> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://podium.build/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Claude Desktop

> Set up Claude Desktop with Podium MCP tools for conversational commerce, product discovery, and order management

Claude Desktop is the canonical MCP client. With the Podium MCP server connected, you can search products, manage taste profiles, execute purchases, check loyalty balances, and browse task bounties — all through natural conversation.

## Prerequisites

* [Claude Desktop](https://claude.ai/download) installed
* A [Podium API key](https://app.podium.build/onboarding)
* The Podium MCP server built and compiled (see [Build a Claude MCP Server](/docs/recipes/mcp-server))

## Configuration

Edit your Claude Desktop config file:

* **macOS**: `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`
* **Windows**: `%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json`

```json theme={null}
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "podium": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/podium-mcp-server/dist/index.js"],
      "env": {
        "PODIUM_API_KEY": "podium_live_sk_..."
      }
    }
  }
}
```

<Warning>
  Use the **absolute path** to your compiled MCP server. Relative paths won't resolve correctly when Claude Desktop launches the process.
</Warning>

Restart Claude Desktop after saving. You should see "podium" appear in the MCP tools panel (the hammer icon in the input area).

## Verify the Connection

Ask Claude:

> "What Podium tools do you have access to?"

Claude should list the available tools: `search_products`, `get_product`, `get_profile`, `update_profile`, `get_recommendations`, `check_points`, `create_checkout`, and `list_tasks`.

## Example Conversations

### Product Discovery

> "Find me the top-rated moisturizers under \$30"

Claude calls `search_products`, formats the results, and presents options with prices and descriptions.

### Profile Management

> "Update my skin profile — I have dry skin, I'm concerned about fine lines and dark spots, and I prefer fragrance-free products under \$40"

Claude calls `update_profile` with the structured preferences, then calls `get_recommendations` to suggest matching products.

### Purchase Flow

> "Buy the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, ship it to 123 Main St, San Francisco CA 94102"

Claude calls `get_product` to confirm details, then `create_checkout` with the shipping address. Returns the checkout session ID and total.

### Loyalty Check

> "How many points do I have? What's my lifetime earning total?"

Claude calls `check_points` and presents the balance, lifetime earned, and lifetime spent.

### Task Browsing

> "Show me available bounties I could work on"

Claude calls `list_tasks` and formats open tasks with their reward amounts and requirements.

## Adding More Tools

The MCP server from the [recipe](/docs/recipes/mcp-server) ships with 8 tools, but you can extend it with any SDK method. The pattern is always the same:

```typescript theme={null}
server.tool(
  'tool_name',
  { param: z.string().describe('Description') },
  async ({ param }) => {
    const result = await client.namespace.method({ param });
    return {
      content: [{ type: 'text', text: JSON.stringify(result, null, 2) }],
    };
  }
);
```

Rebuild with `npx tsc`, restart Claude Desktop, and the new tool appears automatically.

## Troubleshooting

| Issue                    | Fix                                                                  |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Server not appearing     | Check that the path in config is absolute and the JS file exists     |
| "Connection refused"     | Ensure `npx tsc` compiled without errors                             |
| API errors in tool calls | Verify your `PODIUM_API_KEY` is valid and not expired                |
| Tools show but fail      | Check that the API key has permissions for the endpoint being called |

## Related

* [Build a Claude MCP Server](/docs/recipes/mcp-server) — the full server implementation
* [Cursor Setup](/docs/ai-tools/cursor) — same MCP server, different client
* [SDK Setup](/docs/sdk/setup) — client configuration reference