581546

Use it when

  • ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse MCP configuration requires editing your Claude Desktop config file to add the MCP server entry.
  • ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse provides three complementary access modes.

Verify before relying

Read SKILL.md below before installing (17 files). Open directory: indexed for reading, not audited.

Same gist for agents: .md · .json

Install

mims-harvard/ToolUniverse/setup-tooluniverse · repository language: Python

Open directory. Skills are indexed for reading, not audited. Review a skill's body before installing it.

Frequently asked questions

AI-generated answers based on this skill's SKILL.md and metadata

How do I install ToolUniverse?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse offers three installation paths. For chat-based MCP integration with AI assistants like Claude or Cursor, use `uvx tooluniverse`. For command-line access, install via `uv tool install tooluniverse` or `pip install tooluniverse`, then run `tu` commands. For Python automation, install the SDK with `pip install tooluniverse` and import it directly. All three modes access the same underlying tools and databases.

How do I set up ToolUniverse MCP server with Claude Desktop?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse MCP configuration requires editing your Claude Desktop config file to add the MCP server entry. Use `uvx tooluniverse` as the command and configure environment variables for API keys if needed. ToolUniverse supports 12+ AI clients including Claude Desktop, Cursor, VS Code, and Windsurf. Detailed MCP config instructions are provided for each supported client.

What's the difference between chat, CLI, and SDK access modes?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse provides three complementary access modes. Chat (MCP) integrates with AI assistants for conversational tool use. CLI offers nine subcommands for direct terminal access and scripting. Python SDK enables programmatic automation within your code. Choose chat for AI-assisted workflows, CLI for quick terminal tasks, or SDK for production automation pipelines.

How do I configure API keys and troubleshoot installation errors?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse requires API keys set as environment variables for database and service access. Export keys before running `tu` commands or MCP servers. Common installation issues include missing uv, Python version mismatches, or permission errors. Verify installation with `tu --version` and check logs for specific errors. The troubleshooting guide covers won't-start issues and dependency conflicts.

How do I upgrade ToolUniverse to the latest version?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse upgrades depend on your installation method. For uv-managed installs, run `uv tool upgrade tooluniverse`. For pip, use `pip install --upgrade tooluniverse`. After upgrading, verify tool availability with `tu list` or check MCP server status in your AI assistant. Upgrades preserve existing configurations and API key settings.

Can I use ToolUniverse with the Python SDK for automation?

ToolUniverse setup-tooluniverse Python SDK enables full programmatic access for automation workflows. Install with `pip install tooluniverse`, import the module, and use Coding API patterns to build wrappers around tools and scientific databases. The SDK integrates with your Python environment for production use, CI/CD pipelines, and custom integrations beyond chat and CLI modes.

SKILL.md

Rendered from the published skill. Quoted content, verbatim.

Setup ToolUniverse

Guide the user step-by-step through setting up ToolUniverse.

Agent Behavior

  • Detect language from user's first message. Respond in their language; keep commands/URLs in English.
  • Go one step at a time. Ask before proceeding.
  • Use

(truncated - see the full file via the links below)

File tree — 15 files
skills/setup-tooluniverse/API_KEYS_REFERENCE.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/CLAUDE_DESKTOP.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/EXAMPLES.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/GITHUB_ISSUE.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/INSTALL.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/MCP_CONFIG.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/SKILL.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/SKILLS_CATALOG.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/SKILL_SUMMARY.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/TRAE.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/TROUBLESHOOTING.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/references/mcp-configs.md
skills/setup-tooluniverse/scripts/check_prerequisites.py
skills/setup-tooluniverse/scripts/diagnose_setup.py
skills/setup-tooluniverse/scripts/list_tool_categories.py

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Tags
package-managerai-agent-integrationdatabase-accessterminal-toolssdk-patternsconfiguration-guidetroubleshooting-setupmulti-mode-accessscientific-workflow