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MCP Server

by Gaurav Kabra

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way for LLMs to interact with external tools and functions, injecting context into LLMs. It enables models to request real-time information, execute actions, access knowledge, and interact with APIs.

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What is MCP Server?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standard for LLMs to interact with external tools and functions, allowing them to access real-time information, execute actions, access specialized knowledge, and interact with APIs and services. It exposes tools, resources (knowledge base, DB, files), and prompts to the LLM.

How to use MCP Server?

To use MCP, you need to set up an MCP server using the provided SDK. This involves initializing a project, installing the SDK, configuring the server with the path to your index.js file, and then interacting with the server through a compatible IDE like Cursor. The server exposes tools that can be accessed via commands within the IDE.

Key features of MCP Server

  • Standardized LLM interaction

  • Real-time information access

  • External system execution

  • Specialized knowledge access

  • API integration

Use cases of MCP Server

  • Chatbots with external knowledge

  • LLM agents interacting with databases

  • Automated workflows triggered by LLMs

  • LLMs accessing real-time data feeds

  • Enhanced LLM reasoning with external tools

FAQ from MCP Server

What is the benefit of using MCP?

MCP provides a standardized way for LLMs to interact with external tools, reducing the chances of API breaking and simplifying integration.

What are the main components of an MCP server?

An MCP server exposes three main things: tools, resources (knowledge base, DB, files), and prompts.

What is the difference between STDIO and SSE transport?

STDIO (Standard Input-Output) is ideal for local development, while SSE (Server Sent Event) transport is used for remote connections.

Where can I find the official documentation for the MCP SDK?

You can find the official documentation for the TypeScript SDK at https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/typescript-sdk.

How do I configure the MCP server in Cursor IDE?

In Cursor IDE, click on Settings cog -> MCP. Create the file mcp.json and put the code provided in the README, replacing the args with the absolute path of index.js on your local.