MCP Example Netlify Express Server

Overview: What is the MCP Example Netlify Express Server?

The MCP Example Netlify Express Server demonstrates how to implement a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server using Netlify Functions and Express.js. This example shows developers how to integrate AI applications, such as Claude Desktop, Continue, Cursor, among others, with their own custom data sources or tools through a standardized protocol. The provided repository includes code snippets, configuration options, and detailed instructions on setting up this server for both local testing and live deployment.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

Scalability and Serverless Functionality

Netlify Functions enable the example server to handle HTTP requests in a serverless manner. This means that the functions are automatically scaled based on incoming traffic, ensuring efficient resource utilization without the need for manual management of servers. The netlify.toml configuration ensures that all API requests ending with "/mcp" are redirected to the corresponding Netlify Function.

Customizable URL Endpoints

The example server uses a custom redirect configuration in netlify.toml, which maps any request starting with /mcp to the actual function handler. This customization is critical for providing users with well-formed URLs that they can use directly to interact with the AI application's context protocol.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

Protocol Flow Diagram

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) follows a standardized flow where an AI application communicates through a client, which then interfaces with the MCP server. This interaction involves data exchange and command execution based on predefined rules, ensuring seamless integration between different applications and tools.

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

Data Architecture Diagram

The data architecture of the MCP Example Netlify Express Server is designed to efficiently manage and process API requests. This involves routing mechanisms, error handling, response generation, and logging for both incoming and outgoing communication.

graph TD
    A[API Request] --> B[routing rules]
    B --> C[handler functions]
    C --> D[response generation]
    D --> E[logging]
    style A fill:#e1f5fe
    style B fill:#d4f5eb
    style C fill:#f3e5f5
    style D fill:#e8f5e8

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

Prerequisites

• Node.js installed on your local machine.
• A GitHub account for cloning the repository.

Steps to Set Up the Example Server Locally

1. Clone the Examples Repository

git clone [email protected]:netlify/examples

2. Change into the Project Directory

cd examples/mcp/express-mcp

3. Install the Netlify CLI

npm i -g netlify-cli

4. Serve Your Site Using Netlify Dev

netlify dev

5. Run the MCP Inspector or Client Open a separate terminal tab and run:

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector npx mcp-remote@next http://localhost:8888/mcp

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

Example Use Case 1: Content Generation for Marketing Campaigns

Imagine a marketing firm using an AI application that needs to generate copy based on specific data sources. By integrating the MCP server with this tool, the application can seamlessly query the server for relevant content snippets and combine them into marketing materials. The Netlify Express server handles these requests efficiently, ensuring that the AI model generates content aligned with brand guidelines.

Example Use Case 2: Data Validation and Cleaning

In a software development team, an AI assistant might need to validate input data against predefined rules before processing it through CI/CD pipelines. By connecting this tool to the MCP server, developers can trigger validation checks or clean up datasets as needed. The server acts as a middleware layer, ensuring that the data is sanitized and ready for further analysis.

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

Client Compatibility Matrix

The following table illustrates which AI applications are fully supported by the example Netlify Express server using MCP.

MCP Client	Resources	Tools	Prompts	Status
Claude Desktop	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Continue	✅	✅	✅	Full Support
Cursor	❌	✅	❌	Tools Only

MCP Client Integration

To integrate the AI application with this example server, developers must ensure that their client adheres to the MCP protocol specifications. This involves configuring the client correctly and testing its interactions with both the server and external tools.

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

The performance of the Example Netlify Express Server is optimized for scalability and low latency. It supports multiple concurrent connections and ensures quick response times, making it suitable for high-traffic applications. The compatibility matrix outlined above helps in identifying any potential gaps or issues that might arise during integration.

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

Environment Variables

The provided netlify.toml configuration file includes the necessary environment variables to set up and secure the server:

[[redirects]]
  force = true
  from = "/mcp"
  status = 200
  to = "/.netlify/functions/express-mcp-server"

Security Best Practices

• API Key Protection: Ensure that sensitive environment variables, like API keys, are stored securely and not hardcoded in the configuration files.
• Rate Limiting: Implement rate limiting on your server to prevent abuse from external sources.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I deploy this example server with Netlify?

   • Follow the instructions in "Speedily Deploy Your Own Version" section of the README to set up and deploy a live version of the example.

2. Are there performance limitations when using Netlify Functions for MCP servers?

   • While Netlify Functions are highly scalable, high-concurrency scenarios might require tuning settings such as request timeouts or increasing function timeout limits.

3. Can this server integrate with other tools besides those listed in the compatibility matrix?

   • Yes, with custom configurations and protocol adjustments, it is possible to extend the compatibility to additional tools.

4. How do I set up local integration testing for my MCP client?

   • Use Netlify Dev as described in "Install and run the examples locally" section, or configure your own development server following similar steps if needed.

5. What are the known limitations of the current implementation?

   • The example server provides basic functionality but may lack advanced features such as detailed logging, more sophisticated error handling, and extensive validation mechanisms for larger datasets.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Repository Structure

The repository contains both the source code and documentation required to understand and contribute to the project. To make contributions:

1. Fork the netlify/examples repository.
2. Clone your fork locally.
3. Make changes or improvements as needed.
4. Commit and push your updates.
5. Create a pull request back to the main branch.

Testing and Validation

Ensure that any new features or modifications are thoroughly tested, especially for compatibility with different MCP clients. Run tests locally using Netlify Dev and verify them against the known use cases.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

For more information on the Model Context Protocol and its ecosystem, visit the official documentation at Model Context Protocol. Additional resources include community forums, forums for specific AI applications like Claude Desktop or Continue, and detailed guides on setting up Netlify Functions.

By leveraging the MCP Example Netlify Express Server, developers can create more flexible and interoperable AI applications without extensive coding effort. This server serves as a robust foundation for building complex workflows that integrate multiple data sources and tools seamlessly.