mcp-template

Barebones starting point for a new MCP server, following

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Overview

The mcp-template is a barebones starting point for creating a new Model Context Protocol (MCP) server, designed to help developers quickly set up their own servers following specific guidelines.

To use the mcp-template, open the directory in an AI coding assistant like Cursor or Windsurf, and describe the functionalities you want your MCP server to have. Follow the instructions provided in the linked video tutorial for detailed guidance.

Simple and minimalistic setup for MCP servers - Guidance through video tutorials - Flexibility to customize server functionalities based on user needs

Setting up a new MCP server for AI applications.
Rapid prototyping of server functionalities for testing.
Learning and experimenting with MCP server configurations.

Add to your AI client

Use these steps to connect mcp-template in Cursor, Claude, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible apps. The same JSON appears in the Use with menu above for one-click copy.

Cursor

Add this to your .cursor/mcp.json file in your project root, then restart Cursor.

.cursor/mcp.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Desktop

Add this server entry to the mcpServers object in your Claude Desktop config, then restart the app.

~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Claude Code

Add this to your project's .mcp.json file. Claude Code will detect it automatically.

.mcp.json (project root)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

VS Code (Copilot)

Add this to your .vscode/mcp.json file. Requires the GitHub Copilot extension with MCP support enabled.

.vscode/mcp.json

{
  "servers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Windsurf

Add this to your Windsurf MCP config file, then restart Windsurf.

~/.codeium/windsurf/mcp_config.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Cline

Open Cline settings, navigate to MCP Servers, and add this server configuration.

Cline MCP Settings (via UI)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-template-josmithiii": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-mcp-template-josmithiii"
      ]
    }
  }
}

FAQ

What is the purpose of the mcp-template?

The mcp-template serves as a foundational framework for developers to create their own MCP servers efficiently.

Is there any cost associated with using the mcp-template?

No, the mcp-template is open-source and free to use under the MIT license.

Where can I find more information on setting up the server?

Detailed instructions and tutorials are available in the linked video and the official documentation.

Developer tools