[![PyPI Downloads](https://static.pepy.tech/personalized-badge/arch-ops-server?period=total&units=INTERNATIONAL_SYSTEM&left_color=BLUE&right_color=BLACK&left_text=PyPi+Downloads)](https://pepy.tech/projects/arch-ops-server)

![Claude Demo](https://raw.githubusercontent.com/nihalxkumar/arch-mcp/main/assets/claudedesktop_signalcli.gif)

# Core Problem Solved:

The Arch User Repository (AUR) comprises user-submitted packages that are occasionally unverified. It relies on end users to perform manual safety checks before installation. Arch MCP addresses this issue by allowing users to express their intentions in natural language. The AI then analyzes this input to provide intelligent recommendations, empowering users to make well-informed decisions.

### Protocol Implementation & Architecture

- **MCP Server Development**: Built custom MCP server implementing the full protocol specification (resources, tools, prompts)
- **JSON-RPC 2.0 Transport**: Bidirectional client-server communication with lifecycle management
- **Cross-Platform Compatibility**: Works on both Arch and non-Arch systems 
- **Multi-Transport Support**: STDIO and HTTP transports for flexible deployment scenarios

### Security-First Engineering

- **PKGBUILD Static Analysis Engine**: 50+ security checks detecting malicious patterns (curl pipes, privilege escalation, data exfiltration)
- **Package Trust Scoring**: Multi-factor risk assessment (maintainer reputation, vote count, last updated, out-of-date flags)
- **Sandboxed Execution**: No direct package installation—AI provides analyzed data for informed user decisions
- **Safe-by-Design**: Operations referencing only official Arch sources (wiki, repos, AUR API)

### Key Features & Capabilities

- **Package Lifecycle**: Search, install (with security checks), remove, update checking with dry-run validation
- **System Monitoring**: Disk space analysis, failed services detection, boot logs, transaction history
- **Security Analysis**: PKGBUILD scanning, package integrity verification, orphan detection
- **Mirror Management**: Speed testing, health checks, fastest mirror suggestions by geolocation
- **Documentation Access**: Arch Wiki search with relevance ranking, news monitoring for critical updates

**Intelligent Workflows (Prompts):**
- **Safe System Update**: Multi-stage workflow (critical news check → disk space → update listing → service verification)
- **AUR Package Audit**: Pre-installation security workflow (metadata analysis → PKGBUILD scan → risk report)
- **Dependency Analysis**: Installation planning with repository checks and dependency mapping
- **Troubleshooting Assistant**: Keyword extraction → Wiki search → contextual recommendations

**Asynchronous Design**
- Non-blocking I/O for concurrent Wiki/AUR/Repo queries
- Async HTTP client for parallel mirror speed testing
- Stream-based log parsing for real-time system diagnostics

Docs: https://docs.nihalxkumar.dev/arch-mcp/

PyPi Package:  https://pypi.org/project/arch-ops-server/

Zed Extension: https://zed.dev/extensions/arch-mcp


---

[Cover Picture Credits](https://www.tvline.com/img/gallery/a-breaking-bad-actor-almost-played-the-offices-michael-scott/intro-1759386316.jpg)

Server that bridges AI assistants with the Arch Linux ecosystem

Arch Linux MCP Server

## Zed :rust:

I have been occasionally using Zed for a year now. The speed is astounding. This contribution journey with Zed began while developing an extension for the Arch MCP server to publish on Zed extensions marketplace. During the extension development, I discovered a bug in the configuration modal and reported it. Despite initial memory constraints (worked around with `cargo build -j 2`), I set up the full development environment. By the time I was ready to fix it, someone had already submitted a patch. Rather than waste the setup effort, I decided to tackle another issue I had personally encountered.

I punched above my weight, but @davew's guidance made it possible. What started as one extension contribution evolved into three meaningful contributions to the editor itself.

### Contributions

- **Feature:** Implemented interactive terminal output parsing with Ctrl+Click navigation and drag selection, enabling instant file/line jumps from error messages and stack traces  
  [Pull Request #42526] https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/pull/42526

- **Extension:** Developed Model Context Protocol (MCP) extension for enhanced AI assistant capabilities  
  [Pull Request #3882](https://github.com/zed-industries/extensions/pull/3882/)

- **Bug Report:** Identified and documented viewport rendering issues in the context server configuration modal affecting scroll behavior and height calculations  
  [Issue #42342](https://github.com/zed-industries/zed/issues/42342)


[Cover Picture Credits](https://blog.stackademic.com/reviewing-zed-the-ide-of-the-future-305d681d990c)

Three contributions to the high performance editor

## Linux Adoption :linux:

Helping Windows users migrate away from end-of-life systems toward modern, sustainable alternatives.

Despite being a privacy advocate for years, switching to Linux felt daunting. A Discord stranger walked me through it in 2024, and I've never had a better computing experience. Now I pay it forward—reducing suffering, one migration at a time.

- **Community Impact:** Directly assisted 5+ individuals through complete OS migrations; contributed documentation improvements to transition resources  
  https://invent.kde.org/websites/endof10-org/-/merge_requests/214

---

## Zen Browser

My daily driver since it's release.

- **Fix:*** prevent new window when shift-clicking links in split view glance.
  https://github.com/zen-browser/desktop/pull/11424

---


## API Dash :archlinux:

Cross-platform API development tool built with Flutter, offering Postman-like functionality with native performance.

Discovered API Dash while searching for FOSSHack contributions. I was deep into Arch Linux at the time and wanted to learn AUR packaging to support the ecosystem. This project became my crash course in both CI/CD and package management.

- **DevOps:** Established CI/CD pipeline for Arch Linux packaging automation; enhanced project documentation  
  https://github.com/foss42/apidash/pull/594

---

## Anytype :typescript:

Local-first knowledge management platform with P2P sync, emphasizing data sovereignty and offline capabilities.

When I switched to Linux, I needed a native Notion alternative. Tried Anytype and loved its feature richness, though I eventually settled on Obsidian. Still use it for specific workflows.

- **Bug Report:** Documented visual rendering bug where container boundaries leaked into viewport  
  https://github.com/anyproto/anytype-ts/issues/1074

---

## FreeTube :javascript:

Privacy-respecting YouTube client with 300k+ downloads, eliminating ads and tracking while preserving functionality.

I've been using FreeTube since 2022, and this missing feature always bothered me. Decided to scratch my own itch and implement it for the community.

- **Feature:** Implemented queue management system allowing users to remove individual videos from the playback queue  
  https://github.com/FreeTubeApp/FreeTube/issues/6968

---

## OldTwitter :javascript:

Browser extension restoring legacy Twitter UI for users preferring the classic interface over X's redesign.

The sneak peak of upcoming tweet was distracting and doom-scroll inducing. Built Zen Mode to strip away distractions and center single tweets.

- **Feature:** Designed and implemented Zen Mode for distraction-free single-tweet viewing, reducing UI clutter  
  [Discussion #1141] https://github.com/dimdenGD/OldTwitter/discussions/1141

---

## Arch Linux :archlinux:

Community-driven Linux distribution known for simplicity, customization, and rolling release model.

Was sharing an Arch link with a friend when I noticed the missing Open Graph metadata. The web developer in me couldn't let that slide.

- **Web Enhancement:** Contributed Open Graph metadata implementation for improved social media link previews  
  https://github.com/archlinux/archweb/pull/594

---

## Prav :xmpp: :hugo:

Privacy-focused messaging platform built on XMPP protocol, offering E2EE communication without central servers.

Like Linux, I'd always known about XMPP but assumed it was too complex. Prav proved me wrong—it made XMPP approachable. Now I maintain their web presence to help others discover the same simplicity.

- **Web Development:** Maintaining and developing the project's landing website to showcase features and drive adoption  
  https://codeberg.org/nihalxkumar/prav-website

---

## SponsorBlock

Crowdsourced browser extension that automatically skips sponsored segments, intros, off-topic tangents, and filler in YouTube videos.

Random internet strangers saving each other's time 🫡

- **Database Contribution:** Actively submit segment timestamps for sponsor detection, helping maintain the community-driven skip database  
  https://fxtwitter.com/nihalxkumar/status/1937143982800118213

---

## Lessons Notebook

Personal technical knowledge base documenting solutions, patterns, and learnings from real-world development.

Started as personal reference notes. When classmates and juniors mentioned it helped them ace exams, I made it public. Sometimes the best documentation comes from real struggle.

- **Documentation Project:** Curated repository of technical notes covering debugging techniques, architecture patterns, and tooling insights  
  [Repository](https://github.com/nihalxkumar/lessons-notebook/) | [Live Site] https://nihalxkumar.github.io/lessons-notebook/

---

_...and more contributions adding value to the open-source ecosystem_

[Cover Picture Credits](https://gamerant.com/game-of-thrones-many-faced-god/)

Misc Contributions

## Overview

A high-performance, self-hosted, production-ready clipboard sharing service built with Rust, enabling secure text snippet sharing across devices through dual interfaces (web + CLI) with password protection and automatic expiration.

## Technical Highlights

**Core Technologies:** Rust • Rocket • Tokio • SQLX • SQLite • Handlebars

### Architecture & Design Patterns

- **Layered Architecture**: Clean separation of concerns across presentation, service, data, and domain layers
- **Domain-Driven Design**: Type-safe business logic with dedicated domain entities and validation
- **Repository Pattern**: Abstracted data access layer with compile-time SQL verification using SQLX
- **Async-First Design**: Tokio runtime powering concurrent request handling and background workers

### Performance Optimizations

- **Batched Hit Counting**: Asynchronous worker threads aggregate view counts, reducing database writes by 90%+
- **Non-blocking I/O**: Fully asynchronous request pipeline from HTTP to database
- **Compile-time Query Validation**: Zero-overhead SQL checks eliminate runtime query errors

### Developer Experience

- **Migration-based Schema**: Version-controlled SQL migrations for reproducible deployments
- **Type-safe Queries**: Compile-time verification prevents SQL injection and schema mismatches
- **Connection Pooling**: Efficient resource utilization under high concurrency
- **Build System**: Cargo with environment configuration
- **Error Handling**: Comprehensive error handling using Rust's Result types and custom error propagation. 
- Modular design enabling independent testing of each layer. 
- Zero-copy optimizations where applicable
- Structured logging for observability

```shell
Zingat API Client

USAGE:
    clipclient --api-key <api-key> [addr] <SUBCOMMAND>

FLAGS:
    -h, --help       Prints help information
    -V, --version    Prints version information

OPTIONS:
        --api-key <api-key>    

ARGS:
    <addr>     [env: ZINGAT_ADDR=]  [default: http://127.0.0.1:8000]

SUBCOMMANDS:
    get       
    help      Prints this message or the help of the given subcommand(s)
    new       
    update
```

![zingat-diagram](https://github.com/nihalxkumar/zingat/raw/main/assets/zingatdiagram.png)

Zingat

## Philosophy

Ever since I took my first breath, I’ve relied on communities. It’s the shared support of individuals; each contributing their part in a collaborative effort that allows us all to grow. I believe and work on building open spaces where people can learn, grow, and solve important problems together.

## Active Community Building

In my first semester, I noticed a gap that students from previous batches had no organized peer community/platform to talk on. I took the initiative to build one from the ground up. Created a **Discord Server** and a **Matrix Space** which now consists of **900+ members** through persistent outreach and explainer sessions. Along with that, I created a [GitHub Organization](https://github.com/bits-bsc-cs) to work on projects together, which saw light to a [discord bot](https://github.com/bits-bsc-cs/discord-bot), along with a [LinkedIn Group](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/14460056/). Our community is uniquely diverse; members aged 16–65, including career starters, career changers, and lifelong learners.

A lot of collective time and effort has been spent in building this the best student discord community server ever. Together, A supportive environment was created where students and professionals, from first-years to alumni, can connect, share knowledge, and learn from one another.

![DC-BITS-Meetup](https://gist.github.com/user-attachments/assets/ec419b17-608b-438e-8a41-03eefb3330a3)

## Passive Community Building

These days (Nov '25) I actively participate in [Ente](https://ente.io), [FOSS United and its related groups](https://fossunited.org/), [KDE India](https://kde.org/), [Rust Delhi](https://www.meetup.com/rustdelhi/), [OSM India](https://www.openstreetmap.in/), [FSCI](https://fsci.in/) and other privacy communities under disguised names.

These contributions go beyond code. I engage in discussions that actually are important for all of us. I believe in the power of collaborative effort to solve problems that no individual could tackle alone.

![Teamwork-Growth](https://marketplace.canva.com/WWw78/MAEZYCWWw78/1/tl/canva-business-team-illustration--MAEZYCWWw78.png)

[Cover Picture Credits 1](https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/group-of-diverse-people-with-arms-and-hands-raised-towards-a-hand-painted-heart-gm1436319269-477390231) [Picture 2 Credits](https://marketplace.canva.com/WWw78/MAEZYCWWw78/1/tl/canva-business-team-illustration--MAEZYCWWw78.png)

because communities drive societal development

Communities

## Overview

Arch Linux :ArchLinux: is a lightweight, rolling-release Linux distribution favored by developers for its minimalist design philosophy and cutting-edge software packages. Unlike distributions that bundle pre-compiled software, Arch provides users with powerful package management tools and expects them to build their system to their exact specifications.

The Arch User Repository (AUR) is a community-maintained repository containing over 85,000 user-contributed packages making it one of the largest software repositories in the Linux ecosystem. The AUR serves millions of Arch Linux users worldwide, providing access to software ranging from bleeding-edge development tools to specialized scientific applications. The ecosystem thrives on user contributions, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Each AUR package requires writing PKGBUILDs - specialized bash scripts that automate source fetching, dependency resolution, compilation, and installation. This demands deep understanding of build systems (Make, CMake, Meson), compilation flags, and cross-platform compatibility.

Maintaining packages requires git workflows, semantic versioning, tracking upstream changes, writing clear installation instructions, maintaining changelogs, testing packages across different system configurations, handling edge cases, and ensuring reproducible builds. This entire process develops the quality-focused mindset essential for shipping reliable software.

## Technical Highlights

**Core Skills:** Shell Scripting • Package Management • Build Systems • Dependency Resolution

## Process

- Understanding codebase of the source repository
- Writing maintainable build scripts (PKGBUILD)
- Handling diverse build systems (`make`, `cargo`, `npm`, `pip`, etc)
- Managing dependencies (`makedepends`, `depends`, `optdepends`)
- Implementing version schemes (`pkgver` functions, VCS packages)
- Creating installation hooks and file placements
- Test builds in clean `chroot` environments
- Monitoring upstream projects for new releases
- Reporting issues to upstream maintainers
- Contributing patches when needed
- Act on community feedback

This entire process develops the quality-focused mindset essential for shipping reliable software.

---

[Cover Picture Credits](https://tenor.com/view/arch-linux-arch-btw-cv-walter-white-gif-24576245)

Nihal Kumar

Projects