Simple Python MCP
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way to supply context to large language models (LLMs). Using the MCP Python SDK, you can build servers that expose data (resources), functionality (tools), and interaction templates (prompts) to LLM
What is Simple Python MCP?
Simple Python MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to model context protocol (mcp) is a standardized way to supply context to large language models (llms). using the mcp python sdk, you can build servers that expose data (resources), functionality (tools...
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way to supply context to large language models (LLMs). Using the MCP Python SDK, you can build servers that expose data (resources), functionality (tools), and interaction templates (prompts) to LLM
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way to su
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx simple-mcp-server-with-pythonConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Simple Python MCP
Simple MCP Server with Python is a hands-on tutorial project that demonstrates how to build a Model Context Protocol server using the official MCP Python SDK. It walks through all three MCP primitives — tools (model-controlled functions), resources (application-controlled data), and prompts (user-controlled templates) — with minimal, understandable code. Developers use this project as a foundation for building their own custom MCP servers in Python, learning the SDK's conventions before adding their own business logic.
Prerequisites
- Python 3.7 or newer (3.11+ recommended for best compatibility)
- Node.js 18.x installed (required by the MCP Inspector dev tool)
- pip or uv package manager
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop for testing the final server
Create a project directory and virtual environment
Set up an isolated Python environment for the MCP server project to avoid dependency conflicts.
mkdir my-mcp-server && cd my-mcp-server
python -m venv .venv
source .venv/bin/activateInstall the MCP Python SDK
Install the mcp package with its CLI extras. Alternatively, use uv for faster dependency resolution.
pip install "mcp[cli]"
# OR with uv:
uv init mcp-server && cd mcp-server && uv add "mcp[cli]"Create your server file with tools, resources, and prompts
Write a server.py that registers an add tool, a greeting resource, and a code review prompt using the MCP SDK decorators. These three primitives cover the core MCP building blocks.
from mcp.server.fastmcp import FastMCP
mcp = FastMCP("my-server")
@mcp.tool()
def add(a: int, b: int) -> int:
"""Add two numbers together"""
return a + b
@mcp.resource("greeting://{name}")
def greeting(name: str) -> str:
return f"Hello, {name}!"
@mcp.prompt()
def review_code(code: str) -> str:
return f"Please review this code:\n\n{code}"
if __name__ == "__main__":
mcp.run()Test interactively with MCP Inspector
Use the mcp dev command to launch an interactive web UI at http://localhost:6274 where you can call tools, read resources, and test prompts without connecting a full AI client.
mcp dev server.pyConfigure Claude Desktop to use your server
Add your server to Claude Desktop's configuration file so it can use your tools and resources in conversations.
{
"mcpServers": {
"my-python-mcp": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/server.py"]
}
}
}Run a test client to verify tool calls
Write a simple client.py that connects to your server via stdio and calls the add tool programmatically to confirm everything works end-to-end.
python server.py # Terminal 1
python client.py # Terminal 2 (if you write a client)Simple Python MCP Examples
Client configuration
Configure Claude Desktop to run your custom Python MCP server as a local subprocess.
{
"mcpServers": {
"simple-python-mcp": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["/path/to/your/server.py"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Once your server is running and connected, try these prompts in Claude Desktop to exercise each MCP primitive.
- "Add 10 and 15 using the add tool."
- "Fetch the greeting resource for the name Alice."
- "Use the review_code prompt to review this Python snippet: print(1+1)"
- "List all available tools on the connected MCP server."Troubleshooting Simple Python MCP
mcp command not found after installation
Ensure your virtual environment is activated (source .venv/bin/activate) and that you installed the CLI extras: pip install "mcp[cli]". The mcp binary is placed in .venv/bin/.
MCP Inspector fails to start or cannot reach localhost:6274
MCP Inspector requires Node.js 18.x. Run node --version to confirm. If Node is missing or outdated, install it from nodejs.org before running mcp dev server.py.
Claude Desktop does not list any tools from the server
Use an absolute path to server.py in the configuration, not a relative path. Restart Claude Desktop after editing the config. Check the Claude Desktop logs for Python errors that indicate the server failed to start.
Frequently Asked Questions about Simple Python MCP
What is Simple Python MCP?
Simple Python MCP is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that model context protocol (mcp) is a standardized way to supply context to large language models (llms). using the mcp python sdk, you can build servers that expose data (resources), functionality (tools), and interaction templates (prompts) to llm It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Simple Python MCP?
Follow the installation instructions on the Simple Python MCP GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with Simple Python MCP?
Simple Python MCP works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Simple Python MCP free to use?
Yes, Simple Python MCP is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Browse More Developer Tools MCP Servers
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Set Up Simple Python MCP in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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