What is MCP?

MCP, short for Model Context Protocol, is a standardized protocol for connecting AI (such as Claude) with various external tools and data sources. You can think of MCP as a USB-C port - just as USB-C simplifies the way we connect different devices, MCP simplifies the way AI models interact with data, tools, and services.

MCP's Core Values

MCP is designed to address the complexity of traditional API integration. Traditionally, connecting AI systems with external tools requires integrating multiple APIs, each of which requires separate code, documentation, authentication methods, error handling, and maintenance. MCP provides a unified way to connect, like a universal "interface", allowing AI models to dynamically interact with various tools and services without having to write separate code for each tool.

MCP Architecture and Working Principle

The architecture of MCP is based on a simple client-server model:

1. 1.  MCP Host : This is the application that needs to access external data or tools, such as Claude Desktop or AI-driven IDEs.
2. 2.  MCP Clients : They maintain a dedicated point-to-point connection with the MCP Server and are responsible for sending requests and receiving responses.
3. 3.  MCP Server : A lightweight server that exposes specific functionality through the MCP protocol and connects to local or remote data sources.
4. 4.  Local data source : local files, databases, or services, securely accessed by the MCP server.
5. 5.  Remote services : Internet-based external APIs or services accessed by the MCP server.

MCP works like a "smart bridge." It does not handle complex logic itself, but coordinates the flow of data and instructions between AI models and tools. Through MCP, AI models can dynamically discover and interact with available tools without hard-coding the specific details of each integration.

Core Features of MCP

• •  Single protocol, multi-tool access : By integrating one MCP protocol, you can access multiple tools and services, while traditional APIs need to be integrated separately for each tool.
• •  Dynamic Discovery : MCP allows AI models to dynamically discover and interact with available tools without knowing the specific interface of each tool in advance.
• •  Real-time two-way communication : MCP supports persistent real-time two-way communication, similar to WebSockets. AI models can both retrieve information and dynamically trigger actions.

Comparison between MCP and traditional API

Why choose MCP?

• •  Simplified development : You can integrate multiple tools and services by writing code once, without having to write separate code for each tool.
• •  Flexibility : Easily switch AI models or tools without complex reconfiguration.
• •  Real-time responsiveness : MCP connections are always active, enabling real-time contextual updates and interactions.
• •  Security and Compliance : Built-in access controls and standardized security practices.
• •  Scalability : As the AI ​​ecosystem grows, new capabilities can be easily added by simply connecting another MCP server.

How do I set up an MCP server?

Setting up an MCP server is not complicated. Here is a detailed five-step guide:

1. 1.  Install Composio MCP : Use command npx @composio/mcp@latest setup "<MCP_SERVER_URL>" --client claudeThis step will download and install the latest Composio MCP package from npm (Node Package Manager), configure it according to the given MCP server URL, and specify the client as Claude.
2. 2.  Verify the connection : When prompted, complete the authentication. This usually involves entering your Claude credentials or other authorization information to ensure that the MCP server can communicate properly with Claude.
3. 3.  Test the connection : run the command mcp test --client claudeThis command sends a test request to the MCP server to verify that the server is functioning properly and that the connection to Claude is stable.
4. 4.  Verify the integration : Confirm that the integration is successful by running simple tasks. For example, you can let Claude get a popular discussion on Reddit through the MCP server, or read a page of content from Notion.
5. 5.  Start automated tasks : Use Claude and the MCP server of your choice to start automated tasks. For example, set a scheduled task to let Claude automatically organize important emails in your Gmail every morning and generate a report.

Note : Before running the MCP command, make sure you have Node.js installed on your computer as it is required for the setup process. 

Popular MCP Server Recommendations

Browser Automation

1. 1.  Playwright+ Python MCP Server

• •  Feature : Browser automation using Playwright, more suitable for LLM.
• •  Address : https://github.com/blackwhite084/playwright-plus-python-mcp

• 2.  Playwright MCP Server
• •  Features : Browser automation and web scraping using Playwright.
• •  Address : https://github.com/executeautomation/playwright-mcp-server
• 3.  Puppeteer MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Browser automation for web crawling and interaction.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-puppeteer
• 4.  YouTube Transcript MCP Server
• •  Features : Get YouTube captions and transcripts for AI analysis.
• •  Address : https://github.com/kimtaeyoon83/mcp-server-youtube-transcript
• 5.  Web Search MCP Server
• •  Feature : Support free web search using Google search results, no API key required.
• •  Address : https://github.com/pskill9/web-search

Instant Messaging (IM)

1. 1.  Slack MCP Server
• •  Feature : Slack workspace integration for channel management and messaging.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-slack
• 2.  Bluesky MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Bluesky instance integration for query and interaction.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-bluesky
• 3.  iMessage Query MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Provides secure access to the iMessage database, enabling LLM to query and analyze conversations.
• •  Address : https://github.com/hannesrudolph/imessage-query-fastmcp-mcp-server
• 4.  Nostr MCP Server
• •  Function : Supports interaction with Nostr, can publish notes and other functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/AbdelStark/nostr-mcp
• 5.  Discord MCP Server
• •  Function : Highlight important discussions and pinned messages. In community discussions, Claude can identify and summarize important discussion points, making it easier for administrators and members to quickly understand key information. Assist in managing various community affairs.
• •  Address : https://mcp.composio.dev/discord/puny-ancient-nurse-qfnF-0

File System

1. 1.  Filesystem MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Direct access to local file system.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem
• 2.  Google Drive MCP Server
• •  Features : Google Drive integration for listing, reading and searching files.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-google-drive
• 3.  Box MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Box integration, supports file list, reading and search functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/hmk/b ox-mcp-server

database

1. 1.  Elasticsearch MCP Server
• •  Functionality : MCP server implementation with integrated Elasticsearch.
• •  Address : https://github.com/cr7258/elasticsearch-mcp-server
• 2.  PostgreSQL MCP Server
• •  Functionality : PostgreSQL database integration, supporting schema checking and query functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres
• 3.  SQLite MCP Server
• •  Features : SQLite database operations with built-in analysis capabilities.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-sqlite
• 4.  MySQL MCP Server
• •  Functionality : MySQL database integration, supporting schema checking and query functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/designcomputer/mysql_mcp_server

Development Tools

1. 1.  GitHub MCP Server
• •  Function : Integrates GitHub API to support code management, issue tracking, file updates and other functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers
• 2.  GitLab MCP Server
• •  Function : Provides GitLab project management functions.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers/tree/main/src/gitlab
• 3.  Docker MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Docker container management and operation through MCP.
• •  Address : https://github.com/QuantGeekDev/docker-mcp
• 4.  Kubernetes MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Connect to Kubernetes clusters and manage Pods, deployments, and services.
• •  Address : https://github.com/MayukhSobo/k8s-mcp-server
• 5.  Fetch MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Flexible access to JSON, text, and HTML data.
• •  Address : https://github.com/zcaceres/fetch-mcp
• 6.  OpenAPI MCP Server
• •  Features : Connect to any HTTP/REST API server using the Open API Specification (v3).
• •  Address : https://github.com/snaggle-ai/openapi-mcp-server

Location Services

1. 1.  Google Maps MCP Server
• •  Features : Google Maps integration, providing location services, route planning and place details.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps
• 2.  IPInfo MCP Server
• •  Function : Use IPInfo API to obtain the geographic location and network information of IP addresses.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-ipinfo

search

1. 1.  Brave Search MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Use Brave’s search API to implement web search functionality.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-brave-search
• 2.  NYT Search MCP Server
• •  Feature : Search articles using the NYTimes API.
• •  Address : https://github.com/anghe ljf/nyt

Other Tools

1. 1. Memory MCP Server 
• •  Functionality : A knowledge graph-based long-term memory system is used to maintain context.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-memory
• 2.  Sequential Thinking Server
• •  Functionality : Provides dynamic and reflective problem solving through structured thinking processes.
• •  Address : https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking
• 3.  Notion MCP Server
• •  Features : Create, update, and organize Notion pages. Automate reminders, task assignments, and document updates. Summarize meeting notes and action items for easy team sharing.
• •  Address : https://mcp.composio.dev/notion/puny-ancient-nurse-qfnF-0
• 4.  Google Sheets MCP Server
• •  Functionality : Automated data entry, calculations, and analysis. AI-generated reports and real-time data updates. AI-driven data processing for improved accuracy.
• •  Address : https://mcp.composio.dev/googlesheets/puny-ancient-nurse-qfnF-0
• 5.  Gmail MCP Server
• •  Features : Categorize emails, draft replies, and prioritize messages. Extract important dates and sync to calendar. AI-powered email replies and follow-ups.
• •  Address : https://mcp.composio.dev/gmail/puny-ancient-nurse-qfnF-0

The above are the more popular and common MCP Servers that I have compiled.

Using the MCP Server integration with Claude AI opens an era of automation, efficiency, and seamlessly connected applications. By automating repetitive tasks, streamlining workflows, and enabling AI-driven decision making, these integrations help users focus on strategic activities rather than manual processes. Now is the best time for everyone to get ahead of the curve.

I hope this article can help you use MCP Server.