Using MCPSDK with Claude Desktop

Requirements: MCPSDK

Introduction

The MCPServer component of the MCP SDK makes it easy to build MCP servers that connect LLMs like Claude to custom resources, data, and code. This article walks through the process of connecting Claude Desktop to MCP servers built with MCP SDK, using the MCPServer demo that comes included with the library as an example MCP server.

Note that MCP servers are called 'Connectors' within Claude.

Connecting Claude Desktop and the MCPServer Demo

Before getting started:

• Install the MCP SDK
• Run the included demo locally to confirm it starts correctly.

Step 1: Install Claude Desktop

• Download Claude Desktop
• Create an account and install the desktop application.

Step 2: Go to Connectors Settings

• As shown below, click the + button under the query text box
• From the dropdown menu, find Connectors -> Manage Connectors

Step 3: Add a new Custom Connector

• Select the Add Custom Connector option within Connector settings

Step 4: Specify MCP SDK's Demo Details

• Custom Connectors require a name and a URL where the MCP server (connector) is listening
• Specify any helpful and descriptive name, e.g. "MCP SDK Demo"
• Set the URL to the localhost port where the demo is listening, e.g. "https://localhost:3000"

Step 5: Verifying the Integration

• Your newly named Connector should now appear in the Connectors list in Connector Settings
• Starting a new chat with Claude, you can ask about system processes, RAM usage, and disk space and receive accurate responses