Workshop

You can run an MCP server locally and connect to it from an MCP client to run tasks, automate workflows, and test integrations. This guide shows practical ways to use the server, install and run the components, and how to connect with a client to perform actions like code reviews, timezone conversions, or data queries.

How to use

You interact with the MCP server through an MCP client. Start the local server components you need (Ruby, Sinatra, or Node) and then add the server endpoints to your MCP client configuration. Once connected, you can perform tasks like requesting public holiday planning, converting time zones, aggregating RSS updates, performing code diffs, or checking web performance metrics. Use the client to choose the available endpoints and issue the corresponding actions without dealing with protocol details.

How to install

Prerequisites depend on which component you want to run. You can use Ruby-based components or a Node-based component. Ensure you have a compatible runtime installed on your system before proceeding.

# Ruby/Sinatra path
# Install required Ruby dependencies
gem install fast-mcp
bundle install

# Node path
npm install

# To run the Node build, you would typically start a server script
# as described in your project, for example:
node build/index.js

Additional sections

Configuration and testing for MCP servers are illustrated by multiple runnable components. Use the MCP inspector to verify that your server is reachable and configured correctly. It provides a way to connect to your local MCP server and confirm the transport method and the command or URL being used.

Examples of server connections include running a local Ruby-based MCP server and exposing a Sinatra-based HTTP endpoint, as well as a Node-based MCP server that runs through a local script. The Inspector can connect to these endpoints to validate transport details and readiness.

Here is a consolidated view of possible MCP server connections shown in practical setups. This configuration covers HTTP-based and STDIO-based methods.

MCP server configuration examples

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "ruby_mcp": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "name": "ruby_mcp",
      "command": "ruby",
      "args": ["/path/to/server.rb"]
    },
    "sinatra_mcp": {
      "type": "http",
      "name": "sinatra_mcp",
      "url": "http://127.0.0.1:4567/mcp/sse",
      "args": []
    },
    "node_mcp": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "name": "node_mcp",
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["/path/to/build/index.js"]
    }
  }
}

Available tools

get_public_holidays

Fetch public holidays to optimize vacation planning by combining official days with your remaining vacation days.

hdd_capacity_check

Estimate how many copies of a large library or file can fit into the remaining HDD space.

convert_timezones

Convert times between time zones to align agendas and conference schedules across different cities.

latest_news_rss

Retrieve and summarize positive news from RSS feeds, tailored to your preferred style.

diff_pull_request

Compute and present diffs for a given pull request to aid code review.

core_web_vitals

Fetch Core Web Vitals for a URL and provide recommendations to improve performance.