Simplest
Demonstrates a minimal, working example of a Multi-Client Protocol server and client using the stdio method.
Browse 6,627+ Model Context Protocol servers for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code. Find the perfect tools for your AI workflow.
Demonstrates a minimal, working example of a Multi-Client Protocol server and client using the stdio method.
Provides a lightweight API platform for running and managing Model Context Protocol (MCP) tools.
Provides real-time access to transportation information from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) DataMall API.
Facilitates interaction with Sitecore Send for email marketing and transactional communications.
Enables real-time, server-pushed updates for AI model and tool communication within the Model Context Protocol using Server-Sent Events.
Processes Sketch design files to enable AI tools to intelligently analyze designs and generate Vue component code.
Enables interaction with the Sketchfab API using the Model Control Protocol (MCP).
Provides a basic server example for integrating Slack with the Model Context Protocol.
Enables collaborative team use of Claude Code by integrating it directly into Slack.
Enables AI assistants to interact with Slack workspaces via the Model Context Protocol.
Enables LLMs to search and retrieve data from a Slack workspace.
Enables Claude to interact with Slack workspaces as a user via the Slack API.
Encapsulates Istio MCP client/server functionality into a reusable library.
Extends the Sliver C2 framework with a Python-based command and control server for advanced operations.
Provides weather forecasts for South Korea using an MCP server.
Provides a secure Model Context Protocol server for time-based operations, featuring timing attack protection and timelock encryption.
Demonstrates an Anthropic Model Context Protocol (MCP) server using the Anthropic MCP SDK.
Integrate Smallest.ai's knowledge base management system using the Model Context Protocol.
Validates Tonel formatted Smalltalk source code and method definitions for syntax correctness.
Demonstrates how to build and deploy an intelligent customer service application using the MCP framework.
Manages WiZ smart lights for customized home lighting experiences.
Analyze and search a photo library using location, labels, and people.
Enables querying live Smartsheet data from Claude Desktop using CData JDBC Drivers.
Exposes SmartThings helper tools via a Model Context Protocol server.
MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers are tools that connect AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and other AI coding tools to external data sources, APIs, and services. They enable AI models to access real-time information, execute code, interact with databases, and perform actions beyond their base capabilities. Check out our curated collection of the best MCP servers for Cursor →
MCP servers act as intermediaries between AI assistants and external systems. When you ask Claude or Cursor to perform a task requiring external data, the MCP server handles the request, fetches the data, and returns it in a format the AI can understand and use.
When selecting an MCP server, consider:
For detailed setup guides, see our Complete MCP Server Setup Guide →
Everything you need to know about installing, using, and troubleshooting Model Context Protocol.
To install MCP servers in Cursor: 1) Open Cursor settings (Cmd+,), 2) Navigate to MCP Servers section, 3) Click 'Add Server', 4) Enter server configuration (name and command), 5) Restart Cursor. Check out our curated collection of the best MCP servers for Cursor with detailed setup guides.
MCP servers are protocol-level integrations that work across multiple AI assistants (Claude, Cursor, etc.), while VS Code extensions are editor-specific. MCP servers provide context to AI models, whereas extensions add IDE functionality. MCP is more portable and AI-focused.
Most MCP servers listed are open-source and free. Some enterprise connectors (like Salesforce or Jira) may require paid API access to the underlying service, but the MCP server code itself is usually free.
Yes! The Model Context Protocol is open standard. You can build servers in Python or TypeScript/Node.js to expose your own internal APIs or databases to Claude and Cursor.
An MCP server is a lightweight program that exposes specific capabilities (data access, tool execution, prompts) to AI assistants through a standardized protocol. MCP servers allow Claude and other AI models to securely interact with external systems like databases, APIs, file systems, and web services while maintaining security boundaries.
MCP servers connect to Claude Desktop or other MCP-compatible clients through a standardized JSON-RPC protocol. When you configure an MCP server in Claude Desktop, Claude can access its resources (data/content), use its tools (functions to execute), and leverage its prompts (templated interactions). The protocol ensures secure, controlled access to external capabilities.
Essential MCP servers for beginners include: Filesystem (local file access), SQLite/PostgreSQL (database queries), GitHub (repository access), Brave Search (web search), and Memory (persistent context). These cover common use cases and have excellent documentation. Start with 2-3 servers and expand based on your needs.
Most MCP servers install via npm (npx) or Python (uvx/pip). Configure them in Claude Desktop's config file (claude_desktop_config.json) by specifying the command, arguments, and any required environment variables like API keys. Our directory links to each server's documentation with specific installation instructions.
MCP servers run locally on your machine with explicit permissions you configure. They can only access resources you authorize, and Claude cannot bypass these boundaries. However, always review server code, use official/verified servers when possible, limit permissions to what's necessary, and be cautious with servers that request broad access.
Resources are data sources Claude can read (files, database results, API responses). Tools are functions Claude can execute (run queries, send messages, create files). Prompts are pre-defined templates for common interactions. Most MCP servers expose one or more of these capability types.
MCP is supported by Claude Desktop (official), Cursor IDE, Continue (VS Code extension), and various community implementations. The protocol is open, so support is expanding to more AI development tools. Check our compatibility filters to find servers tested with your preferred client.
Our MCP servers directory is updated weekly with new servers, documentation improvements, and compatibility updates. We monitor GitHub releases, community contributions, and Anthropic announcements to ensure our listings reflect the latest MCP ecosystem developments.