Basic Architecture
Enables language models to access external tools and resources through a standardized Model Context Protocol interface.
Browse 6,627+ Model Context Protocol servers for Claude, Cursor, and VS Code. Find the perfect tools for your AI workflow.
Enables language models to access external tools and resources through a standardized Model Context Protocol interface.
Provides a basic server implementation for use with the MCP CLI.
Enables Claude Code to interact with a Basilisp nREPL server for code execution, documentation retrieval, and namespace exploration.
Exposes common Bazel actions like build, test, and dependency analysis through an MCP server.
Orchestrates and manages security scans through a Model Context Protocol (MCP) interface.
Facilitates multi-agent conversations by serving the British Columbia Data Catalogue API.
Installs the HAPI CLI with a single command to swiftly integrate and test APIs.
Executes Beancount queries and submits transactions to the ledger.
Connects the Bear note-taking app to AI assistants, enabling semantic search and retrieval of notes.
Deploys a remote Model Context Protocol (MCP) server on Cloudflare Workers with OAuth login.
Interfaces with the Beatport Developer API using the Model Context Protocol.
Provides access to Berlin's public transport data via the VBB API.
Provides a unified Multi-Component Protocol (MCP) server for managing all OAuth-enabled third-party integrations.
Provides AI agents with access to development best practices, security guidelines, and coding standards.
Provides secure filesystem access with path aliasing and an optimized API for Large Language Models.
Indexes and searches documents using semantic understanding and integrates with Claude Desktop for enhanced file discovery.
Provides an enhanced knowledge graph memory system for AI models like Claude, enabling persistent recall with advanced data management and semantic search capabilities.
Accesses the Gallica API from the Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF) to generate sequential research reports.
Provides a comprehensive large model service platform for rapid deployment and application of large language models in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Fetches Bilibili video subtitles with customizable language and format options via an MCP server.
Provides Claude Code with seamless access to Binance exchange API functionality.
Provides a server to fetch real-time and historical Binance cryptocurrency data including OHLCV, mark prices, funding rates, and open interest.
Provides a TypeScript interface for automating Binance spot trading operations.
Connects large language models (LLMs) to live Bing Ads data through 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.