Testing is critical to code quality, and Claude Code can help run tests, analyze failures, and suggest fixes. While Claude can execute test commands directly via bash, MCP servers provide richer integration with testing frameworks. Here are the best options for test automation.
Recommended MCP Servers
Shell MCP (Anthropic)
anthropics/mcp-server-shell
Official shell command execution for running test suites and capturing output.
Key Features
- Execute any shell command
- Capture stdout and stderr
- Run test frameworks
- Official Anthropic support
Installation
npx @modelcontextprotocol/server-shellThe Shell MCP lets Claude run any testing command—jest, pytest, go test, cargo test, you name it. It captures output so Claude can analyze failures and suggest fixes. The universal solution for test execution.
Filesystem MCP (Anthropic)
anthropics/mcp-server-filesystem
File system access for reading test files, analyzing coverage reports, and writing new tests.
Key Features
- Read test files
- Analyze coverage reports
- Write new test cases
- Navigate test directories
Installation
npx @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystemCombined with shell execution, the Filesystem MCP lets Claude read existing tests, understand patterns, and write new test cases. Essential for test-driven development workflows where Claude helps author tests.
Claude Task Master
eyaltoledano/claude-task-master
AI-powered task management with test execution tracking and multi-step workflows.
Key Features
- Task-based test execution
- Multi-step workflow support
- Progress tracking
- Integration with multiple AI providers
Installation
npx claude-task-masterClaude Task Master excels at orchestrating complex testing workflows—run unit tests, then integration tests, then analyze coverage, then fix failures. It tracks progress and manages multi-step processes.
Quick Comparison
| MCP | Stars | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shell MCP | >2k | Running any tests | Universal compatibility | Basic output only |
| Filesystem MCP | >2k | Writing tests | Full file access | Requires shell for running |
| Task Master | >10k | Test workflows | Orchestration | More complex setup |
Getting Started
To run tests with Claude Code:
Claude Code has built-in bash access, so you can simply ask:
"Run the test suite and show me any failures."For richer workflows, add the Shell MCP for structured output.
For test writing, combine with Filesystem MCP.
Example prompt: "Run pytest on the auth module, analyze any failures, and suggest fixes."