Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standard for connecting Large Language Models (LLMs) to external services. This guide provides detailed setup instructions for several popular AI development tools, with in-depth coverage for Claude, Cursor, and Windsurf.

What is MCP?

MCP enables seamless communication between different AI models and your development environment, allowing for enhanced functionality and integration capabilities.

Prerequisites

  • Your preferred AI development tool (Cursor, Claude, Windsurf, etc)
  • Basic understanding of JSON configuration files

While MCP supports many tools, this guide provides detailed setup instructions for select popular clients. For other tools, please refer to their respective documentation.

Supported Clients

MCP is supported by a growing ecosystem of AI development tools and platforms, including IDEs, AI assistants, and development frameworks.

For a complete and up-to-date list of supported clients, visit:

Browse MCP-Compatible Tools Directory →

Setting Up Claude

Step 1: Access Settings

Open Claude desktop and navigate to Settings > Developer.

Step 2: Configure MCP

Click "Edit Config" and add the following configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "file-system": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-script"]
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Restart Claude

Restart Claude desktop to apply the new configuration. You should see a hammer (MCP) icon appear with the new MCP server available.

Setting Up Cursor

Step 1: Create Configuration Directory

Create a .cursor directory in your project root if it doesn't exist.

Step 2: Create Configuration File

Create a .cursor/mcp.json file with the following configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "file-system": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-script"]
    }
  }
}

Step 3: Verify Configuration

Open Cursor and navigate to Settings/MCP. You should see a green active status after the server is successfully connected.

Setting Up Windsurf

Step 1: Access Settings

Navigate to Windsurf - Settings > Advanced Settings or use Command Palette > Open Windsurf Settings Page.

Step 2: Add MCP Server

Scroll down to the Cascade section. You'll find options to:

  • Add a new server
  • View existing servers
  • View the raw JSON config file at mcp_config.json

Click the "Add Server" button to choose from pre-populated servers, or click "Add custom server +" to add your own server directly in mcp_config.json.

Step 3: Configure MCP

If adding a custom server, edit ~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json with your configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "file-system": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-script"]
    }
  }
}

Step 4: Refresh Configuration

After adding a new MCP server, make sure to press the refresh button to apply the changes.

Important Notes

  • MCP tool calls will consume credits regardless of success or failure
  • Only tools are supported (not prompts or resources)
  • Tools that output images are not supported
  • Only servers using the stdio transport type are supported

Next Steps

  • Test your MCP configuration with basic file system operations
  • Explore advanced MCP features and capabilities
  • Connect additional MCP servers for extended functionality