MCP Server Template: Building Scalable and Modular MCP Servers with TypeScript/Node.js

Overview: What is MCP Server Template?

The MCP Server Template provides a comprehensive framework for developing scalable, modular, and robust Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers using TypeScript and Node.js. This template is designed to standardize the development process, ensuring that AI applications can seamlessly interact with custom data sources and tools through a standardized protocol. By leveraging this template, developers can focus on implementing specific functionalities while adhering to best practices that ensure high performance and compatibility.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

This template includes several key features aimed at enhancing the flexibility, reliability, and scalability of your MCP servers:

• TypeScript Configuration with ES Modules: A robust type system ensures code quality and maintainability.
• Standardized Directory Structure: Organizes files in a logical manner for easier navigation and management.
• Error Handling Utilities: Implements consistent error handling practices to optimize debugging and application stability.
• Testing Frameworks: Facilitates comprehensive testing, including unit tests and integration tests, to ensure code quality.
• Example Implementations: Provides sample tools, resources, and configurations to serve as a foundation for custom development.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The architecture of the MCP server template is designed to be modular and extensible. It supports:

• Protocol Version Negotiation: Ensures compatibility with various clients by negotiating the protocol version.
• Capability Declaration: Identifies and declares available tools, resources, and capabilities.
• Tool Registration and Execution: Facilitates the registration of custom tools and their execution within specific contexts.
• Resource Management: Manages data access and sharing across different systems and applications.
• Error Handling: Implements robust error handling to manage failures gracefully.
• Logging: Provides detailed logs for monitoring and troubleshooting.

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To quickly get started, follow these steps:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/your-org/mcp-server-template.git my-mcp-server
   

2. Navigate to the Project Directory:

   cd my-mcp-server
   

3. Install Dependencies:

   npm install
   

4. Build the Project:

   npm run build
   

5. Run the Example Server:

   npm start
   

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

The MCP server template is particularly useful for developers building AI applications that require integration with various data sources and tools. Here are two realistic use cases:

1. Weather Forecast Integration:

   • Scenario: An AI weather assistant application needs to fetch current weather conditions from the National Weather Service API.
   • Implementation:

     import { registerTool } from './src/tools/weather-api';
     
     // Register the tool in your server setup
     const mcpServer = new MCPServer();
     mcpServer.registerTool(weatherTool);
     

2. GitHub Repository Analysis:

   • Scenario: An AI application needs to perform code analysis and pull request reviews by integrating with the GitHub API.
   • Implementation:

     import { registerResource } from './src/resources/github-api';
     
     // Register the resource in your server setup
     const mcpServer = new MCPServer();
     mcpServer.registerResource(githubResource);
     

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

The template is compatible with a wide range of MCP clients, including:

• Claude Desktop: Full support for all features.
• Continue: Full support for tools and resources but limited prompt capabilities.
• Cursor: Limited support for tools; resource and prompt integration are not supported.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The compatibility matrix below outlines the current state of MCP client integrations:

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts
Claude Desktop	✅ (Full)	✅ (Full)	✅ (Full)
Continue	✅ (Full)	✅ (Full)	❌ (Limited)
Cursor	❌ (None)	✅ (Limited)	❌ (None)

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

For advanced users, the template includes several configuration options and security best practices:

• Module System Usage: Encourages the use of ES modules for enhanced modularity.
• TypeScript Best Practices: Ensures consistent type definitions and code quality.
• Testing Requirements: Mandates comprehensive testing to cover all functionalities.
• Security Guidelines: Provides secure implementation guidelines, including proper handling of API keys and sensitive data.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: How does the MCP server template handle protocol version negotiation?

   • A: Thetemplate uses a flexible approach by negotiatingthe protocol version during initial connection to ensure backward compatibility.

2. Q: Can I use this template with multiple MCP clients simultaneously?

   • A: Yes, you can configure and register different tools and resources for various clients using the provided API.

3. Q: How does error handling work in the MCP server template?

   • A: Error handling is implemented via a standardized utility that catches exceptions and logs detailed information to enable debugging.

4. Q: Can I customize the server configuration dynamically during runtime?

   • A: Yes, you can use environment variables or config files to modify server behavior at runtime.

5. Q: What are some best practices for securing API keys when developing with this template?

   • A: API keys should be securely stored and accessed using environment variables or a secure vault service.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributions are welcome! Please refer to the DEVELOPMENT_RULES.md file for detailed guidelines on:

• Module system usage
• TypeScript best practices
• Error handling patterns
• Tool and resource implementation rules
• Testing requirements
• Security guidelines

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

For further information, explore the comprehensive documentation available in the docs/ directory:

• Client Developers Guide
• Server Developers Guide
• Claude Users Guide
• MCP Reference

By leveraging this template, developers can build robust and scalable MCP servers that integrate seamlessly with various AI applications, ensuring a seamless development experience.

Technical Diagrams

1. MCP Protocol Flow Diagram

graph TD
    A[AI Application] -->|MCP Client| B[MCP Protocol]
    B --> C[MCP Server]
    C --> D[Data Source/Tool]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

2. Data Architecture Diagram

graph LR
    subgraph MCP Protocol Stack
        directionLR
        A(MCP Client)
        B(MCP Server)
        C(Data Source/Tool)
        
        A --> B((Connect))
        B -->|Negotiate Protocol| C
        C -->|Provide Resources and Tools| B
        style A fill:#e1f5fe
        style C fill:#e8f5e8
    end

This documentation provides a comprehensive guide to using the MCP Server Template, making it easier for developers to build robust and scalable Model Context Protocol servers.