Connect devBoard to VS Code

By Darko Bačić, founder of App Tube · 9 October 2026 · Facts checked 9 October 2026

When you finish, the agent in VS Code can read your devBoard tasks, comment, move cards and track your time. It takes about three minutes.

MCP is the open standard that lets an AI assistant use other tools. devBoard is an MCP server. VS Code is the client. A token is a secret key that lets a tool act as you.

The config file holds no secret. VS Code asks each person for their own token and keeps it outside the file. So you can commit the file.

What you need

• devBoard on a Mac, signed in. Tokens are made in the Mac app only.
• The workspace you want to connect, open in the app.
• Your role is member, admin or owner. A guest cannot make a token.
• VS Code with GitHub Copilot chat. The devBoard tools work in Agent mode.

Steps

1. Open the right workspace

A token belongs to the workspace that is open when you make it. If you have several, switch to the right one first.

2. Make a token

In devBoard, go to Settings → Developer. Click New token and name it "VS Code".

3. Copy the token

It is shown once. After that you only see its first few characters.

4. Add the config file

Create .vscode/mcp.json in the root of your project. Paste this in as it is:

{
  "inputs": [
    { "type": "promptString", "id": "devboard-token", "description": "devBoard token", "password": true }
  ],
  "servers": {
    "devboard": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://api.getdevboard.app/mcp",
      "headers": { "Authorization": "Bearer ${input:devboard-token}" }
    }
  }
}

There is no token in it. The ${input:devboard-token} part tells VS Code to ask for one. If the file already has servers, add devboard and its input next to them.

5. Start the server and paste the token

Click Start in the small links above the devboard entry. VS Code asks for the devBoard token. Paste it and press Enter.

6. Ask something

Open the Chat view and switch to Agent mode. Type: "What's on my plate today?" VS Code may ask before it runs a tool, so allow it. It calls my_work and lists your tasks.

Check that it works

If step 6 lists your tasks, you are done. The tools button in the chat box shows the devBoard tools. If the list is empty, you may have nothing assigned to you. Ask the agent to make a test task and assign it to you.

Commit it for everyone

Luka, Mira and Ivan work on one mobile app. Luka commits .vscode/mcp.json. When Mira and Ivan pull it, VS Code asks each of them for a token. Each makes their own in the Mac app. So comments and time show under the right name.

What to try next

• "Start APP-42." The agent assigns you, moves the card to In progress, starts your timer and gives you a branch name. See start and finish work.
• "File a bug: the login button does nothing on iPad. Urgent, assign it to me." See file a bug from your assistant.
• "How much time did I log this week?" It adds up your time tracking entries.

All setups are in the guides.

If it does not work

Keep the token safe

A token acts as you, with your role. It cannot delete items or manage members. If it leaks, revoke it in Settings → Developer. More in the token safety guide and on the MCP page.