MCP Example Server: A Basic Integration for Netlify Functions

Overview: What is MCP Example Server?

The MCP Example Server acts as an entry point to demonstrate how one can create and deploy a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server integrated with Netlify Functions. This example serves as a foundational template, which developers can adapt or extend to suit more complex integrations within their AI applications.

🔧 Core Features & MCP Capabilities

This server leverages the simplicity of Express.js and Netlify’s serverless functions to provide a flexible and scalable solution for running AI applications like Claude Desktop, Continue, and Cursor. The core feature is its seamless integration with Netlify’s Function framework, enabling real-time API calls from client applications without the need for a traditional backend.

Integrating MCP Clients

The example showcases how any MCP-compatible client can interact directly with the server, allowing for various use cases such as authentication, configuration, and data retrieval. The simplicity of setting up these interactions makes it easy to integrate this server into broader AI workflows.

⚙️ MCP Architecture & Protocol Implementation

The server’s architecture is designed to adhere strictly to MCP protocol guidelines. This ensures that any deployed instance can seamlessly communicate with an MCP client, providing a consistent and reliable experience across different applications.

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

MCP Client Compatibility Matrix

The compatibility matrix below outlines the support for different MCP clients integrated with this server.

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

🚀 Getting Started with Installation

To set up and run this example server locally, follow these steps:

1. Clone the examples repository to your local environment.
2. Install the necessary dependencies using npm.
3. Run the development server.

Local Setup Steps

# 1. Clone the examples repository to your local development environment
git clone [email protected]:netlify/examples

# 2. Move into the project directory for this example
cd examples/mcp/express-mcp

# 3. Install Netlify CLI globally to serve your site locally
npm i -g netlify-cli

# 4. Use Netlify Dev to run and test your local serverless functions
netlify dev

# 5. Access the inspector or client you desire while serving locally
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector npx mcp-remote@next http://localhost:8888/mcp

💡 Key Use Cases in AI Workflows

This server facilitates a range of use cases that enhance AI application capabilities. Below are two practical examples:

Case 1: Resource Management

Use the MCP client to fetch and manage resources dynamically. This could be any resource such as database entries, configurations, or external APIs.

curl -X GET "http://localhost:8888/mcp/resources" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"tool": "fetchDatabaseEntries"}'

Case 2: Data Analysis and Prompt Generation

Leverage the server to generate prompts based on data retrieved from various tools. This can be particularly useful in generating context for user interactions.

curl -X POST "http://localhost:8888/mcp/prompt" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"context": "user input", "tool": "naturalLanguageProcessing"}'

🔌 Integration with MCP Clients

The example includes a setup for netlify functions, which are triggered by client requests. The provided configuration allows any MCP-compatible client to interact directly with the server.

Example Configuration Sample

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "example-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-express"],
      "env": {
        "API_KEY": "your-api-key"
      }
    }
  }
}

📊 Performance & Compatibility Matrix

While this example focuses on basic functionality, it serves as a robust starting point for further optimization. The performance of the server can be enhanced by tweaking Netlify’s Function settings and optimizing code efficiency.

Compatibility

• Claude Desktop: Fully supported.
• Continue: Fully supported.
• Cursor: Limited to tools only.

🛠️ Advanced Configuration & Security

To ensure secure and efficient operation, users should set up environment variables and adjust server-side configurations as needed. Additional security features can be implemented through middleware or external security services.

Example Configuration Code

const express = require('express');
const functionHandler = require('@netlify/functions/express-mcp');

const app = express();

// Middleware to handle CORS and ensure secure access
app.use((req, res, next) => {
  res.header("Access-Control-Allow-Origin", "*");
  res.header(
    "Access-Control-Allow-Headers",
    "Origin, X-Requested-With, Content-Type, Accept"
  );
  next();
});

// Define routes using Express
app.get('/mcp', functionHandler);

// Start the server
const PORT = process.env.PORT || 8080;
app.listen(PORT, () => {
  console.log(`Server is running on port ${PORT}`);
});

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why use Netlify for this MCP server?

   • Netlify’s Functions provide a lightweight and cost-effective solution for serverless architectures commonly needed in AI application integrations.

2. Can I integrate more tools with this example server?

   • Yes, the example can be extended to include additional data sources or tools by updating the configuration.

3. Does this work with older versions of MCP clients?

   • The current setup is compatible but may require compatibility patches for older client versions to function correctly.

4. What are some best practices in setting up MCP servers?

   • Implement strong security measures, use HTTPS, and regularly update dependencies to ensure the server remains secure and efficient.

5. How can I debug issues with the MCP server?

   • Utilize logs and network debugging tools provided by Netlify Functions to trace and resolve any issues encountered during development or deployment.

👨‍💻 Development & Contribution Guidelines

Contributions are welcome! If you’d like to contribute, please follow these guidelines:

1. Fork the repository.
2. Create a new branch for your feature or bug fix.
3. Write tests and update documentation if necessary.
4. Commit changes with clear commit messages.
5. Push to GitHub, then create a pull request.

🌐 MCP Ecosystem & Resources

Explore the broader MCP ecosystem:

• Model Context Protocol Documentation: Learn more about MCP in detail at modelcontextprotocol.io.
• Community Forum: Join the community for discussions and support.
• GitHub Repository: Contribute to or fork additional examples from netlify/examples.

By following these guidelines, developers can build on this basic example server to create sophisticated MCP integrations that enhance AI application functionality.