How to Build an MCP Server in 30 Minutes (With a Real Example)

Creating a Modular Component Processor (MCP) server for Claude to interact with external data sources like the OpenWeather API is an excellent way to extend its capabilities. Your step-by-step guide covers all the essential aspects from setting up the environment, defining the tool's structure in mcp.json, writing the JavaScript logic, and integrating it into Claude Code.

Key Points Covered:

1. Environment Setup:

   • Using Node.js for server-side operations.
   • Setting up a basic Express server to handle HTTP requests.

2. Tool Definition (mcp.json):

   • Defining tool properties such as name, description, and parameters like city.
   • Specifying the route under which the tool will be accessible.

3. JavaScript Logic:

   • Implementing asynchronous logic using Promises or async/await.
   • Handling errors gracefully by catching exceptions and returning structured error responses.
   • Formatting data in a way that Claude can understand and use effectively (e.g., JSON).

4. Integration with Claude Code:

   • Configuring the MCP server details in mcp.json within Claude's configuration file.
   • Restarting Claude to load new configurations.

Best Practices for

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