BUG MCP With OAuth In Headless Mode A Guide To Storing Access Tokens For Claude Code CLI
Hey guys! It looks like we've got a bit of a bug on our hands when trying to run Claude Code CLI in headless mode with OAuth for Figma MCP. The big question is: where do we stash that access token so Claude Code can grab it when running without a user interface? Let's dive into this issue and figure out a solution. This article will explore the problem, its impact, and potential solutions, ensuring you can seamlessly integrate Claude Code CLI into your headless workflows.
Preflight Checklist: Making Sure We're on the Same Page
Before we get too deep, let's quickly run through the preflight checklist to make sure we've covered all the bases:
- [x] I have searched existing issues: We've scoured the existing issues to ensure this hasn't been reported yet. Nobody wants to reinvent the wheel, right?
- [x] This is a single bug report: We're focusing on one bug at a time to keep things clear and concise.
- [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code: We're rocking the latest version to make sure we're not dealing with a known issue that's already been fixed.
What's Wrong? The Headless Access Token Conundrum
So, here's the deal. We've got our Figma remote MCP set up with OAuth, and we've got our access token in hand. Using Claude Code CLI in interactive mode is a breeze – no problem there. But when we try to run it in headless mode, that's where the fun begins (or, you know, the frustration). We need a way for Claude Code to access the token without us having to manually enter it every time. It’s like trying to start a car without the key – you know where you want to go, but you can't quite get there. The main issue is the lack of clear documentation on how to store the access token for headless mode. This is a significant hurdle for those looking to automate their workflows.
Why Headless Mode Matters
Headless mode is crucial for automation. Imagine you're setting up a continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipeline. You want Claude Code to run as part of that process, automatically analyzing and optimizing your Figma designs. If you can't store the access token securely and accessibly, you're stuck doing things manually, which defeats the purpose of automation. This is where the real power of Claude Code can be unlocked, but only if we solve this access token puzzle. The ability to run Claude Code in headless mode is essential for integrating it into automated workflows and CI/CD pipelines.
The Need for Documentation
The core of the problem lies in the missing documentation. Without clear instructions, developers are left to guess and experiment, which is time-consuming and often leads to frustration. We need a reliable, documented method for storing and retrieving access tokens in headless mode. This isn't just a nice-to-have; it's a must-have for anyone serious about using Claude Code in an automated environment. Proper documentation ensures that users can implement the solution correctly and securely.
What Should Happen? The Ideal Scenario
In a perfect world, we'd have some clear, concise documentation outlining exactly how to store the access token for Claude Code to use in headless mode. Think of it as a treasure map guiding us to the hidden gold – in this case, seamless automation. The documentation should cover:
- Where to store the token: Should it be in an environment variable? A configuration file? A dedicated storage location?
- How to format the token: Does it need to be encoded in a specific way?
- How Claude Code CLI will access it: What command-line flags or environment variables does it look for?
With this information in hand, we could easily integrate Claude Code into our automated workflows, making our lives a whole lot easier. Clear documentation is the key to unlocking the full potential of Claude Code in headless environments. This ensures a smooth and efficient workflow for users.
Error Messages/Logs: The Silent Treatment
So far, we're not seeing any error messages or logs, which is both good and bad. Good because it means the application isn't crashing or throwing exceptions. Bad because it gives us zero clues about what's going wrong. It's like trying to diagnose a car problem when the car just silently refuses to start. A little feedback would be greatly appreciated! Ideally, Claude Code CLI would provide some kind of error message or log output indicating that it's missing the access token or can't authenticate. This would significantly speed up the debugging process. Providing informative error messages and logs is crucial for efficient troubleshooting.
Steps to Reproduce: Let's Recreate the Magic (or the Misery)
To reproduce this issue, simply try running Claude Code CLI in headless mode with a Figma MCP that requires OAuth authentication. Without a properly stored access token, it just won't work. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Set up a Figma MCP that requires OAuth.
- Obtain an access token through the OAuth flow.
- Try running Claude Code CLI in headless mode, without providing the access token.
- Observe that the CLI fails to authenticate or access the MCP.
This simple process highlights the core issue: the lack of a mechanism for providing the access token in headless mode. Reproducing the issue consistently helps in understanding the scope of the problem.
Claude Model: N/A
This issue isn't specific to any particular Claude model, so we can mark this as N/A. The problem lies in the authentication process, not the model itself. The access token issue is independent of the Claude model being used.
Is this a Regression? A Step Backwards?
The user suspects this might be a regression, meaning it used to work in a previous version. This is a crucial piece of information because it suggests that a recent change might have introduced the bug. Identifying whether the issue is a regression helps narrow down the potential causes and the timeframe in which the bug was introduced. Pinpointing the regression can significantly speed up the debugging process.
Last Working Version: The Good Old Days
Unfortunately, the user doesn't recall the last working version. This makes it a bit harder to pinpoint exactly when the bug was introduced, but it's not a deal-breaker. Even without this information, we can still investigate the issue and find a solution. Knowing the last working version would have provided a more precise starting point for debugging.
Claude Code Version: 1.0.35
We're running Claude Code version 1.0.35. This is important information because it allows us to check the codebase for any recent changes that might be related to the issue. Knowing the exact version helps in identifying potential causes and applying targeted fixes. Keeping track of the version number is essential for effective bug tracking and resolution.
Platform: Anthropic API
We're using the Anthropic API as our platform. This helps us understand the environment in which the bug is occurring. Different platforms might have different authentication mechanisms or requirements, so this context is valuable. Understanding the platform context is crucial for addressing platform-specific issues.
Operating System: macOS
The user is running macOS. This is another piece of the puzzle, as operating systems can sometimes have their own quirks and nuances. Knowing the operating system helps in identifying potential OS-specific issues. The operating system context can influence the debugging approach.
Terminal/Shell: Terminal.app (macOS)
We're using the default Terminal.app on macOS. This is good to know, as different terminal emulators might behave slightly differently. Knowing the terminal application can be relevant in some cases for reproducing or debugging issues.
Additional Information: The Empty Space
Unfortunately, there's no additional information provided. But that's okay! We've got enough to work with for now. Sometimes, less is more. The absence of additional information doesn't hinder the troubleshooting process.
Possible Solutions and Workarounds
Okay, so we've nailed down the problem. Now, let's brainstorm some potential solutions and workarounds.
- Environment Variables: The most common approach for storing sensitive information like access tokens is to use environment variables. Claude Code CLI could be updated to check for an environment variable (e.g.,
CLAUDE_CODE_ACCESS_TOKEN
) and use its value for authentication. This is a secure and widely accepted method for handling secrets. - Configuration File: Another option is to allow users to specify the access token in a configuration file (e.g.,
~/.claude-code/config.yaml
). This approach provides more flexibility and allows for storing other configuration settings as well. Configuration files offer a structured way to manage settings and secrets. - Command-Line Flag: As a temporary workaround, we could pass the access token as a command-line flag. However, this isn't ideal for security reasons, as the token might be visible in command history or process listings. While a quick fix, command-line flags are not recommended for sensitive data.
- Keyring/Secrets Management: For more advanced users, integrating with a system keyring or secrets management tool (like HashiCorp Vault) could be a robust solution. This ensures that the access token is stored securely and accessed only when needed. Using keyrings and secrets management tools enhances security and control over sensitive information.
Conclusion: Let's Get This Token Sorted!
So, there you have it! We've dissected the bug, identified the problem, and brainstormed some potential solutions. The key takeaway here is the need for clear documentation on how to store access tokens for Claude Code CLI in headless mode. Without it, we're stumbling in the dark. By implementing one of the solutions above and providing proper documentation, we can unlock the full potential of Claude Code in automated workflows. This bug highlights the importance of secure access token management in headless environments. Addressing this issue will significantly improve the usability and adoption of Claude Code CLI in automated workflows. Let's hope the Anthropic team is listening and gets this fixed soon! In the meantime, let's keep exploring and sharing our experiences to make Claude Code even better. The future of automation with Claude Code depends on solving this crucial issue.