Open-Source Claude IDE Bridge Connects Dispatch, Desktop App, and Claude Code
How the Claude IDE Bridge Works
The claude-ide-bridge serves as a shared nervous system connecting three components: Dispatch, the Claude desktop app, and Claude Code. Without it, each surface is isolated; with it, they function as one continuous system across different screens.
Practical Workflow Example
Here's a real loop showing how all three pieces work together:
- A user sends a task from their phone via Dispatch: "Start on register and login."
- The Claude desktop app on a Mac receives it and hands it to Claude Code.
- Claude Code reads the API contract and security rules from the repository, writes the routes, and runs tests.
- The bridge enables Claude Code to interact with the actual IDE throughout this process.
- When tests fail, the bridge catches live diagnostics.
- Claude Code fixes the issues and commits the changes.
- Result: Register and login endpoints were written, 8 tests were passing, and the feat/auth-routes commit was ready.
- When opening Windsurf, the bridge highlights new files in amber with live annotations directly in the editor.
- The user updates .claude-plan.md to mark register and login as complete (✓).
- Every surface reading the plan now knows those tasks are done.
Component Breakdown
- Dispatch — Sends tasks from your phone to the desktop app
- Claude desktop app — The persistent session on your Mac that stays in context
- claude-ide-bridge — Gives Claude Code real IDE access: LSP, debugger, terminals, git, GitHub (124 tools total)
Technical Details
The bridge is an open-source MCP (Model Context Protocol) bridge that connects Claude Code to your IDE. It's available under the MIT license at github.com/Oolab-labs/claude-ide-bridge.
📖 Read the full source: r/ClaudeAI
👀 See Also
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