What mcp-use adds
- One-command scaffolding:
npx create-mcp-use-appcreates a runnable server with scripts, TypeScript config, examples, and optional widgets. - Inspector-first development:
npm run devserves the MCP endpoint and Inspector so you can test tools, resources, prompts, and widgets locally. - Hot reload: tools, resources, prompts, and widgets update during development without restarting the server or dropping client sessions.
- Typed server primitives: tools, prompts, and resource templates use Zod schemas for validation and TypeScript inference.
- MCP Apps support: create interactive experiences in MCP Apps-compatible clients and ChatGPT.
Core server concepts
Server instance
Create oneMCPServer instance in your entry file. It owns MCP registration, the Hono app, the HTTP transport, session handling, and local development routes.
instructions are returned during MCP initialization. Use them for server-wide workflow guidance that does not belong in a single tool description.
Tools
Tools are functions clients can invoke. Use tools for actions, lookups, and workflows.Resources
Resources expose readable content by URI. Use resources for configuration, documents, generated data, or files that clients should inspect.Prompts
Prompts are reusable templates for model interactions. Use prompts when you want clients to reuse a structured model instruction with typed arguments.MCP Apps
MCP Apps are React components rendered from MCP tool results. Put the component inresources/<widget-name>/widget.tsx, read data with useWidget(), and handle the initial loading state before reading props.
widget: { name } config and return widget({ props, output }) from the handler.
Local development loop
Run the dev server from a scaffolded project:
Keep the Inspector open while editing
index.ts and files under resources/. The dev server hot-reloads registrations and widget assets.
Next steps
TypeScript quickstart
Create and verify a TypeScript MCP server.
Tools
Build executable functions with parameters and validation.
Resources
Expose static and dynamic content by URI.
Prompts
Create reusable prompt templates.
MCP Apps
Return interactive React widgets from tools.
Configuration
Configure transport, sessions, middleware, CORS, and production settings.