Follow the steps below to install and set up the toolkit components for your AI development environment.
1. Install plugin
An agent plugin is an installable package that bundles the MCP server configuration with a set agent skills. The Esri developer agent skills repository contains skills for ArcGIS SDKs, APIs, and open source libraries.
Use the installation steps below for your client.
Follow the VS Code instructions to install a plugin directly from a Git repository URL. When prompted, use https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills.git as the repository URL.
Follow the GitHub Copilot CLI instructions to install a plugin from a Git repository URL.
When prompted, use https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills.git as the repository URL.
Follow the Claude Code instructions to install a plugin directly from a Git repository URL.
When prompted, use https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills.git as the repository URL.
Follow the Cursor instructions to install a plugin directly from a Git repository URL.
When prompted, use https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills.git as the repository URL.
Follow the Xcode instructions to install a plugin directly from a Git repository URL. You might need to enable an agent before installing plugins.
When prompted, use https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills.git as the repository URL.
Follow the Kiro instructions to install a plugin directly from a Git repository URL. When prompted, enter the GitHub URL for the specific plugin you want to install. Replace {PLUGIN_NAME} with the plugin’s directory name:
https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills/tree/main/plugins/developers/PLUGIN_NAMEFor example, to install the ArcGIS REST JS plugin:
https://github.com/Esri/esri-developer-agent-skills/tree/main/plugins/developers/arcgis-rest-jsRepeat these steps for each plugin you want to install.
2. Verify your connection
Verify that your AI agent is connected to the MCP server and has access to the installed agent skills.
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In your client’s MCP settings, confirm that the Esri MCP server for developer documentation is enabled and connected. Start it if your client requires this.
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Open a new agent chat and run the following prompt. Approve any requests from the agent to use tools or access folders needed to verify your setup.
PromptReturn the URL of the Esri MCP server for developer documentation that I am connected to. Indicate if it is not connected or turned on yet. Also return the tools accessible from the MCP server and my installed Esri developer agent skills.Your setup is ready when:
- The agent reports that the MCP server is connected.
- The agent lists available tools from the MCP server, including
search_esri_developer_docs,fetch_esri_developer_doc, andfetch_esri_developer_focus_areas. - The agent lists the installed Esri developer agent skills, including
gather-arcgis-application-requirementsandfollow-arcgis-authentication-patterns.
Use the result of the verification prompt to identify which part of your setup needs attention:
- The server is not listed: For a plugin installation, confirm that your selected plugin is installed and enabled, not just that its repository has been added as a source. For manual configuration, confirm that the MCP configuration was saved for the client and workspace you are using. Restart the client if the server still does not appear.
- The server is listed but disconnected: Start or reconnect it in your client’s MCP settings. Check the connection logs for an incorrect URL, a timeout, or a network error. Confirm that your network, proxy, or firewall allows HTTPS access to the configured server URL.
- The server is connected but tools are unavailable: Check that your current chat mode supports MCP tools and that the server’s tools are enabled for that chat. Ask the agent to test
search_esri_developer_docswith a simple query, such asArcGIS API key authentication, to confirm that it can call the server rather than just list its tools. - Tools are available but skills are missing: Open a new chat after enabling or installing skills. You might also need to restart the client.
To ask your AI agent for help, run the following prompt and include any error message from your client’s MCP settings or logs.
Help troubleshoot my ArcGIS agentic developer toolkit setup. Check the MCP configuration, connection errors, tool permissions, and installed skills where you have access. Otherwise, guide me through the checks. Ask before changing configuration, and rerun verification after the fix.What’s next?
Explore the MCP server, agent skills, and examples to learn how to implement it in your development workflow.