This commit fixes the critical bug where the MCP server fails to start on
Linux with "Python executable not found: python3" even when python3 is
correctly installed and available in PATH.
Root Cause:
- findPythonExecutable() returned 'python3' (command name) on Linux
- validatePrerequisites() used existsSync('python3') which checks current
directory, not PATH
- Validation failed even though spawn() would resolve 'python3' via PATH
Changes Made:
1. Enhanced findPythonExecutable() for Linux (src/server.ts:42-126):
- Added Linux platform detection
- Check KiCad bundled Python paths first (/usr/lib/kicad/bin/python3, etc.)
- Use 'which python3' to resolve system python3 to absolute path
- Fallback to common system paths (/usr/bin/python3, /bin/python3)
- Import execSync for 'which' command execution
2. Improved validatePrerequisites() (src/server.ts:214-266):
- Distinguish between absolute paths and command names
- Use existsSync for absolute paths
- Use --version execution test for command names
- Added Linux-specific error messages and troubleshooting
3. Documentation Updates (README.md:409-444):
- Added "Linux Python Detection" section
- Documented detection priority order
- Added troubleshooting steps for KICAD_PYTHON
- Clarified that no manual config needed for standard installations
Testing:
- Build completed successfully (npm run build)
- Python detection now resolves /usr/bin/python3 on Ubuntu/Debian
- Maintains backward compatibility with Windows/macOS
- KICAD_PYTHON override still works
Fixes#29
Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Comprehensive documentation of Phase 2 achievements including power symbol support, wire graph analysis for net connectivity, critical bug fixes (template mapping, special character handling), and 100% passing integration tests. Removes emoji per style guidelines.
Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Documentation Updates:
- README: Updated Schematic Design section from 6 to 9 tools
- Added "Wiring & Connections" subsection highlighting new capabilities
- Documented automatic pin discovery with rotation support
- Listed smart routing options (direct, orthogonal)
- Added net label management features
- CHANGELOG: Added Phase 1 wiring system entry with complete feature list
New Features Documented:
- add_schematic_connection with auto pin discovery
- add_schematic_net_label with orientation control
- WireManager and PinLocator implementation
- S-expression precision and format compliance
Part of Issue #26 schematic wiring implementation
Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
Updated README.md to highlight the major dynamic loading feature:
✅ Updated 'What's New' section
- Added Phase 2: Dynamic Symbol Loading breakthrough
- Documented access to all ~10,000 KiCad symbols
- Added technical architecture explanation
- Example usage with STM32 microcontroller
✅ Updated Schematic Design tools section
- Changed from 'template-based' to 'dynamic loading'
- Explained automatic library search and injection
- Noted fallback to 13 static templates
✅ Updated Project Status
- Added 'DYNAMIC SYMBOL LOADING' as key feature
- Highlighted access to full KiCad symbol libraries
- Noted automatic dynamic injection capability
This brings the README in line with the breakthrough achieved in
commits 1d9e92a and 148f3ef.
Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 <noreply@anthropic.com>
- Add JLCPCB Parts Integration section to What's New
- Update tool count from 59 to 64 tools
- Add JLCPCB Integration category (5 tools) to Available Tools
- Add detailed setup instructions for both local libraries and API modes
- Add usage examples for component selection and cost optimization
- Update architecture section with JLCPCB command modules
- Move JLCPCB from Planned to Working Features
- Add acknowledgment for @l3wi's local library search contribution
- Professional formatting without emojis as requested
This documents the dual-mode JLCPCB integration that provides users with
both local symbol library search (from PR #25) and complete API access to
100k+ parts with real-time pricing and cost optimization.
Co-Authored-By: l3wi <l3wi@users.noreply.github.com>
- Document all 52 tools with JSON Schema validation
- Add Resources capability section (8 resources)
- Include MCP SDK 1.21.0 and protocol compliance details
- Professional tone throughout, no emoji
- Comprehensive installation instructions for all platforms
- Usage examples covering major workflows
- Architecture documentation and troubleshooting guide
Generated with Claude Code
Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
Major improvements:
- Added "What is MCP?" explanation for newcomers
- Created prominent "Prerequisites" section emphasizing KiCAD setup
- Listed all Python requirements inline with descriptions
- Fixed GitHub URL from placeholder to actual repo
- Removed duplicate test/ directory (keeping tests/ for pytest)
- Made KiCAD installation steps more visible and clear
- Added verification command for KiCAD Python module
- Updated all config example paths to match actual repo name
This makes it much clearer for new users how to install and configure
the MCP server, with special emphasis on the critical KiCAD requirement.
🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)
Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
- Added comprehensive documentation (BUILD_AND_TEST, CLIENT_CONFIG, KNOWN_ISSUES, ROADMAP, etc.)
- Updated core functionality for board outline, size, and utilities
- Added new tools for project, routing, schematic, and UI management
- Included TypeScript SDK with full MCP implementation
- Updated configuration examples for all platforms
- Added changelog and status tracking
- Improved Python utilities with KiCAD process management
- Enhanced resource helpers and server capabilities
🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)
Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
