open-index/open-npm huggingface dataset:
npm package: @lightning-tools/mcp-server
Description: MCP server for Lightning Tools — pay-per-call AI tools via Bitcoin Lightning
Latest version: 0.3.4

# @lightning-tools/mcp-server

Use Lightning Tools directly inside any MCP-compatible AI agent.

## Prerequisites

- Node.js 18 or later
- An MCP-compatible client (Claude, Cursor, etc.)
- A Lightning wallet to pay for credits

## Quick start

### Claude Desktop

Edit `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json`:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "lightning-tools": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@lightning-tools/mcp-server"]
    }
  }
}
```

If you already have an API key, pass it as an environment variable to skip the payment step:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "lightning-tools": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@lightning-tools/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "LIGHTNING_TOOLS_API_KEY": "sk_..."
      }
    }
  }
}
```

Your API key can also be set in the environment directly:

```bash
export LIGHTNING_TOOLS_API_KEY=sk_...
```

The env var takes priority over any saved config. To persist a key without the payment flow, write it directly to `~/.config/lightning-tools/config.json`:

```json
{ "apiKey": "sk_..." }
```

## First use

1. Ask the agent to call `buy_credits` with a quantity (minimum 1000).
2. It returns a Lightning invoice. Pay it from any Lightning wallet.
3. Call `verify_payment` with the `invoiceId` and `quantity` from step 1.
4. Your API key is saved automatically. All service tools are now unlocked.

## Available tools

### Always available

| Tool             | Description                                    |
| ---------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| `buy_credits`    | Purchase credits via Bitcoin Lightning invoice |
| `verify_payment` | Confirm payment and unlock all service tools   |
| `check_balance`  | Check your current credit balance              |

### Unlocked after payment

| Tool               | Description                        | Cost        |
| ------------------ | ---------------------------------- | ----------- |
| `validate_email`   | Validate an email address          | 1–5 credits |
| `calculate`        | Evaluate a mathematical expression | 1 credit    |
| `generate_qr_code` | Generate a QR code                 | 1 credit    |
| `validate_phone`   | Validate a phone number            | 1 credit    |
| `readability`      | Extract article content from a URL | 2 credits   |

Credits are denominated in satoshis — 1 sat = 1 credit.

## Links

- API: https://api.lightningapi.tools
- Web: https://lightningapi.tools/mcp