# mcp-for-beginners

> MCP Server

MCP learning resource. .NET, Java, TypeScript, JavaScript, Python examples. Teaches Model Context Protocol fundamentals. #MCP #ModelContextProtocol

## Overview

- **Category:** Developer Tools
- **Language:** Python
- **Stars:** 16845
- **Forks:** 1204
- **Owner:** microsoft
- **GitHub:** https://github.com/microsoft/mcp-for-beginners
- **Created:** 2025-04-04T20:46:17+00:00
- **Updated:** 2025-07-07T16:43:24+00:00
- **Source:** https://model-context-protocol.com/servers/mcp-for-beginners

## Setup

## Setup

To get started with the Model Context Protocol (MCP) curriculum, follow these steps:

1.  **Fork the Repository:** Click the "Fork" button at the top right of the [GitHub repository](https://GitHub.com/microsoft/mcp-for-beginners) to create a copy of the repository in your own GitHub account.

2.  **Clone the Repository:** Clone the forked repository to your local machine using Git.  Open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command, replacing `<your-github-username>` with your GitHub username:

    ```bash
    git clone https://github.com/<your-github-username>/mcp-for-beginners.git
    cd mcp-for-beginners
    ```

3.  **Install Prerequisites:** Ensure you have the necessary software installed for the language(s) you plan to use. This typically includes:

    *   **C#:** .NET SDK (latest version recommended)
    *   **Java:** Java Development Kit (JDK) (version 8 or higher) and Maven or Gradle
    *   **JavaScript/TypeScript:** Node.js and npm (Node Package Manager)
    *   **Python:** Python 3.6 or higher and pip (Python Package Installer)

4.  **Install Dependencies:** Navigate to the specific project directory (e.g., `03-GettingStarted/samples/python`) and install any required dependencies using the appropriate package manager. For example, for Python:

    ```bash
    cd 03-GettingStarted/samples/python
    pip install -r requirements.txt
    ```

    For JavaScript/TypeScript:

    ```bash
    cd 03-GettingStarted/samples/javascript
    npm install
    ```

5.  **Configuration (Optional):** Some samples may require configuration, such as API keys or connection strings. Check the `README.md` file within each sample directory for specific instructions.  Configuration files are often named `.env` or `config.json`.

6.  **Environment Variables (If Required):**  If the sample requires environment variables, set them in your shell or create a `.env` file in the project directory.  For example:

    ```
    API_KEY=your_api_key
    ```

    You may need to install a package like `python-dotenv` to load `.env` files in Python.

7.  **Join the Azure AI Foundry Discord:**  Connect with experts and fellow developers on the [Azure AI Foundry Discord](https://discord.com/invite/ByRwuEEgH4) for support and discussions.

## Tools

## Available Tools

*   **Model Context Protocol (MCP)**: A framework designed to standardize interactions between AI models and client applications. It provides a structured learning path with coding examples in C#, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python.
    *   **Usage:** Implement MCP to streamline communication between AI models and client applications, enabling more efficient and standardized AI workflows.

*   **MCP Documentation**: Detailed tutorials and user guides for understanding and implementing MCP.
    *   **Usage:** Refer to the documentation for in-depth explanations, setup instructions, and best practices.

*   **MCP Specification**: Protocol architecture and technical references for MCP.
    *   **Usage:** Use the specification to understand the technical details of MCP, including its architecture and protocols.

*   **MCP GitHub Repository**: Open-source SDKs, tools, and code samples for MCP.
    *   **Usage:** Access the repository to find SDKs, tools, and sample code to help you implement MCP in your projects.

*   **Multi-Language Support**: The curriculum is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for a global audience.
    *   **Usage:** Access the curriculum in your preferred language to facilitate learning and understanding. Supported languages include French, Spanish, German, Russian, Arabic, and many more.

*   **MCP Calculator Sample Projects**: Sample projects in Java, C#, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python that demonstrate basic MCP implementations.
    *   **Usage:** Use these projects as a starting point for understanding how to implement MCP in different programming languages.

*   **MCP Advanced Example Solution**: Advanced sample projects in C#, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python that demonstrate more complex MCP implementations.
    *   **Usage:** Explore these projects to learn about advanced MCP concepts and how to implement them in real-world scenarios.

*   **AI Toolkit for VSCode**: A tool for streamlining AI workflows, including building MCP servers.
    *   **Usage:** Use the AI Toolkit to simplify the process of building and deploying MCP servers within Visual Studio Code.

*   **Azure AI Foundry Discord**: A community platform to meet experts and fellow developers.
    *   **Usage:** Join the Discord server to ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other MCP users.

## Related Articles

- [mcp-for-beginners: Performance Optimization Tips](https://model-context-protocol.com/blog/mcp-for-beginners-guide)