Overview - Pretorin CLI Documentation
Description: Documentation for the Pretorin CLI - compliance tools for developers and AI agents.

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# MCP Integration Overview

The Pretorin CLI includes a built-in Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables AI assistants to access compliance framework data directly during conversations.

## Why MCP?

The Model Context Protocol allows AI assistants to:

- Access real-time data — Query the latest compliance frameworks, controls, and requirements
- Understand context — Get detailed control guidance and related controls for better recommendations
- Reduce hallucination — Work with authoritative compliance data instead of training knowledge
- Streamline workflows — No need to copy-paste control requirements or switch between tools

## How It Works

The MCP server communicates via stdio (standard input/output) using JSON-RPC messages. When you start it with `pretorin mcp-serve`, your AI tool connects and gains access to 23 compliance tools.

    ┌──────────────┐     stdio      ┌──────────────┐     HTTPS     ┌──────────────┐
    │   AI Agent   │◄──────────────►│   Pretorin   │◄─────────────►│   Pretorin   │
    │ (Claude,     │   JSON-RPC    │   MCP Server  │              │   Platform   │
    │  Cursor,     │               │               │              │              │
    │  Codex)      │               │               │              │              │
    └──────────────┘               └──────────────┘              └──────────────┘

## Scope

Scoped compliance execution tools on the MCP server run inside exactly one `system + framework` pair at a time. Set the active scope with `pretorin context set`, or pass both values explicitly. If a request spans multiple frameworks or systems, split it into separate runs.

## Tool Categories

The 23 MCP tools are organized into categories:

Category | Tools | Access
--- | --- | ---
Framework & Control Reference | 7 | Read-only, all users
Systems | 3 | Read-only
Evidence Management | 4 | Read/Write, requires beta
Implementation Context | 6 | Read/Write, requires beta
Compliance Updates | 3 | Write, requires beta

See Tool Reference for the complete list.

## Quick Setup

    # 1. Install
    uv tool install pretorin

    # 2. Authenticate
    pretorin login

    # 3. Add to your AI tool (example: Claude Code)
    claude mcp add --transport stdio pretorin -- pretorin mcp-serve

See Setup Guides for other AI tools.

## Example Conversations

### Getting Started with a Framework

> You: What compliance frameworks are available for government systems?

> Claude: Uses pretorin_list_frameworks — I can see several frameworks available including NIST 800-53 Rev 5, NIST 800-171, and FedRAMP at various impact levels…

### Understanding a Control

> You: I need to implement Account Management for our FedRAMP Moderate system. What does it require?

> Claude: Uses pretorin_get_control and pretorin_get_control_references — Account Management requires organizations to manage system accounts including identifying account types, establishing conditions for membership, and specifying authorized users…

### Control Family Overview

> You: Give me an overview of the Audit controls in NIST 800-53

> Claude: Uses pretorin_list_controls with family filter — The Audit and Accountability family contains controls for audit events, content, storage, review, and reporting…