# MCP Server Kickstarter

## Create a New Project

Use the `uv` CLI to initialize a new project:

```bash
uv init <project-name>
```

This command creates a new MCP-compatible server project in the current directory.

## Create and Activate a Virtual Environment

Create a virtual environment for the project:

```bash
uv venv
```

Activate it with:

```bash
source .venv/bin/activate
```

## Add Dependencies

Use the `uv` CLI to add dependencies to your project. For example, add LangChain with:

```bash
uv add langchain
```

Install project dependencies from the lock file:

```bash
uv sync
```

Create or update the dependency lock file:

```bash
uv lock
```

Run the main Python file for your project:

```bash
uv run main.py
```

## Debug with the Inspector

Use the MCP Inspector CLI to debug your server.

### Debugging Steps

1. Start the Inspector

   ```bash
   npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector
   ```

2. Configure the Inspector

   - Transport type: `stdio`
   - Command: `uv`
   - Arguments:

     ```bash
     run --directory /path-to-directory/mcp-server-kickstarter main.py
     ```

3. Click Connect

   - In the inspector web interface, click the Connect button.
   - This establishes a connection to your MCP server.

4. List Available Tools

   - Click the List Tools button in the inspector.
   - This displays all tools exposed by your server in JSON format.
   - Each tool shows its name, description, and input schema.

5. Test Tools

   - Select a tool from the list.
   - Enter the required parameters.
   - Click Call Tool to execute it.
   - View the response in the output panel.

## Register the Server in VS Code

To connect your MCP server in VS Code, add it to your `mcp.json` file:

### Workspace or Project Configuration

Add the following server configuration to your `mcp.json`:

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "get_local_document": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "uv",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "--directory",
        "project-folder/mcp-server-kickstarter",
        "fastmcp_mock_db.py"
      ]
    }
  }
}
```

### Configuration Breakdown

- **`type`**: `stdio` - Uses standard input/output transport
- **`command`**: `uv` - Uses the uv package manager
- **`args`**:
  - `run` - Executes the Python file
  - `--directory` - Specifies the project directory path
  - `project-folder/mcp-server-kickstarter` - Path to your MCP server folder
  - `fastmcp_mock_db.py` - The server file to run

After adding this configuration, the server will be available in VS Code's MCP tools and can be used in Copilot.