Easier to read with cream paper, a tint, more contrast or larger text? Choose your colours and text, once, for every page.

Free module

Writing an MCP server

Learn to write an MCP server hands on: messages, the handshake, validated tools, resources and prompts, scopes and testing.

6 lessons445 min lessonSoftware engineering

The lessons

Each lesson is free to read in full. Create a free account to run its commands in a live lab and to sit its quizzes and tasks.

  1. 1 · Container lab

    Reading and writing MCP messages

    I can read and write the JSON messages a server and a client swap.

    Read the lesson

  2. 2 · Container lab

    The MCP initialize handshake

    I can answer an initialize request and say what my server can do.

    Read the lesson

  3. 3 · Container lab

    MCP tools with input validation

    I can offer a tool whose input is checked before it runs.

    Read the lesson

  4. 4 · Container lab

    MCP resources and prompts

    I can offer read-only data and a stored prompt.

    Read the lesson

  5. 5 · Container lab

    Limiting MCP tools by scope

    I can limit a server's tools by who is asking.

    Read the lesson

  6. 6 · Container lab

    Testing an MCP server

    I can test a server with scripted clients.

    Read the lesson

Worked in a real lab

Every lesson of this module is worked in a lab started for you alone. The labs it uses:

Teaching a class? Set this module for your students with a teacher guide, marked assignments and a lab for every student.