# Getting Started
This guide will help you get up and running with Skill MCP Server in just a few minutes.
## Prerequisites
- Python 3.10 or higher
- An MCP-compatible AI client (e.g., Claude Desktop, Claude Code)
## Installation
### Using pip
```bash
pip install skill-mcp-server
```
### Using uv (recommended)
```bash
uv pip install skill-mcp-server
```
### From source
```bash
git clone https://github.com/your-org/skill-mcp-server.git
cd skill-mcp-server
pip install -e .
```
## Basic Usage
### 1. Create a Skills Directory
```bash
mkdir skills
```
### 2. Add Your First Skill
Create a simple skill:
```bash
mkdir skills/hello-world
```
Create `skills/hello-world/SKILL.md`:
```markdown
---
name: hello-world
description: A simple greeting skill that demonstrates the basics
---
# Hello World Skill
This is a simple skill that demonstrates the basic structure.
## Usage
When the user asks for a greeting, respond with a friendly message.
## Example
User: "Say hello"
Response: "Hello! I'm using the hello-world skill!"
```
### 3. Start the Server
```bash
skill-mcp-server --skills-dir ./skills
```
### 4. Configure Your AI Client
#### Claude Desktop
Edit `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` (macOS) or the equivalent config file:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"skill-server": {
"command": "skill-mcp-server",
"args": ["--skills-dir", "/path/to/your/skills"]
}
}
}
```
#### Claude Code
Edit `~/.claude.json`:
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"skill-server": {
"command": "skill-mcp-server",
"args": [
"--skills-dir", "/path/to/your/skills",
"--workspace", "/path/to/workspace"
]
}
}
}
```
## Next Steps
- [Creating Skills](creating-skills.md) - Learn how to create powerful skills
- [Skill Format Reference](skill-format.md) - Detailed documentation of the skill format
- Check out the [examples](../examples/) for inspiration
