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feat: change default MCP tool tier from 'all' to 'core' (#1490)

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This commit is contained in:
Ralph Khreish
2025-12-06 14:08:44 +01:00
committed by GitHub
parent b0199f1cfa
commit bf4515b6de
10 changed files with 124 additions and 61 deletions
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19
.taskmaster/CLAUDE.md
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@@ -91,6 +91,7 @@ Task Master provides an MCP server that Claude Code can connect to. Configure in
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "task-master-ai"],
"env": {
"TASK_MASTER_TOOLS": "core",
"ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "OPENAI_API_KEY_HERE",
@@ -106,6 +107,24 @@ Task Master provides an MCP server that Claude Code can connect to. Configure in
}
```
### MCP Tool Tiers
Task Master uses tiered tool loading to optimize context window usage:
| Tier | Tools | Use Case |
|------|-------|----------|
| `core` | 7 | Minimal daily workflow tools (default) |
| `standard` | 14 | Common task management |
| `all` | 44+ | Full suite with research, autopilot, dependencies |
**Core tools (7):** `get_tasks`, `next_task`, `get_task`, `set_task_status`, `update_subtask`, `parse_prd`, `expand_task`
**Standard adds (7 more):** `initialize_project`, `analyze_project_complexity`, `expand_all`, `add_subtask`, `remove_task`, `add_task`, `complexity_report`
**All tier adds:** Dependency management, tag management, research, autopilot TDD workflow, scope up/down, models, rules
**To upgrade tiers:** Change `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` in `.mcp.json` from `"core"` to `"standard"` or `"all"` and restart the MCP connection.
### Essential MCP Tools
```javascript

44
apps/docs/capabilities/mcp.mdx
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@@ -19,27 +19,7 @@ To optimize LLM context usage, you can control which Task Master MCP tools are l
### Configuration Modes
#### All Tools (Default)
Loads all 36 available tools. Use when you need full Task Master functionality.
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"task-master-ai": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "task-master-ai"],
"env": {
"TASK_MASTER_TOOLS": "all",
"ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your_key_here"
}
}
}
}
```
If `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` is not set, all tools are loaded by default.
#### Core Tools (Lean Mode)
#### Core Tools (Default, Lean Mode)
Loads only 7 essential tools for daily development. Ideal for minimal context usage.
**Core tools included:**
@@ -66,7 +46,7 @@ Loads only 7 essential tools for daily development. Ideal for minimal context us
}
```
You can also use `"lean"` as an alias for `"core"`.
You can also use `"lean"` as an alias for `"core"`. If `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` is not set, core tools are loaded by default.
#### Standard Tools
Loads 15 commonly used tools. Balances functionality with context efficiency.
@@ -114,9 +94,27 @@ Specify exactly which tools to load using a comma-separated list. Tool names are
}
```
#### All Tools
Loads all 36 available tools. Use when you need full Task Master functionality.
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"task-master-ai": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "task-master-ai"],
"env": {
"TASK_MASTER_TOOLS": "all",
"ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your_key_here"
}
}
}
}
```
### Choosing the Right Configuration
- **Use `core`/`lean`**: When working with basic task management workflows or when context limits are strict
- **Use `core`/`lean`**: Default setting, ideal for basic task management workflows or when context limits are strict
- **Use `standard`**: For most development workflows that include task creation and analysis
- **Use `all`**: When you need full functionality including tag management, dependencies, and advanced features
- **Use custom list**: When you have specific tool requirements or want to experiment with minimal sets

4
apps/docs/getting-started/quick-start/configuration-quick.mdx
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@@ -41,9 +41,9 @@ For MCP/Cursor usage: Configure keys in the env section of your .cursor/mcp.json
**Optimize Context Usage**: You can control which Task Master MCP tools are loaded using the `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` environment variable. This helps reduce LLM context usage by only loading the tools you need.
Options:
- `all` (default) - All 36 tools
- `core` or `lean` (default) - 7 essential tools
- `standard` - 15 commonly used tools
- `core` or `lean` - 7 essential tools
- `all` - All 36 tools
Example:
```json

13
assets/AGENTS.md
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@@ -92,6 +92,7 @@ Task Master provides an MCP server that Claude Code can connect to. Configure in
"command": "npx",
"args": ["-y", "task-master-ai"],
"env": {
"TASK_MASTER_TOOLS": "core",
"ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"PERPLEXITY_API_KEY": "your_key_here",
"OPENAI_API_KEY": "OPENAI_API_KEY_HERE",
@@ -107,6 +108,18 @@ Task Master provides an MCP server that Claude Code can connect to. Configure in
}
```
### MCP Tool Tiers
Default: `core` (7 tools). Set via `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` env var.
| Tier | Count | Tools |
|------|-------|-------|
| `core` | 7 | `get_tasks`, `next_task`, `get_task`, `set_task_status`, `update_subtask`, `parse_prd`, `expand_task` |
| `standard` | 14 | core + `initialize_project`, `analyze_project_complexity`, `expand_all`, `add_subtask`, `remove_task`, `add_task`, `complexity_report` |
| `all` | 44+ | standard + dependencies, tags, research, autopilot, scoping, models, rules |
**Upgrade when tool unavailable:** Edit MCP config, change `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` from `"core"` to `"standard"` or `"all"`, restart MCP.
### Essential MCP Tools
```javascript

14
assets/rules/taskmaster.mdc
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@@ -555,4 +555,18 @@ Environment variables are used **only** for sensitive API keys related to AI pro
---
## MCP Tool Tiers
Default: `core` (7 tools). Set via `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` env var in MCP config.
| Tier | Count | Tools |
|------|-------|-------|
| `core` | 7 | `get_tasks`, `next_task`, `get_task`, `set_task_status`, `update_subtask`, `parse_prd`, `expand_task` |
| `standard` | 14 | core + `initialize_project`, `analyze_project_complexity`, `expand_all`, `add_subtask`, `remove_task`, `add_task`, `complexity_report` |
| `all` | 44+ | standard + dependencies, tags, research, autopilot, scoping, models, rules |
**Upgrade when tool unavailable:** Edit MCP config (`.cursor/mcp.json`, `.mcp.json`, or `.vscode/mcp.json`), change `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` from `"core"` to `"standard"` or `"all"`, restart MCP.
---
For details on how these commands fit into the development process, see the [Development Workflow Guide](mdc:.cursor/rules/dev_workflow.mdc).

19
docs/configuration.md
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@@ -70,21 +70,20 @@ The `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` environment variable controls which tools are loaded by
#### Configuration Options
- **`all`** (default): Loads all 36 available tools (~21,000 tokens)
- Best for: Users who need the complete feature set
- Use when: Working with complex projects requiring all Task Master features
- Backward compatibility: This is the default to maintain compatibility with existing installations
- **`core`** (default, or `lean`): Loads 7 essential tools (~5,000 tokens, 70% reduction)
- Best for: Daily development with minimal token overhead
- Tools included: `get_tasks`, `next_task`, `get_task`, `set_task_status`, `update_subtask`, `parse_prd`, `expand_task`
- Use when: Working in large contexts where token usage is critical
- Note: "lean" is an alias for "core" (same tools)
- **`standard`**: Loads 15 commonly used tools (~10,000 tokens, 50% reduction)
- Best for: Regular task management workflows
- Tools included: All core tools plus project initialization, complexity analysis, task generation, and more
- Use when: You need a balanced set of features with reduced token usage
- **`core`** (or `lean`): Loads 7 essential tools (~5,000 tokens, 70% reduction)
- Best for: Daily development with minimal token overhead
- Tools included: `get_tasks`, `next_task`, `get_task`, `set_task_status`, `update_subtask`, `parse_prd`, `expand_task`
- Use when: Working in large contexts where token usage is critical
- Note: "lean" is an alias for "core" (same tools, token estimate and recommended use). You can refer to it as either "core" or "lean" when configuring.
- **`all`**: Loads all 36 available tools (~21,000 tokens)
- Best for: Users who need the complete feature set
- Use when: Working with complex projects requiring all Task Master features
- **Custom list**: Comma-separated list of specific tool names
- Best for: Specialized workflows requiring specific tools
@@ -124,7 +123,7 @@ The `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` environment variable controls which tools are loaded by
#### Tool Loading Behavior
- When `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` is unset or empty, the system defaults to `"all"`
- When `TASK_MASTER_TOOLS` is unset or empty, the system defaults to `"core"`
- Invalid tool names in a user-specified list are ignored (a warning is emitted for each)
- If every tool name in a custom list is invalid, the system falls back to `"all"`
- Tool names are case-insensitive (e.g., `"CORE"`, `"core"`, and `"Core"` are treated identically)

8
mcp-server/src/tools/index.js
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@@ -15,14 +15,14 @@ import {
/**
* Helper function to safely read and normalize the TASK_MASTER_TOOLS environment variable
* @returns {string} The tools configuration string, defaults to 'all'
* @returns {string} The tools configuration string, defaults to 'core'
*/
export function getToolsConfiguration() {
const rawValue = process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS;
if (!rawValue || rawValue.trim() === '') {
logger.debug('No TASK_MASTER_TOOLS env var found, defaulting to "all"');
return 'all';
logger.debug('No TASK_MASTER_TOOLS env var found, defaulting to "core"');
return 'core';
}
const normalizedValue = rawValue.trim();
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ export function getToolsConfiguration() {
* @param {string} toolMode - The tool mode configuration (defaults to 'all')
* @returns {Object} Object containing registered tools, failed tools, and normalized mode
*/
export function registerTaskMasterTools(server, toolMode = 'all') {
export function registerTaskMasterTools(server, toolMode = 'core') {
const registeredTools = [];
const failedTools = [];

6
package-lock.json generated
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@@ -1,12 +1,12 @@
{
"name": "task-master-ai",
"version": "0.37.0",
"version": "0.37.1-rc.0",
"lockfileVersion": 3,
"requires": true,
"packages": {
"": {
"name": "task-master-ai",
"version": "0.37.0",
"version": "0.37.1-rc.0",
"license": "MIT WITH Commons-Clause",
"workspaces": [
"apps/*",
@@ -204,7 +204,7 @@
"react-dom": "^19.0.0",
"tailwind-merge": "^3.3.1",
"tailwindcss": "4.1.11",
"task-master-ai": "*",
"task-master-ai": "0.37.1-rc.0",
"typescript": "^5.9.2"
},
"engines": {

6
src/utils/create-mcp-config.js
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@@ -42,11 +42,15 @@ export function setupMCPConfiguration(projectRoot, mcpConfigPath) {
log('info', `Setting up MCP configuration at ${mcpPath}...`);
// New MCP config to be added - references the installed package
// TASK_MASTER_TOOLS: "core" loads essential daily workflow tools (7 tools, default)
// Options: "core" (7 essential tools), "standard" (14 common tools), "all" (44+ tools)
// See agent rules for tool tier details and how to upgrade if needed
const newMCPServer = {
'task-master-ai': {
command: 'npx',
args: ['-y', 'task-master-ai'],
env: {
TASK_MASTER_TOOLS: 'core',
ANTHROPIC_API_KEY: 'YOUR_ANTHROPIC_API_KEY_HERE',
PERPLEXITY_API_KEY: 'YOUR_PERPLEXITY_API_KEY_HERE',
OPENAI_API_KEY: 'YOUR_OPENAI_KEY_HERE',
@@ -158,7 +162,7 @@ export function removeTaskMasterMCPConfiguration(projectRoot, mcpConfigPath) {
const mcpPath = path.join(projectRoot, mcpConfigPath);
let result = {
const result = {
success: false,
removed: false,
deleted: false,

52
tests/unit/mcp/tools/tool-registration.test.js
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@@ -121,20 +121,20 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
});
describe('Configuration Modes', () => {
it(`should register all tools (${ALL_COUNT}) when TASK_MASTER_TOOLS is not set (default behavior)`, () => {
it(`should register core tools (${CORE_COUNT}) when toolMode defaults to 'core' (default behavior)`, () => {
delete process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS;
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(
EXPECTED_TOOL_COUNTS.total
EXPECTED_TOOL_COUNTS.core
);
});
it(`should register all tools (${ALL_COUNT}) when TASK_MASTER_TOOLS=all`, () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = 'all';
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, 'all');
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(ALL_COUNT);
});
@@ -197,20 +197,20 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
});
it('should default to all tools with completely invalid input', () => {
it('should fall back to all tools with completely invalid input', () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = 'completely_invalid';
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, 'completely_invalid');
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(ALL_COUNT);
});
it('should handle empty string environment variable', () => {
it('should use core tools when empty string passed as toolMode', () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = '';
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(ALL_COUNT);
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(CORE_COUNT);
});
it('should handle whitespace in comma-separated lists', () => {
@@ -232,10 +232,10 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
});
it('should handle only commas and empty entries', () => {
it('should fall back to all tools when only commas passed as toolMode', () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = ',,,';
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, ',,,');
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(ALL_COUNT);
});
@@ -254,33 +254,49 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
const testCases = [
{
env: undefined,
expectedCount: ALL_COUNT,
description: 'undefined env (all)'
toolMode: 'core',
expectedCount: CORE_COUNT,
description: 'undefined env (core default)'
},
{
env: '',
expectedCount: ALL_COUNT,
description: 'empty string (all)'
toolMode: 'core',
expectedCount: CORE_COUNT,
description: 'empty string (core default)'
},
{
env: 'all',
toolMode: 'all',
expectedCount: ALL_COUNT,
description: 'all mode'
},
{
env: 'core',
toolMode: 'core',
expectedCount: CORE_COUNT,
description: 'core mode'
},
{ env: 'all', expectedCount: ALL_COUNT, description: 'all mode' },
{ env: 'core', expectedCount: CORE_COUNT, description: 'core mode' },
{
env: 'lean',
toolMode: 'lean',
expectedCount: CORE_COUNT,
description: 'lean mode (alias)'
},
{
env: 'standard',
toolMode: 'standard',
expectedCount: STANDARD_COUNT,
description: 'standard mode'
},
{
env: 'get_tasks,next_task',
toolMode: 'get_tasks,next_task',
expectedCount: 2,
description: 'custom list'
},
{
env: 'invalid_tool',
toolMode: 'invalid_tool',
expectedCount: ALL_COUNT,
description: 'invalid fallback'
}
@@ -295,7 +311,7 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
mockServer.tools = [];
mockServer.addTool.mockClear();
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, testCase.env || 'all');
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, testCase.toolMode);
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(
testCase.expectedCount
@@ -308,7 +324,7 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = 'all';
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer);
registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, 'all');
const endTime = Date.now();
const executionTime = endTime - startTime;
@@ -401,7 +417,7 @@ describe('Task Master Tool Registration System', () => {
process.env.TASK_MASTER_TOOLS = input;
expect(() => registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer)).not.toThrow();
expect(() => registerTaskMasterTools(mockServer, input)).not.toThrow();
expect(mockServer.addTool).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(ALL_COUNT);
});