# VS Code

Connect the AstroWay API to **VS Code** over MCP. The config is read by Copilot Chat in Agent mode.

## Prerequisites

Get an API key in the [dashboard](https://api.astroway.info/dashboard/sign-up). For free testing use a sandbox `aw_test_*` key — it doesn't spend credits.

## Setup

Create `.vscode/mcp.json` in your project root. Note: in VS Code the key is `servers` (not `mcpServers`), and each server needs a `type` field. Paste one of the blocks below and **restart VS Code**.

**Hosted (HTTP)** — zero install, Bearer-token auth:

<Code lang="json" title=".vscode/mcp.json" code={`{
  "servers": {
    "astroway": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://mcp.astroway.info/mcp",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer aw_live_YOUR_KEY" }
    }
  }
}`} />

**Stdio (npx)** — local subprocess, env-var auth, offline-ready:

<Code lang="json" title=".vscode/mcp.json" code={`{
  "servers": {
    "astroway": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@astroway/mcp"],
      "env": { "ASTROWAY_API_KEY": "aw_live_YOUR_KEY" }
    }
  }
}`} />

## Verify

In Copilot Chat (Agent mode), type: "List the AstroWay tools" — or ask it to call a free reference tool, such as fetching the list of zodiac signs. If a result comes back, the connection works.

## Troubleshooting

- **401 / invalid key** — make sure the key is prefixed `aw_live_*` or `aw_test_*` and isn't revoked. Check it in the [dashboard](https://api.astroway.info/dashboard/sign-up).
- **Tools don't appear** — fully restart VS Code and verify the `.vscode/mcp.json` path (key `servers`, field `type`).
- **`-32602` validation errors** (stdio) — update the package: `npm i @astroway/mcp@latest`. Schemas are regenerated from the live spec.

See all clients — [Agent setup](/en/agent-setup/).