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agent-mail-cli

A lightweight email collaboration CLI for AI agents, optimized for token consumption.

Install & Use

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Help me install this AI Skill: agent-mail-cli.
It is used for: A lightweight email collaboration CLI for AI agents, optimized for token consumption.
Full Skill content: https://321skill.com/skills/agent-mail-cli/raw/index.md
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Agent Mail CLI is a command-line tool designed specifically for AI agents. It addresses the high token consumption issue caused by MCP servers loading all 28 tool definitions at the start of a session. By encapsulating numerous tools under a single Bash(agent-mail:*) permission, it drastically reduces the initial context overhead from hundreds of tokens to approximately 50. Agents discover specific commands on-demand via --help.

To use it, you must first install and run the mcp_agent_mail server independently. Then, configure the server address and authentication token using the agent-mail init command. Afterward, agents can perform collaboration tasks like project management, sending/receiving messages, and file reservations through concise CLI commands.

This tool is ideal for developers or teams needing to coordinate multiple AI agents for email-style asynchronous communication and project collaboration. It provides an LLM-friendly, minimal interface that enables efficient agent collaboration without the complexity and risks of server management.

Note: This CLI is a pure "thin client," containing only features for agent workflows. It does not include any server management commands and therefore cannot be used to modify server configuration or state. Ensuring the corresponding MCP server is correctly installed and running is a prerequisite for use.

Key Features

Unlike the original CLI bundled with the `mcp_agent_mail` server, this CLI is designed specifically for AI agent workflows. It replaces 28 MCP tools with a single Bash permission, significantly reducing the LLM's initial context burden. It enables progressive disclosure of commands through on-demand discovery, thereby optimizing token usage efficiency.

Limitations

Not suitable for scenarios requiring direct management or configuration of the `mcp_agent_mail` server itself, as it does not include any server management commands.

FAQ

What's the difference between this CLI and the one bundled with mcp_agent_mail?

The bundled CLI is for server management (configuration, database, etc.). This CLI is a "thin client" designed specifically for AI agents, containing only collaboration features like sending messages and checking the inbox. Its goal is to minimize the LLM's permission and tool loading burden.

What do I need to prepare before using it?

You need to first install and run the `mcp_agent_mail` server (the fork by jwcraig is recommended). Then, use the `agent-mail init` command to configure the server connection information.

Installation guide for AI assistants

If your AI coding assistant (Claude Code, Cursor, TRAE etc.) can see this page, send it this message to auto-install:

Visit https://321skill.com/skills/agent-mail-cli/raw/index.md to read the original Skill definition (Markdown format) for agent-mail-cli, and install it according to the instructions.