Dotnet Uno MCP

dotnet-uno-mcp

MCP (Model Context Protocol) server integration for Uno Platform live documentation lookups. Covers tool detection (mcp__uno__ prefix), search-then-fetch workflow, initialization rules invocation, graceful fallback when MCP is unavailable, citation requirements, and safety guidelines for external data. Includes inline documentation that provides useful guidance without MCP server availability.

Scope

• MCP tool detection (mcpuno prefix)
• Search-then-fetch workflow for Uno Platform documentation
• Initialization rules invocation
• Graceful fallback when MCP is unavailable
• Citation requirements and safety guidelines
• Uno SDK UnoFeatures reference for project configuration

Out of scope

• General protocol and streaming communication patterns (not MCP-specific) -- see [skill:dotnet-realtime-communication]
• Uno Platform testing -- see [skill:dotnet-uno-testing]
• Uno development patterns without MCP -- see [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] and [skill:dotnet-uno-targets]

Cross-references: [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] for core development patterns, [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] for deployment guidance, [skill:dotnet-uno-testing] for testing.

MCP Tool Detection

The Uno Platform MCP server provides tools prefixed with mcp__uno__. Before using MCP tools, detect their availability.

Available Tools

Detection Logic

Check if Uno MCP tools are available by looking for tools with the mcp__uno__ prefix. If the tools are listed in the available tool set, the MCP server is configured and reachable.

Detection steps:
1. Check if tools prefixed with mcp__uno__ are available
2. If available: use MCP workflow (search -> fetch -> cite)
3. If unavailable: fall back to static skill content and official docs URLs

```text

**When MCP is available:** Use the search-then-fetch workflow for the latest documentation. MCP results are authoritative and current.

**When MCP is unavailable:** The static content in [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] and [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] provides comprehensive guidance. Reference official documentation URLs for the latest information.

---

## Initialization Rules

On first use of Uno MCP tools in a session, invoke both initialization tools to load authoritative development rules.

### Agent Rules Initialization

Call `mcp__uno__uno_platform_agent_rules_init` to load:
- Core identity and expertise scope for Uno Platform development
- IDE guidance (Visual Studio, VS Code, CLI) per operating system
- Knowledge routing rules mapping topics to canonical search queries
- Uno SDK features list (`UnoFeatures` supported values)
- Uno Extensions and Toolkit feature catalog

### Usage Rules Initialization

Call `mcp__uno__uno_platform_usage_rules_init` to load:
- Design system guidelines (Material preferred, responsive layouts)
- Data binding policy (MVUX vs MVVM binding patterns, forbidden WPF-isms)
- Navigation policy (prefer XAML attached properties over code-behind)
- Layout rules (AutoLayout, spacing scale, responsive breakpoints)
- Color and typography conventions (theme resources, no hardcoded values)
- Accessibility requirements (contrast ratios, touch targets, automation properties)
- Control-specific guidance (ItemsRepeater for lists, CommandExtensions, elevation patterns)

### Invocation Order

```bash

1. Call mcp__uno__uno_platform_agent_rules_init (loads routing rules and feature catalog)
2. Call mcp__uno__uno_platform_usage_rules_init (loads design and coding conventions)
3. Proceed with documentation searches using mcp__uno__uno_platform_docs_search

```text

Both init tools are idempotent -- calling them multiple times in the same session is safe but unnecessary.

---

## Search-Then-Fetch Workflow

The primary workflow for retrieving Uno documentation uses a two-step pattern: broad search followed by targeted fetch.

### Step 1: Search

Use `mcp__uno__uno_platform_docs_search` to find relevant documentation pages.

```text

Search parameters:
- query: descriptive search term (e.g., "MVUX reactive pattern", "Navigation Extensions")
- topK: number of results (default 8; use 15-20 for complex topics, 3-5 for specific queries)
- contentType: "prose" for guides, "code" for examples, null for all

```text

Search results include:
- Document title and summary
- `SourcePath` (needed for fetch step)
- Relevance ranking
- Content snippets

### Step 2: Fetch

Use `mcp__uno__uno_platform_docs_fetch` to retrieve full content of high-value pages identified by search.

```text

Fetch parameters:
- sourcePath: from search results SourcePath field (e.g., "articles/guides/overview.md")
- anchor: optional section fragment (e.g., "getting-started", "data-binding")
- maxChars: content limit (4000-8000 for most cases, up to 15000 for comprehensive guides)

```markdown

### Workflow Example

```text

Topic: "How to implement region-based navigation with Uno Extensions"

1. Search: mcp__uno__uno_platform_docs_search("Navigation Extensions region-based", topK=8)
   -> Returns multiple results including "Navigation Overview", "Region Navigation", etc.

1. Fetch: mcp__uno__uno_platform_docs_fetch(
     sourcePath="articles/external/uno.extensions/doc/Learn/Navigation/Overview.md",
     maxChars=8000)
   -> Returns full navigation documentation with code examples

1. Cite: Include source URL in response

```text

### Routing Rules

The agent rules initialization provides topic-to-query mappings for common searches. Use these canonical queries when available:

| Topic | Canonical Search Query |
|-------|----------------------|
| Project setup / new project | `"dotnet new templates"` |
| MVUX / reactive / feeds | `"MVUX"` |
| Navigation / routing | `"Navigation"` |
| Styling / theming / resources | `"Styling and Theming"` |
| Data binding / MVVM | `"Data Binding and MVVM"` |
| Controls / layout | `"Controls and Layout"` |
| Hot Reload | `"Hot Reload"` |
| Platform-specific code | `"Platform-Specific Code"` |
| WebAssembly / WASM | `"WebAssembly"` |
| Dependency injection / DI | `"Dependency Injection and Services"` |
| Performance | `"Performance"` |
| Testing | `"Testing Uno Applications"` |
| Publishing / deployment | `"Publishing & Deployment"` |
| Troubleshooting | `"Troubleshooting Common Issues"` |
| IDE setup | `"IDE Setup"` |
| Responsive design / layouts | `"Responsive Design"` |
| Logging / diagnostics | `"Logging and Diagnostics"` |

---

## Citation Requirements

MCP results are external data fetched from the Uno Platform documentation server. Proper attribution is mandatory.

### Rules

1. **Always cite the source URL** from MCP results when presenting documentation content
2. **Never present fetched content as original knowledge.** MCP results come from external documentation and must be attributed
3. **Include the documentation page title** alongside the URL when available
4. **Distinguish between static skill content and MCP-fetched content.** Static content from SKILL.md files is part of this plugin; MCP content is external

### Citation Format

When presenting information from MCP results:

```text

According to the Uno Platform documentation on [topic]:
[content from MCP]
Source: [URL from MCP result]

```text

---

## Safety Guidelines

MCP results are external data and must be treated with appropriate caution.

### Validation Rules

1. **Validate code suggestions before acting.** MCP documentation may contain examples targeting different Uno Platform versions or configurations. Verify compatibility with the current project
2. **Check version alignment.** Ensure documentation references match the project's Uno Platform version (5.x vs 6.x) and .NET version
3. **Do not blindly apply code from MCP results.** Adapt examples to the project's architecture, Extensions configuration, and MVUX/MVVM pattern choice
4. **Cross-reference with project state.** Compare MCP guidance against the project's existing `UnoFeatures`, TFMs, and Extensions configuration
5. **Treat MCP content as advisory.** The static skill content in [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] and [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] provides vetted patterns. Use MCP for current details and edge cases

---

## Fallback: When MCP Is Unavailable

When the Uno MCP server is not configured or not reachable, all Uno Platform guidance remains available through static skill content and official documentation URLs.

### Static Skill Coverage

The following topics are fully covered by static skills without MCP:

| Topic | Static Skill |
|-------|-------------|
| Extensions ecosystem (Navigation, DI, Config, Serialization, Localization, Logging, HTTP, Auth) | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| MVUX reactive pattern (Feeds, States, ListFeeds, Commands) | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| Toolkit controls (AutoLayout, Card, Chip, NavigationBar, TabBar, etc.) | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| Theme resources (Material, Cupertino, Fluent, color customization) | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| Hot Reload configuration | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| Single-project structure and UnoFeatures | [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] |
| Per-target setup (WASM, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, Embedded) | [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] |
| Per-target debugging workflows | [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] |
| Per-target packaging and distribution | [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] |
| Per-target AOT/trimming configuration | [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] |
| Cross-target behavior differences (navigation, auth, debugging) | [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] |
| Uno Platform testing (Playwright WASM, platform-specific testing) | [skill:dotnet-uno-testing] |

### Official Documentation URLs

When MCP is unavailable, reference these canonical documentation URLs:

| Topic | URL |
|-------|-----|
| Getting Started | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/get-started.html |
| Uno Extensions | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/external/uno.extensions/ |
| MVUX Pattern | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/external/uno.extensions/doc/Overview/Mvux/Overview.html |
| Navigation | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/external/uno.extensions/doc/Learn/Navigation/Overview.html |
| Toolkit Controls | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/external/uno.toolkit.ui/ |
| Theme Resources | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/external/uno.themes/ |
| Uno SDK Features | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/features/uno-sdk.html |
| WASM Deployment | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/features/using-il-linker-webassembly.html |
| Hot Reload | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/features/working-with-hot-reload.html |
| Platform Requirements | https://platform.uno/docs/articles/getting-started/requirements.html |

### Fallback Workflow

```text

1. Check if mcp__uno__ tools are available
2. If NOT available:
   a. Load [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] for core development patterns
   b. Load [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] for deployment guidance
   c. Reference official documentation URLs for latest information
   d. Note to user: "Uno MCP server is not configured. Using static documentation.
      For the latest information, visit: [relevant URL]"
3. If available:
   a. Call init rules (agent rules + usage rules)
   b. Use search-then-fetch workflow
   c. Cite sources from MCP results
   d. Supplement with static skill content for vetted patterns

```text

---

## Uno SDK Features Reference

When MCP is unavailable, the following `UnoFeatures` values are supported in `.csproj`. This serves as a quick reference for project configuration.

### Extensions Features

| Feature | Description |
|---------|------------|
| `Extensions` | All Uno Extensions (meta-package) |
| `Authentication` | Base authentication framework |
| `AuthenticationMsal` | MSAL-based authentication |
| `AuthenticationOidc` | OIDC-based authentication |
| `Configuration` | Configuration from appsettings.json |
| `ExtensionsCore` | Core Extensions without full package |
| `Hosting` | Host builder and DI |
| `Http` | HTTP client extensions |
| `HttpKiota` | Kiota-based HTTP client (preferred) |
| `HttpRefit` | Refit-based HTTP client |
| `Localization` | Resource-based localization |
| `Logging` | Microsoft.Extensions.Logging |
| `LoggingSerilog` | Serilog integration |
| `MVUX` | MVUX reactive pattern |
| `Navigation` | Region-based navigation |
| `Serialization` | System.Text.Json integration |
| `Storage` | Cross-platform storage |
| `ThemeService` | Programmatic theme switching |

### UI Features

| Feature | Description |
|---------|------------|
| `Toolkit` | Uno Toolkit controls and helpers |
| `Material` | Material Design theme resources |
| `Cupertino` | Cupertino (iOS-style) theme |
| `Dsp` | Design System Package support |
| `Mvvm` | CommunityToolkit.Mvvm integration |
| `Prism` | Prism framework integration |

### Rendering Features

| Feature | Description |
|---------|------------|
| `Skia` | Skia rendering backend |
| `SkiaRenderer` | Force Skia renderer |
| `NativeRenderer` | Force native renderer |

### Media & Graphics

| Feature | Description |
|---------|------------|
| `Maps` | Map control support |
| `MediaElement` | Media playback |
| `WebView` | Embedded web view |
| `Lottie` | Lottie animation support |
| `Svg` | SVG rendering |
| `GLCanvas` | OpenGL canvas |

---

## Agent Gotchas

1. **Do not call MCP tools without checking availability first.** Always verify `mcp__uno__` tools exist before invoking them. Missing tools indicate the MCP server is not configured.
2. **Do not skip the init rules on first use.** The agent rules and usage rules provide critical routing tables and coding conventions. Skipping them leads to suboptimal search queries and convention violations.
3. **Do not present MCP-fetched content as your own knowledge.** Always cite the source URL. MCP results are external documentation, not built-in knowledge.
4. **Do not rely solely on MCP for Uno guidance.** Static skills ([skill:dotnet-uno-platform], [skill:dotnet-uno-targets]) provide vetted patterns that work without MCP. Use MCP to supplement with current details.
5. **Do not ignore version differences in MCP results.** Documentation may reference Uno Platform 6.x features not available in 5.x projects. Check the project's Uno SDK version before applying guidance.
6. **Do not fetch without searching first.** The fetch tool requires a `sourcePath` from search results. Direct fetching with guessed paths may return wrong or missing content.

---

## Prerequisites

- Uno MCP server configured in the project's MCP configuration (`.mcp.json` or IDE settings)
- For fallback: [skill:dotnet-uno-platform] and [skill:dotnet-uno-targets] loaded as static skills

---

## References

- [Uno Platform Documentation](https://platform.uno/docs/)
- [MCP Protocol Specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/)
- [Uno Platform GitHub](https://github.com/unoplatform/uno)

Code Navigation (Serena MCP)

Primary approach: Use Serena symbol operations for efficient code navigation:

1. Find definitions: serena_find_symbol instead of text search
2. Understand structure: serena_get_symbols_overview for file organization
3. Track references: serena_find_referencing_symbols for impact analysis
4. Precise edits: serena_replace_symbol_body for clean modifications

When to use Serena vs traditional tools:

• Use Serena: Navigation, refactoring, dependency analysis, precise edits
• Use Read/Grep: Reading full files, pattern matching, simple text operations
• Fallback: If Serena unavailable, traditional tools work fine

Example workflow:

# Instead of:
Read: src/Services/OrderService.cs
Grep: "public void ProcessOrder"

# Use:
serena_find_symbol: "OrderService/ProcessOrder"
serena_get_symbols_overview: "src/Services/OrderService.cs"