Fixing `mcp-publisher Publish --file` Flag Bug

Nov 13, 2025 by Admin 47 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a peculiar issue encountered with the mcp-publisher tool. Specifically, the --file flag in the publish subcommand seems to be acting up, causing unexpected errors. Let's break down the problem, see how to reproduce it, and discuss the expected behavior. Ready? Let's jump in!

Understanding the Bug

So, what's the buzz? The main issue is that the --file flag, which should allow users to specify a configuration file for the mcp-publisher publish command, isn't working as expected. Instead of using the provided file, the tool throws an error, claiming that the configuration file is missing. This is quite a headache, especially when you've already set up your server.json and are ready to roll.

The Importance of Configuration Files

Before we get deeper, let's underline why configuration files are so crucial. These files contain all the necessary settings and parameters needed for the mcp-publisher to function correctly. They define things like server addresses, authentication details, and other critical configurations. Without a correctly specified configuration file, the tool is essentially blind, unable to perform its intended tasks.

Why This Matters

For those relying on mcp-publisher for automated deployments or content publishing, this bug can be a real blocker. Imagine you've scripted your entire deployment process, only to have it fail because the tool can't read your configuration file. Frustrating, right? That's why getting to the bottom of this is super important.

How to Reproduce the Issue

Okay, let's get our hands dirty and try to reproduce this bug. Follow these steps, and you should see the same error:

Set up your server.json: Create a server.json file and place it in the .registry/ directory. This file should contain your server configurations.
Run the command: Open your terminal and run the following command:
```
mcp-publisher publish --file .registry/server.json --dry-run
```

Observe the error: You should see an error message that says:

Error: server.json not found. Run 'mcp-publisher init' to create one

Breaking Down the Steps

Step 1: We're creating a server.json file and placing it in the .registry/ directory. This is where the mcp-publisher tool is expected to look for the configuration file.
Step 2: We're running the mcp-publisher publish command with the --file flag, specifying the path to our server.json file. The --dry-run flag is used to simulate the publishing process without actually making any changes.
Step 3: We're observing the error message, which indicates that the tool is not recognizing the server.json file, even though we've explicitly told it where to find it.

Expected Behavior

So, what should happen when we run the command correctly? The expected behavior is that the mcp-publisher tool should read the server.json file from the specified path and use the configurations within to perform a dry run of the publishing process. There should be no errors related to the file not being found.

A Smooth Dry Run

Ideally, the dry run should proceed without a hitch, simulating the publishing process and providing feedback on what would happen if we were to run the command without the --dry-run flag. This allows us to verify our configurations and ensure that everything is set up correctly before making any actual changes.

Why This Matters

The --file flag is there for a reason: to provide flexibility in specifying configuration files. When it doesn't work as expected, it defeats the purpose and adds unnecessary friction to the publishing process. We want things to be smooth and efficient, right?

Analyzing the Error Message

The error message we're seeing is:

Error: server.json not found. Run 'mcp-publisher init' to create one

This message suggests that the tool is looking for the server.json file in a default location or is not correctly interpreting the path provided by the --file flag. It's as if the --file flag is being ignored altogether.

Possible Causes

Path Resolution Issues: The tool might be having trouble resolving the path provided by the --file flag. This could be due to relative vs. absolute path issues or incorrect handling of directory separators.
Flag Parsing Problems: There might be a bug in the way the tool parses the command-line arguments, causing it to ignore the --file flag altogether.
Configuration Loading Logic: The logic responsible for loading the configuration file might be flawed, causing it to always look for the file in a default location, regardless of the --file flag.

Diving Deeper: Potential Fixes

Okay, let's put our thinking caps on and brainstorm some potential fixes for this issue.

1. Check Path Resolution

First, we need to ensure that the path provided by the --file flag is being resolved correctly. We can try using an absolute path to the server.json file to see if that makes a difference. For example:

 mcp-publisher publish --file /path/to/.registry/server.json --dry-run

2. Verify Flag Parsing

Next, we should verify that the --file flag is being parsed correctly. We can try using a different flag or argument to see if the tool is able to recognize it. If other flags are working fine, then the issue is likely specific to the --file flag.

3. Inspect Configuration Loading Logic

We need to dive into the source code of the mcp-publisher tool and inspect the logic responsible for loading the configuration file. Look for any potential bugs or issues that might be causing the tool to ignore the --file flag.

4. Update the Tool

Check if there's a newer version of the mcp-publisher tool available. The bug might have already been fixed in a subsequent release. Keeping your tools up-to-date is always a good practice! If you don't have access to update, try contacting the developers. Maybe they can offer a solution, work around, or even give you a patch to test.

Wrapping Up

So, there you have it! We've dissected the mcp-publisher publish --file flag bug, reproduced it, analyzed the error message, and brainstormed potential fixes. Hopefully, this deep dive will help you troubleshoot the issue and get your publishing process back on track.

Remember, configuration files are crucial for the proper functioning of the mcp-publisher tool, and the --file flag is there to provide flexibility in specifying those files. When it doesn't work as expected, it can be a real pain. By understanding the issue and following the steps outlined above, you should be well on your way to resolving it.

Keep an eye out for updates to the mcp-publisher tool, and don't hesitate to reach out to the developers if you need further assistance. Happy publishing, folks!