linear

Linear

Overview

This skill uses the Linear MCP server to gather issue context for developers implementing tasks. It is context-oriented and read-only by default.

Prerequisites

• Linear MCP server must be connected and accessible via OAuth
• Confirm access to the relevant Linear workspace and teams

Required Workflow

Follow these steps in order. Do not skip steps.

Step 0: Set up Linear MCP (if not already configured)

If any MCP call fails because Linear MCP is not connected, pause and set it up:

1. Add the Linear MCP:
   • codex mcp add linear --url https://mcp.linear.app/mcp
2. Enable remote MCP client:
   • Set [features] rmcp_client = true in config.toml or run codex --enable rmcp_client
3. Log in with OAuth:
   • codex mcp login linear

After successful login, the user must restart Codex. Finish the answer and instruct them to restart and retry.

Windows/WSL note: If connection errors appear on Windows, configure Linear MCP via WSL:

{"mcpServers":{"linear":{"command":"wsl","args":["npx","-y","mcp-remote","https://mcp.linear.app/sse","--transport","sse-only"]}}}

Step 1

Clarify the implementation goal and scope for the task. Confirm relevant identifiers (issue ID, team key, project if needed).

Step 2

Use read-focused Linear MCP tools to collect context:

• get_issue, list_issues, list_my_issues
• list_issue_statuses, list_issue_labels
• get_project, list_projects
• get_team, list_teams, list_users
• list_documents, get_document, search_documentation
• list_comments, list_cycles

Step 3: Build implementation context

From retrieved data, extract and present:

• Problem statement
• Scope and out-of-scope boundaries
• Acceptance criteria / definition of done
• UX, API, and technical constraints
• Dependencies, risks, and blockers
• Open questions and assumptions that must be clarified before coding

Step 4

Summarize findings for the developer and map them to an implementation plan and test plan.

Guardrails

• Do not create or update Linear entities unless the user explicitly asks.
• Do not run project-management workflows (triage, planning, redistribution) by default.
• Prefer read calls first; if write actions are requested later, confirm intent and scope before proceeding.