PhotonSingle-file TypeScript runtime for MCP, CLI, and web UI

Define a capability once. Photon exposes it to AI agents, command lines, embedded app UIs, and Beam.

MCP server for AI agents

Methods become typed MCP tools for Claude, ChatGPT, Cursor, and other MCP-compatible clients.

Run the same photon from scripts, terminal workflows, and Beam without rewriting the interface.

Method signatures, comments, tags, and types drive validation, forms, help text, and AI-readable contracts.

bash

bun add -g @portel/photon
photon new my-tool
photon mcp install my-tool

Prefer a one-off run?

bash

bunx @portel/photon new my-tool

export default class Hello {
  greet(params: { name: string }) {
    return `Hello, ${params.name}!`;
  }
}

That one file can run as a CLI command, a Beam web dashboard, and an MCP server.

Start here
Getting Started	Install, build, and run your first photon.
Core Concepts	Learn the mental model behind methods, comments, formats, state, settings, and surfaces.
From Method to Chat App	Follow the weather showcase across CLI, Beam, MCP, and embedded chat UI.
Output Formats	Browse visual formats for tables, charts, cards, dashboards, markdown, and more.
Docblock Tags	Reference every public docblock tag Photon understands.
Complete Developer Guide	Deep reference for authoring, deploying, and operating photons.