Build production-ready MCP servers enabling LLMs to integrate external APIs using TypeScript or Python with comprehensive testing and evaluation guidelines.
Poorly designed MCP servers fail when agents attempt complex tasks, wasting development time on broken integrations. This skill guides you through four phases of research, implementation, and testing using TypeScript or Python SDKs. You receive specific patterns for tool schemas, error handling, and creating verifiable evaluations to ensure reliability. Use this when building integrations that require robust, agent-ready tools for external APIs.
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name: mcp-builder
description: Guide for creating high-quality MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers that enable LLMs to interact with external services through well-designed tools. Use when building MCP servers to integrate external APIs or services, whether in Python (FastMCP) or Node/TypeScript (MCP SDK).
license: Complete terms in LICENSE.txt
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# MCP Server Development Guide
## Overview
Create MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers that enable LLMs to interact with external services through well-designed tools. The quality of an MCP server is measured by how well it enables LLMs to accomplish real-world tasks.
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# Process
## 🚀 High-Level Workflow
Creating a high-quality MCP server involves four main phases:
### Phase 1: Deep Research and Planning
#### 1.1 Understand Modern MCP Design
**API Coverage vs. Workflow Tools:**
Balance comprehensive API endpoint coverage with specialized workflow tools. Workflow tools can be more convenient for specific tasks, while comprehensive coverage gives agents flexibility to compose operations. Performance varies by client—some clients benefit from code execution that combines basic tools, while others work better with higher-level workflows. When uncertain, prioritize comprehensive API coverage.
**Tool Naming and Discoverability:**
Clear, descriptive tool names help agents find the right tools quickly. Use consistent prefixes (e.g., `github_create_issue`, `github_list_repos`) and action-oriented naming.
**Context Management:**
Agents benefit from concise tool descriptions and the ability to filter/paginate results. Design tools that return focused, relevant data. Some clients support code execution which can help agents filter and process data efficiently.
**Actionable Error Messages:**
Error messages should guide agents toward solutions with specific suggestions and next steps.
#### 1.2 Study MCP Protocol Documentation
**Navigate the MCP specification:**
Start with the sitemap to find relevant pages: `httNo reviews yet. Be the first to review this skill.
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