mcp-for-beginners

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[**Join The Azure AI Foundry Discord and meet experts and fellow developers**](https://discord.com/invite/ByRwuEEgH4) ### 🌐 Multi-Language Support #### Supported via GitHub Action (Automated & Always Up-to-Date) <!-- CO-OP TRANSLATOR LANGUAGES TABLE START --> [Arabic](./translations/ar/README.md) | [Bengali](./translations/bn/README.md) | [Bulgarian](./translations/bg/README.md) | [Burmese (Myanmar)](./translations/my/README.md) | [Chinese (Simplified)](./translations/zh/README.md) | [Chinese (Traditional, Hong Kong)](./translations/hk/README.md) | [Chinese (Traditional, Macau)](./translations/mo/README.md) | [Chinese (Traditional, Taiwan)](./translations/tw/README.md) | [Croatian](./translations/hr/README.md) | [Czech](./translations/cs/README.md) | [Danish](./translations/da/README.md) | [Dutch](./translations/nl/README.md) | [Estonian](./translations/et/README.md) | [Finnish](./translations/fi/README.md) | [French](./translations/fr/README.md) | [German](./translations/de/README.md) | [Greek](./translations/el/README.md) | [Hebrew](./translations/he/README.md) | [Hindi](./translations/hi/README.md) | [Hungarian](./translations/hu/README.md) | [Indonesian](./translations/id/README.md) | [Italian](./translations/it/README.md) | [Japanese](./translations/ja/README.md) | [Korean](./translations/ko/README.md) | [Lithuanian](./translations/lt/README.md) | [Malay](./translations/ms/README.md) | [Marathi](./translations/mr/README.md) | [Nepali](./translations/ne/README.md) | [Norwegian](./translations/no/README.md) | [Persian (Farsi)](./translations/fa/README.md) | [Polish](./translations/pl/README.md) | [Portuguese (Brazil)](./translations/br/README.md) | [Portuguese (Portugal)](./translations/pt/README.md) | [Punjabi (Gurmukhi)](./translations/pa/README.md) | [Romanian](./translations/ro/README.md) | [Russian](./translations/ru/README.md) | [Serbian (Cyrillic)](./translations/sr/README.md) | [Slovak](./translations/sk/README.md) | [Slovenian](./translations/sl/README.md) | [Spanish](./translations/es/README.md) | [Swahili](./translations/sw/README.md) | [Swedish](./translations/sv/README.md) | [Tagalog (Filipino)](./translations/tl/README.md) | [Tamil](./translations/ta/README.md) | [Thai](./translations/th/README.md) | [Turkish](./translations/tr/README.md) | [Ukrainian](./translations/uk/README.md) | [Urdu](./translations/ur/README.md) | [Vietnamese](./translations/vi/README.md) <!-- CO-OP TRANSLATOR LANGUAGES TABLE END --> # 🚀 Model Context Protocol (MCP) Curriculum for Beginners ## **Learn MCP with Hands-on Code Examples in C#, Java, JavaScript, Rust, Python, and TypeScript** ## 🧠 Overview of the Model Context Protocol Curriculum The **Model Context Protocol (MCP)** is a cutting-edge framework designed to standardize interactions between AI models and client applications. This open-source curriculum offers a structured learning path, complete with practical coding examples and real-world use cases, across popular programming languages including C#, Java, JavaScript, TypeScript, and Python. Whether you're an AI developer, system architect, or software engineer, this guide is your comprehensive resource for mastering MCP fundamentals and implementation strategies. ## 🔗 Official MCP Resources - 📘 [MCP Documentation](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) – Detailed tutorials and user guides - 📜 [MCP Specification](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/) – Protocol architecture and technical references - 📜 [Original MCP Specification](https://spec.modelcontextprotocol.io/) – Legacy technical references (may contain additional details) - 🧑‍💻 [MCP GitHub Repository](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol) – Open-source SDKs, tools, and code samples - 🌐 [MCP Community](https://github.com/orgs/modelcontextprotocol/discussions) – Join discussions and contribute to the community ## 🧭 MCP Curriculum Overview ### 📚 Complete Curriculum Structure | Module | Topic | Description | Link | |--------|-------|-------------|------| | **Module 1-3: Fundamentals** | | | | | 00 | Introduction to MCP | Overview of the Model Context Protocol and its significance in AI pipelines | [Read more](./00-Introduction/README.md) | | 01 | Core Concepts Explained | In-depth exploration of core MCP concepts | [Read more](./01-CoreConcepts/README.md) | | 02 | Security in MCP | Security threats and best practices | [Read more](./02-Security/README.md) | | 03 | Getting Started with MCP | Environment setup, basic servers/clients, integration | [Read more](./03-GettingStarted/README.md) | | **Module 3: Building Your First Server & Client** | | | | | 3.1 | First Server | Create your first MCP server | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/01-first-server/README.md) | | 3.2 | First Client | Develop a basic MCP client | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/02-client/README.md) | | 3.3 | Client with LLM | Integrate large language models | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/03-llm-client/README.md) | | 3.4 | VS Code Integration | Consume MCP servers in VS Code | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/04-vscode/README.md) | | 3.5 | stdio Server | Create servers using stdio transport | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/05-stdio-server/README.md) | | 3.6 | HTTP Streaming | Implement HTTP streaming in MCP | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/06-http-streaming/README.md) | | 3.7 | AI Toolkit | Use AI Toolkit with MCP | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/07-aitk/README.md) | | 3.8 | Testing | Test your MCP server implementation | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/08-testing/README.md) | | 3.9 | Deployment | Deploy MCP servers to production | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/09-deployment/README.md) | | 3.10 | Advanced server usage | Use advanced servers for advanced feature usage and improved architecture | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/10-advanced/README.md) | | 3.11 | Simple auth | A chapter showing you auth from the beginning and RBAC | [Guide](./03-GettingStarted/11-simple-auth/README.md) | | **Module 4-5: Practical & Advanced** | | | | | 04 | Practical Implementation | SDKs, debugging, testing, reusable prompt templates | [Read more](./04-PracticalImplementation/README.md) | | 05 | Advanced Topics in MCP | Multi-modal AI, scaling, enterprise use | [Read more](./05-AdvancedTopics/README.md) | | 5.1 | Azure Integration | MCP Integration with Azure | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-integration/README.md) | | 5.2 | Multi-modality | Working with multiple modalities | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-multi-modality/README.md) | | 5.3 | OAuth2 Demo | Implement OAuth2 authentication | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-oauth2-demo/README.md) | | 5.4 | Root Contexts | Understand and implement root contexts | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-root-contexts/README.md) | | 5.5 | Routing | MCP routing strategies | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-routing/README.md) | | 5.6 | Sampling | Sampling techniques in MCP | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-sampling/README.md) | | 5.7 | Scaling | Scale MCP implementations | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-scaling/README.md) | | 5.8 | Security | Advanced security considerations | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-security/README.md) | | 5.9 | Web Search | Implement web search capabilities | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/web-search-mcp/README.md) | | 5.10 | Realtime Streaming | Build realtime streaming functionality | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-realtimestreaming/README.md) | | 5.11 | Realtime Search | Implement realtime search | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-realtimesearch/README.md) | | 5.12 | Entra ID Auth | Authentication with Microsoft Entra ID | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-security-entra/README.md) | | 5.13 | Foundry Integration | Integrate with Azure AI Foundry | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-foundry-agent-integration/README.md) | | 5.14 | Context Engineering | Techniques for effective context engineering | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-contextengineering/README.md) | | 5.15 | MCP Custom Transport | Custom Transport implementations | [Guide](./05-AdvancedTopics/mcp-transport/README.md) | | **Module 6-10: Community & Best Practices** | | | | | 06 | Community Contributions | How to contribute to the MCP ecosystem | [Guide](./06-CommunityContributions/README.md) | | 07 | Insights from Early Adoption | Real-world implementation stories | [Guide](./07-LessonsFromEarlyAdoption/README.md) | | 08 | Best Practices for MCP | Performance, fault-tolerance, resilience | [Guide](./08-BestPractices/README.md) | | 09 | MCP Case Studies | Practical implementation examples | [Guide](./09-CaseStudy/README.md) | | 10 | Hands-on Workshop | Building an MCP Server with AI Toolkit | [Lab](./10-StreamliningAIWorkflowsBuildingAnMCPServerWithAIToolkit/README.md) | | **Module 11: MCP Server Hands On Lab** | | | | | 11 | MCP Server Database Integration | Comprehensive 13-lab hands-on learning path for PostgreSQL integration | [Labs](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/README.md) | | 11.1 | Introduction | Overview of MCP with database integration and retail analytics use case | [Lab 00](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/00-Introduction/README.md) | | 11.2 | Core Architecture | Understanding MCP server architecture, database layers, and security patterns | [Lab 01](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/01-Architecture/README.md) | | 11.3 | Security & Multi-Tenancy | Row Level Security, authentication, and multi-tenant data access | [Lab 02](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/02-Security/README.md) | | 11.4 | Environment Setup | Setting up development environment, Docker, Azure resources | [Lab 03](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/03-Setup/README.md) | | 11.5 | Database Design | PostgreSQL setup, retail schema design, and sample data | [Lab 04](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/04-Database/README.md) | | 11.6 | MCP Server Implementation | Building the FastMCP server with database integration | [Lab 05](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/05-MCP-Server/README.md) | | 11.7 | Tool Development | Creating database query tools and schema introspection | [Lab 06](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/06-Tools/README.md) | | 11.8 | Semantic Search | Implementing vector embeddings with Azure OpenAI and pgvector | [Lab 07](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/07-Semantic-Search/README.md) | | 11.9 | Testing & Debugging | Testing strategies, debugging tools, and validation approaches | [Lab 08](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/08-Testing/README.md) | | 11.10 | VS Code Integration | Configuring VS Code MCP integration and AI Chat usage | [Lab 09](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/09-VS-Code/README.md) | | 11.11 | Deployment Strategies | Docker deployment, Azure Container Apps, and scaling considerations | [Lab 10](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/10-Deployment/README.md) | | 11.12 | Monitoring | Application Insights, logging, performance monitoring | [Lab 11](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/11-Monitoring/README.md) | | 11.13 | Best Practices | Performance optimization, security hardening, and production tips | [Lab 12](./11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/12-Best-Practices/README.md) | ### 💻 Sample Code Projects #### Basic MCP Calculator Samples | Language | Description | Link | |----------|-------------|------| | C# | MCP Server Example | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/csharp/README.md) | | Java | MCP Calculator | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/java/calculator/README.md) | | JavaScript | MCP Demo | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/javascript/README.md) | | Python | MCP Server | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/python/mcp_calculator_server.py) | | TypeScript | MCP Example | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/typescript/README.md) | | Rust | MCP Example | [View Code](./03-GettingStarted/samples/rust/README.md) | #### Advanced MCP Implementations | Language | Description | Link | |----------|-------------|------| | C# | Advanced Sample | [View Code](./04-PracticalImplementation/samples/csharp/README.md) | | Java with Spring | Container App Example | [View Code](./04-PracticalImplementation/samples/java/containerapp/README.md) | | JavaScript | Advanced Sample | [View Code](./04-PracticalImplementation/samples/javascript/README.md) | | Python | Complex Implementation | [View Code](./04-PracticalImplementation/samples/python/READMEmd) | | TypeScript | Container Sample | [View Code](./04-PracticalImplementation/samples/typescript/README.md) | ## 🎯 Prerequisites for Learning MCP To get the most out of this curriculum, you should have: - Basic knowledge of programming in at least one of the following languages: C#, Java, JavaScript, Python, or TypeScript - Understanding of client-server model and APIs - Familiarity with REST and HTTP concepts - (Optional) Background in AI/ML concepts - Joining our community discussions for support ## 📚 Study Guide & Resources This repository includes several resources to help you navigate and learn effectively: ### Study Guide A comprehensive [Study Guide](./study_guide.md) is available to help you navigate this repository effectively. The guide includes: - A visual curriculum map showing all topics covered - Detailed breakdown of each repository section - Guidance on how to use sample projects - Recommended learning paths for different skill levels - Additional resources to complement your learning journey ### Changelog We maintain a detailed [Changelog](./changelog.md) that tracks all significant updates to the curriculum materials, including: - New content additions - Structural changes - Feature improvements - Documentation updates ## 🛠️ How to Use This Curriculum Effectively Each lesson in this guide includes: 1. Clear explanations of MCP concepts 2. Live code examples in multiple languages 3. Exercises to build real MCP applications 4. Extra resources for advanced learners ## Events ### [MCP Dev Days July 2025](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1563/) #### [➡️Watch on Demand - MCP Dev Days](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1563/) Get ready for two days of deep technical insight, community connection, and hands-on learning at MCP Dev Days, a virtual event dedicated to the Model Context Protocol (MCP) — the emerging standard that bridges AI models and the tools they rely on. You can watch MCP Dev Days by registering on our event page: https://aka.ms/mcpdevdays. #### [Day 1: MCP Productivity, DevTools, & Community:](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1563/) Is all about empowering developers to use MCP in their developer workflow and celebrating the amazing MCP community. We’ll be joined with community members and partners such as Arcade, Block, Okta, and Neon to see how they are collaborating with Microsoft to shape an open, extensible MCP ecosystem. Real-world demos across VS Code, Visual Studio, GitHub Copilot, and popular community tools Practical, context-driven dev workflows Community-led sessions and insights Whether you’re just getting started with MCP or already building with it, Day 1 will set the stage with inspiration and actionable takeaways. #### [Day 2: Build MCP Servers with Confidence](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1563/) Is for MCP builders. We’ll go deep into implementation strategies and best practices for creating MCP servers and integrating MCP into your AI workflows. #### Topics include: - Building MCP Servers and integrating them into agent experiences - Prompt-driven development - Security best practices - Using building blocks like Functions, ACA, and API Management - Registry alignment and tooling (1P + 3P) If you’re a developer, tool builder, or AI product strategist, this day is packed with the insights you need to build scalable, secure, and future-ready MCP solutions. ### MCP Boot Camp August 2025 Learn in intensive video sessions how to create MCP servers, integrate with VS Code, and deploy professionally on Azure based on content from the MCP for Beginners curriculum. Walk away with practical skills in a technology that major companies are already using. #### [➡️Watch on Demand MCP Bootcamp | English](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/s-1568/) #### [➡️Watch on Demand MCP Bootcamp | Brasil](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1566/) #### [➡️Watch on Demand MCP Bootcamp | Spanish](https://developer.microsoft.com/en-us/reactor/series/S-1567/) ### Let's Learn MCP with C# - Tutorial Series Let's learn about the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a cutting-edge framework designed to standardize interactions between AI models and client applications. Through this beginner-friendly session, we'll introduce you to MCP and guide you through creating your first MCP server. #### C#: [https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-csharp](https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-csharp) #### Java: [https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-java](https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-java) #### JavaScript: [https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-javascript](https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-javascript) #### Python: [https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-python](https://aka.ms/letslearnmcp-python) ## 🌟 Community Thanks Thanks to Microsoft Valued Professional [Shivam Goyal](https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivam2003/) for contributing important code samples. ## 📜 License Information This content is licensed under the **MIT License**. For terms and conditions, see the [LICENSE](./LICENSE). ## 🤝 Contribution Guidelines This project welcomes contributions and suggestions. Most contributions require you to agree to a Contributor License Agreement (CLA) declaring that you have the right to, and actually do, grant us the rights to use your contribution. For details, visit <https://cla.opensource.microsoft.com>. When you submit a pull request, a CLA bot will automatically determine whether you need to provide a CLA and decorate the PR appropriately (e.g., status check, comment). Simply follow the instructions provided by the bot. You will only need to do this once across all repos using our CLA. This project has adopted the [Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct](https://opensource.microsoft.com/codeofconduct/). For more information see the [Code of Conduct FAQ](https://opensource.microsoft.com/codeofconduct/faq/) or contact [opencode@microsoft.com](mailto:opencode@microsoft.com) with any additional questions or comments. ## 📂 Repository Structure The repository is organized as follows: - **Core Curriculum (00-11)**: The main content organized in eleven sequential modules, including comprehensive database integration labs - **11-MCPServerHandsOnLabs/**: Complete 13-lab learning path for building production-ready MCP servers with PostgreSQL integration - **images/**: Diagrams and illustrations used throughout the curriculum - **translations/**: Multi-language support with automated translations - **translated_images/**: Localized versions of diagrams and illustrations - **study_guide.md**: Comprehensive guide to navigating the repository - **changelog.md**: Record of all significant changes to the curriculum materials - **mcp.json**: Configuration file for MCP specification - **CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md, LICENSE, SECURITY.md, SUPPORT.md**: Project governance documents ## 🎒 Other Courses Our team produces other courses! Check out: - [**NEW** Edge AI For Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/edgeai-for-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [AI Agents For Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/ai-agents-for-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Generative AI for Beginners using .NET](https://github.com/microsoft/Generative-AI-for-beginners-dotnet?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Generative AI for Beginners using JavaScript](https://github.com/microsoft/generative-ai-with-javascript?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Generative AI for Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Generative AI for Beginners using Java](https://github.com/microsoft/generative-ai-for-beginners-java?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [ML for Beginners](https://aka.ms/ml-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Data Science for Beginners](https://aka.ms/datascience-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [AI for Beginners](https://aka.ms/ai-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Cybersecurity for Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/Security-101?WT.mc_id=academic-96948-sayoung) - [Web Dev for Beginners](https://aka.ms/webdev-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [IoT for Beginners](https://aka.ms/iot-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [XR Development for Beginners](https://github.com/microsoft/xr-development-for-beginners?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Mastering GitHub Copilot for AI Paired Programming](https://aka.ms/GitHubCopilotAI?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Mastering GitHub Copilot for C#/.NET Developers](https://github.com/microsoft/mastering-github-copilot-for-dotnet-csharp-developers?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) - [Choose Your Own Copilot Adventure](https://github.com/microsoft/CopilotAdventures?WT.mc_id=academic-105485-koreyst) ## ™️ Trademark Notice This project may contain trademarks or logos for projects, products, or services. Authorized use of Microsoft trademarks or logos is subject to and must follow [Microsoft's Trademark & Brand Guidelines](https://www.microsoft.com/legal/intellectualproperty/trademarks/usage/general). Use of Microsoft trademarks or logos in modified versions of this project must not cause confusion or imply Microsoft sponsorship. Any use of third-party trademarks or logos is subject to those third-parties' policies. ## Getting Help If you get stuck or have any questions about building AI apps, join: [](https://aka.ms/foundry/discord) If you have product feedback or errors while building visit: [](https://aka.ms/foundry/forum)