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Setting Up MCP with Claude

Setting Up MCP with Claude

Configuration Guide

Chris Jones
December 04, 2024

Configuration Setup

Locate or create the Claude Desktop configuration file:
- On macOS, the file should be at: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json
- If the file doesn't exist, create it.
Open the configuration file in a text editor.
Add the MCP servers configuration using the following JSON structure:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "<YOUR_GITHUB_TOKEN>"
      }
    },
    "slack": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-slack"]
    },
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/path/to/allowed/files"]
    }
  }
}

Replace <YOUR_GITHUB_TOKEN> with your actual GitHub Personal Access Token.
Adjust the /path/to/allowed/files for the filesystem server to point to the directory you want to give Claude access to.

Server-Specific Setup

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) has opened up exciting new possibilities for enhancing Claude's capabilities by connecting it to various data sources and tools. Here are some of the most intriguing MCP servers available:

Filesystem Server

This server provides Claude with secure access to your local files and directories. It allows Claude to read, write, and manipulate files on your computer, opening up possibilities for document analysis, file management, and even code generation directly interacting with your local development environment.

Install the server:

go install github.com/mark3labs/mcp-filesystem-server

Edit your claude_desktop_config.json file (usually located at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS):


{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "mcp-filesystem-server",
      "args": [
        "/path/to/allowed/directory1",
        "/path/to/allowed/directory2"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Replace the paths with directories you want Claude to access.
Save the file and restart Claude Desktop.

GitHub Server

The GitHub server enables Claude to interact directly with GitHub repositories. This integration allows Claude to assist with code reviews, pull request management, and even contribute to your projects by making commits. Imagine having an AI assistant that can help you manage your entire GitHub workflow!

Generate a GitHub Personal Access Token with necessary permissions.

Install the server:

npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-github

Edit your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "github": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
      "env": {
        "GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your_token_here"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace your_token_here with your actual GitHub token.
Save and restart Claude Desktop.

Google Drive Server

With the Google Drive server, Claude can access and search through your Google Drive files. This opens up possibilities for document summarization, collaborative writing assistance, and even helping you organize your cloud storage more efficiently.

Slack Server

The Slack server allows Claude to interact with your Slack workspace. This integration could enable Claude to assist with team communication, summarise channel discussions, or even act as an AI-powered chatbot for your team.

Install the Slack MCP server globally using npm:

npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-slack

Open or create the Claude Desktop configuration file:
- On Windows: %AppData%\Claude Desktop\claude_desktop_config.json
- On macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Edit the configuration file to include the Slack server:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "slack": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["C:\\Users\\YourUsername\\AppData\\Roaming\\npm\\node_modules\\@modelcontextprotocol\\server-slack\\dist\\index.js"],
      "env": {
        "DEBUG": "*"
      }
    }
  }
}json

Replace YourUsername with your actual Windows username. For macOS, use the appropriate path to the npm modules directory.
Save the configuration file.
Restart Claude Desktop for the changes to take effect.
The first time you use the Slack integration, Claude will prompt you to authorize access to your Slack workspace.

Remember to use double backslashes ($$ for Windows paths in the configuration file. The DEBUG environment variable is included for troubleshooting purposes. After setup, you can activate the Slack server by asking Claude to perform Slack-related tasks, such as "Summarise recent messages in the #general channel" or "Send a message to @username on Slack."

PostgreSQL Server

This server gives Claude read-only access to PostgreSQL databases. It allows Claude to query and analyse your data, potentially offering insights or helping with database management tasks. This could be particularly useful for data analysis and business intelligence applications.

Puppeteer Server

The Puppeteer server enables Claude to perform web automation and scraping tasks. This opens up possibilities for Claude to assist with web testing, data collection, or even generate reports based on web content.

Memory Server

This fascinating server implements a knowledge graph-based persistent memory system for Claude. It could allow Claude to build and maintain a long-term memory across conversations, potentially leading to more contextually aware and personalized interactions.

Brave Search Server

The Brave Search server allows Claude to perform web searches using Brave's Search API. This could enhance Claude's ability to provide up-to-date information and fact-check its responses in real-time.

Install the server:

npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-brave-search

Edit your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "brave-search": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-brave-search"],
      "env": {
        "BRAVE_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual Brave Search API key.
Save and restart Claude Desktop.

Google Maps Server

With the Google Maps server, Claude can access location services, directions, and place details. This integration could enable Claude to assist with travel planning, provide local recommendations, or even help with logistics and route optimization tasks.These MCP servers demonstrate the versatility and potential of the Model Context Protocol. By connecting Claude to these various data sources and tools, we're opening up a world of possibilities for AI-assisted tasks across a wide range of domains. From software development and data analysis to content creation and personal productivity, MCP servers are expanding the horizons of what's possible with AI assistants like Claude.
Obtain a Google Maps API key.

Install the server:

npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps

Edit your claude_desktop_config.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "google-maps": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-google-maps"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_MAPS_API_KEY": "YOUR_API_KEY_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Replace YOUR_API_KEY_HERE with your actual Google Maps API key.
Save and restart Claude Desktop.

Additional Steps

Save the configuration file after making changes.
Restart the Claude Desktop application for the changes to take effect.
When you first use an MCP server, Claude Desktop will prompt you for permission. You may need to grant this permission each time you reopen the app.
After setting up each server, you can activate it by simply asking Claude to perform a related task. For example:
- Filesystem: "List the contents of my Documents folder."
- GitHub: "Show me the latest commits in my repository."
- Brave Search: "Search the web for recent news about AI advancements."
- Google Maps: "Find nearby restaurants in New York City."
Claude will automatically use the appropriate MCP server to fulfill these requests.

Important Notes

MCP servers currently only run locally on your machine.
The setup process is manual and may require troubleshooting.
For Windows users, the process might be slightly different, but it is possible to set up MCP.

By following these instructions, you should be able to configure Claude to connect with MCP servers for GitHub, Slack, and your internal file system. This setup allows Claude to securely access and interact with data from these sources, enhancing its capabilities to assist you with tasks related to these applications.

For a full dive into MCP Servers and repositories head over to https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers?tab=readme-ov-file

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