claude-cli.nvim

A Neovim plugin that connects to Claude Code CLI through the MCP Neovim server, enabling AI-powered code assistance directly in your editor.

Prerequisites

• Neovim 0.8+
• Node.js and npm
• Claude Code CLI
• Git

Installation

1. Install Claude Code CLI

Follow the official installation guide at https://claude.ai/code

2. Install the Plugin

Using lazy.nvim:

{
  "jeremiahsmithdev/claude-cli.nvim",
  config = function()
    require("claude-cli").setup({
      socket_path = "/tmp/nvim",
      auto_start_server = false,
    })
  end,
}

Using packer.nvim:

use {
  "jeremiahsmithdev/claude-cli.nvim",
  config = function()
    require("claude-cli").setup()
  end,
}

Getting Started

Prerequisites Setup

1. Configure MCP server:

   claude mcp add "MCP Neovim Server" -e NVIM_SOCKET_PATH=/tmp/nvim -- npx -y mcp-neovim-server

2. Start Neovim with socket:

   nvim --listen /tmp/nvim

3. Start Claude CLI in a tmux session:

   tmux new-session -s claude-cli
   claude

   Important: The plugin requires Claude CLI to be running in a tmux session for :ClaudeSend to work properly.

Usage

Available Commands

• :ClaudeConnect - Connect to the MCP server
• :ClaudeDisconnect - Disconnect from the MCP server
• :ClaudeStatus - Check connection status
• :ClaudeSend <message> - Send a message directly to Claude CLI and automatically submit it
  • Requires Claude CLI to be running in a tmux session
  • Messages are automatically submitted after a 0.1s delay
  • Example: :ClaudeSend How do I implement a binary search?

Examples

Connect to Claude CLI:

:ClaudeConnect
:ClaudeStatus

Send a message to Claude:

:ClaudeSend What is the time complexity of this algorithm?
:ClaudeSend Explain how this React hook works
:ClaudeSend Help me debug this error message

Disconnect when done:

:ClaudeDisconnect

The message will appear in your Claude CLI terminal and be automatically submitted.

Configuration

require("claude-cli").setup({
  -- Currently no configuration is needed for basic functionality
  -- The plugin will automatically find your Claude CLI tmux session
})

Troubleshooting

:ClaudeSend not working

Step 1: Ensure Claude CLI is running in tmux

tmux list-sessions | grep claude

You should see a session with "claude" in the name.

Step 2: Verify Claude CLI is the active process

tmux list-panes -a -F '#{session_name}:#{window_index}.#{pane_index} #{pane_current_command}' | grep claude

Look for a pane running node (the Claude CLI process).

Step 3: Test manual message sending

tmux send-keys -t <session>:<pane> "test message" Enter

Replace <session>:<pane> with your Claude CLI session and pane.

Common Issues

"Claude CLI process not found" error:

• Make sure Claude CLI is running in a tmux session
• The session name should contain "claude" (e.g., claude-cli, claude-session)

Messages appear but don't submit:

• The plugin uses a 0.1s delay between typing and submission
• If messages still don't submit, try increasing the delay in the code

Nothing happens when using :ClaudeSend:

• Check that tmux is installed: which tmux
• Ensure you started Claude CLI inside tmux, not in a regular terminal

Claude Code MCP Permissions

This repository includes .claude/settings.local.json with commonly used MCP permissions for developing this plugin with Claude Code. These permissions allow Claude to:

• Read and edit Neovim buffers
• Execute Vim commands
• Send tmux commands (essential for ClaudeSend functionality)
• Open, search, and save files in Neovim

⚠️ Important Security Note: Always use version control (git) frequently when working with AI assistants. The included permissions are suggestions - review and adjust them based on your comfort level and needs.

Development

To contribute or modify the plugin:

1. Clone the repository
2. Make your changes
3. Test with a local Neovim setup
4. Submit a pull request

Roadmap

• Edit Neovim buffers from Claude CLI
• Send and submit messages from Neovim to Claude CLI
• Automatic diff views
• Answer Claude prompts from Neovim
• Send entire buffers to Claude CLI

The Story Behind ClaudeSend

Curious about the journey of implementing the :ClaudeSend command? Read The Tale of the Delayed Enter Key - a whimsical story about our adventures in terminal automation and the discovery of the 0.1-second solution.

License

MIT License