Exploring the MCP: Connecting AI Assistants to Data Sources

Höfundur: Magnús Smári Smárason

This blog was created live by Claude desktop during an Erdos meeting, there will be a much better post soon about MCP and how I utilize them but this was a demonstration of the Sanity MCP server connected to my website.

I did mark some hallucinations, but this will serve as an example not a guide! :D

Understanding MCP Servers

Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers are designed to facilitate seamless communication between different AI models and applications. They provide a structured protocol that allows for efficient data exchange and model management, making them an essential tool for developers working with complex AI systems.

Benefits of MCP Servers

  • Scalability: MCP servers can handle multiple models and requests simultaneously, making them ideal for large-scale AI applications.
  • Flexibility: They support various AI models and frameworks, allowing developers to integrate diverse technologies.
  • Efficiency: By optimizing data flow and reducing latency, MCP servers enhance the performance of AI workflows.

Configured MCP Servers

What is MCP?

MCP (Modular Computing Platform) "Nope Claude, its Model Context Protocol! :D is a versatile framework designed to integrate various server functionalities into a cohesive system. It allows users to manage tasks ranging from conservation data tracking to content creation and automation.

Benefits of MCP

  • Efficiency: Streamlines workflows by integrating multiple servers.
  • Flexibility: Adapts to various tasks and projects.
  • Scalability: Easily add or remove servers as needed.

Detailed Descriptions of my MCP´s

Arctic Tracker

Will update later.

Zotero

A research management tool that organizes references and bibliographies for academic work.

Context7

Hosts library documents, providing a centralized location for accessing and managing digital resources.

GitHub

Facilitates code management and collaboration, essential for software development projects.

Introduction to MCP

Anthropic's MCP (Modular Connection Protocol* No Claude, its Model Context protocol!) is an open standard designed to seamlessly connect AI assistants to various data sources. This protocol facilitates efficient data integration and management, enabling AI systems to leverage external data effectively. For more details, you can read the official announcement.

Arctic Tracker

The Arctic Tracker server integrates with the CITES illegal trade database, providing real-time tracking and monitoring of wildlife trade activities. This server is crucial for conservation efforts and regulatory compliance.

Use Case

  • Wildlife Monitoring: Track illegal trade routes and identify hotspots for enforcement actions.

Code Example

```python

import arctic_tracker

tracker = arctictracker.connect(apikey='yourapikey')

tracker.monitortrade(species='polarbear')

```

Zotero

Zotero server enhances academic workflows by integrating citation management features directly into AI systems. It supports automatic bibliography generation and research organization.

Use Case

  • Academic Research: Streamline the process of managing references and citations in scholarly work.

Code Example

```javascript

const zotero = require('zotero-api')

zotero.authenticate('yourapikey')

const citations = zotero.getCitations('user_id')

```

GitHub

The GitHub MCP server facilitates repository management and collaboration through AI. It includes features like issue tracking, pull request management, and code review automation.

Use Case

  • Software Development: Automate repetitive tasks in code management and enhance team collaboration.

Code Example

```yaml

name: GitHub-MCP

on: [push]

jobs:

build:

runs-on: ubuntu-latest

steps:

uses: actions/checkout@v2

name: Run MCP

run: npm run mcp

```

Playwright

Playwright server offers robust browser automation testing capabilities, allowing AI to perform end-to-end testing of web applications.

Use Case

  • Web Testing: Automate browser tests to ensure application stability across different environments.

Code Example


import { chromium } from 'playwright';

(async () => {

const browser = await chromium.launch();

const page = await browser.newPage();

await page.goto('https://example.com');

await page.screenshot({ path: 'example.png' });

await browser.close();

})();

Technical Implementation

Setting up an MCP server involves configuring endpoints and authentication mechanisms. Below is a basic configuration example for an MCP server.

```json

{

"server": "MCP-Server",

"endpoints": [

{

"path": "/api/data",

"method": "GET",

"auth": "Bearer token"