🧠 Model Context Protocol (MCP) Workshop for Beginners

Welcome to the MCP Workshop! This hands-on workshop will guide you through building and implementing Model Context Protocol servers and clients. Follow along with the presenter as we explore each milestone together.

🛠️ Prerequisites

Please install the following before the workshop:

Essential Tools

• VS Code - Download here
  • Install the MCP extension from the marketplace
• .NET 9 SDK - Download here
• Docker Desktop - Download here (Required for .NET Aspire)
• Azure CLI - Download here
• Azure Developer CLI (azd) - Download here
• Node.js & npm - Download here

Optional but Recommended

• Azure account - Free tier available
• Basic knowledge of .NET/C#

Additional Setup for .NET Aspire

dotnet new install Aspire.ProjectTemplates

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NPX Command to run the inspector

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector dotnet run

🎯 Workshop Milestones

🏃‍♂️ Milestone 1: First Server

Learn to create your first MCP server from scratch.

Repository: mcp-workshop-01-first-server

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💻 Milestone 2: First Client

Build a client that communicates with your MCP server.

Repository: mcp-workshop-02-first-client

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🤖 Milestone 3: GitHub Copilot Integration

Integrate your MCP server with GitHub Copilot for enhanced AI capabilities.

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🌐 Milestone 4: HTTP Transport Mode

Implement MCP server using HTTP transport for web-based communication.

Repository: mcp-workshop-04-shttp

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☁️ Milestone 5: .NET Aspire Integration

Deploy and manage your MCP server using .NET Aspire with HTTP transport.

Repository: mcp-workshop-05-aspire

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📚 Additional Resources

• Model Context Protocol Documentation
• .NET Aspire Documentation
• GitHub Copilot Documentation
• Microsoft MCP for Beginners workshop material