How to setup MCP servers and tool use for agents

🆕 from Matthew Berman! Learn how to set up an mCP server for your AI agent and create custom tools for enhanced functionality!.
Key Takeaways at a Glance
00:00
Setting up an mCP server requires specific steps.02:04
Define your tool within the mCP server code.04:53
Configure Claude desktop to recognize the mCP server.06:44
Testing the mCP server tool is essential.
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1. Setting up an mCP server requires specific steps.
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00:00
To set up an mCP server, create a folder, activate a Python environment, and install the mCP library before writing the server code.
- Use commands like 'mkdir' to create a folder and 'pip install mCP' to install the library.
- Activate the environment using platform-specific commands for Windows or Mac.
- Create a Python file for the server code and ensure proper imports and configurations.
2. Define your tool within the mCP server code.
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02:04
In the server code, define the tool using the mCP library, specifying its name, host URL, and parameters.
- Use decorators like '@mCP.do.tool' to define the tool's functionality.
- Ensure to handle exceptions and provide meaningful output for the tool.
- The tool can perform various functions, such as counting letters in a word.
3. Configure Claude desktop to recognize the mCP server.
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04:53
Edit the Claude desktop configuration file to define the mCP server and its parameters for proper integration.
- Add the server's name, command, and arguments in the JSON configuration file.
- Specify the absolute path to the server file and the host and port settings.
- Reinstall Claude desktop if it fails to recognize the mCP server after setup.
4. Testing the mCP server tool is essential.
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06:44
After setup, test the tool in Claude desktop to ensure it functions correctly and returns expected results.
- Use the tool to perform a simple task, like counting letters in a word.
- Allow the tool to run in the chat interface and check the output.
- Confirm that the server is running and accessible from Claude desktop.
This post is a summary of YouTube video 'How to setup MCP servers and tool use for agents' by Matthew Berman. To create summary for YouTube videos, visit Notable AI.