How to Build & Deploy Your First MCP Server

What is an MCP Server?

Why Should You Build an MCP Server?

• EASY Integration: MCP allows users to connect AI models seamlessly to external APIs and databases.
• Flexibility: You can adapt the MCP server for different use cases based on your needs.
• Improved Performance: By utilizing MCP, you enable AI models to access real-time data, enhancing the quality of responses they generate.

Prerequisites for Building Your MCP Server

• Basic knowledge of programming — preferably in languages like Python, JavaScript, or C#.
• Node.js installed on your machine for managing dependencies.
• A clear understanding of the Model Context Protocol (you can read more about it on its official site).
• Optional but recommended: Familiarity with tools like Visual Studio Code for coding.

Step 1: Setting Up Your Development Environment

1. Install Node.js: If you haven't installed it yet, download it from the Node.js website and follow the INSTALL instructions.
2. Set Up a Project Folder: Create a new project directory for your MCP server. You can do this with a terminal command:
   1 2 3 bash mkdir my-mcp-server cd my-mcp-server
3. Initialize the Project: Run the following command to create a new
   1 package.json
   file which will manage your server's dependencies:
   1 2 bash npm init -y
4. Install the MCP SDK which provides essential tools to build your server:
   1 2 bash npm install @modelcontextprotocol/sdk

Step 2: Create Your First MCP Server

1. Create the Main File: Create an entry point for your server, let's call it

   1 index.js

   (or

   1 index.ts

   if you prefer TypeScript):

   1 2 bash touch index.js
2. Set Up Basic Server Code: Open

   1 index.js

   in your text editor and paste the following code to start your MCP server: ```javascript const { McpServer, StdioTransport } = require('@modelcontextprotocol/sdk/server');
   const mcps = new McpServer({ name: 'My First MCP Server', version: '1.0', capabilities: { resources: {}, tools: {}, }, });
   mcps.run(new StdioTransport()); console.log('MCP Server is running...'); ```
3. Run Your Server: Now, let's start your MCP server by running:

   1 2 bash node index.js

   You should see a message indicating that your server is running. CONGRATULATIONS, you’ve just built your first MCP server!

Step 3: Deploying Your MCP Server

Deploying to Vercel

1. Install Vercel globally:
   1 2 bash npm i -g vercel
2. Run the deploy command inside your project folder:
   1 2 bash vercel --prod
3. Follow the prompts to set up your deployment. Vercel will automatically detect your project structure and deploy your MCP server.

Deploying to Cloudflare Workers

1. Install Wrangler CLI: This tool will help you manage your Cloudflare Workers.
   1 2 bash npm install -g wrangler
2. Configure Your Project for Cloudflare:
   • Create a new wrangler configuration:
     1 2 bash wrangler init my-mcp-server
   • Edit your
     1 wrangler.toml
     file to set up your project configuration, including
     1 name
     ,
     1 type
     , and
     1 compatibility_date
     .
3. Deploy Your Server:
   1 2 bash wrangler publish

Step 4: Testing Your MCP Server

Using MCP Inspector

1. Install MCP Inspector:
   1 2 bash npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector@latest
2. Run MCP Inspector: Open another terminal and run:
   1 2 bash npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector
3. Connect to Your Server: Enter the URL of your deployed MCP server in the inspector and see how it responds!

Tips for Maintaining Your MCP Server

• Keep it Updated: Regularly update your versions of Node.js, and the MCP SDK to maintain security & performance.
• Monitor Server Health: Use monitoring tools to keep an eye on server health and performance.
• Implement Security Best Practices: Follow security measures to protect sensitive data.

Bonus: Where to Get Help

• MCP Official Documentation
• GitHub Discussions
• Online forums like Reddit and Stack Overflow.

Enhance Your Experience with Arsturn

Wrapping Up