How to setup MCP servers and tool use for agents

1. Setting up an mCP server requires specific steps.

🥇95 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.

🥇92 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.

🥇90 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.

🥈88 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.