How-To-Create-MCP-Server

# How to Create MCP Server Using .NET This guide will help you set up a basic MCP (Model Context Protocol) server in .NET, configure it in VS Code, and interact with it using Copilot Chat. [](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana) ## How to Clone This Repo and Start Working 1. **Fork this repository** to your own GitHub account. 2. **Clone your fork** to your local machine: ```zsh git clone https://github.com/<your-username>/How-To-Create-MCP-Server cd How-To-Create-MCP-Server ``` > **Note:** Replace `<your-username>` with your actual GitHub username in the clone URL above. 3. **Create a new branch** for your changes (for example, `feature/my-contribution`): ```zsh git checkout -b feature/my-contribution ``` > <span style="background-color:#ffdddd; padding:2px 6px; border-radius:4px;">🛑 **Already completed steps 1–3?**</span> > If you've already forked, cloned, and created your branch, you can skip ahead to [🚀 Start Work Now](#-start-work-now) and continue with the rest of the setup! 4. **Make your changes** and commit them. ```zsh git add . git commit -m"my-contribution" ``` 5. **Push your branch** to your fork: ```zsh git push origin feature/my-contribution ``` Once you've pushed your changes, go to your GitHub repository in your browser. Switch to the `feature/my-contribution` branch  6. **Open a Pull Request (PR)** from your branch to the `Submit` branch of this repository (not `main`). **Step 01**  **Step 02**  --- ## Pull Request Comment Guidelines When you create your Pull Request (PR), please add a comment including **your full name** and **email address**. This helps us track contributions and contact you if needed. **Example:** ``` Full Name: Nisal Gunawardhana Email: info@nisalgunawardhana.com ``` > **Note:** Please do **not** open PRs directly to the `main` branch. Always target the `Submit` branch for contributions. --- ## 🎖️ How to Claim Your Digital Badge After completing the tutorial and submitting your pull request, you can claim your digital badge by following these steps: ### Step 1: Complete Your Pull Request 1. Ensure your pull request is submitted to the `Submit` branch (as described above) 2. Make sure your code implements the MCP server functionality 3. Include your full name and email in the PR comment ### Step 2: Submit an Issue to Claim Your Badge 1. Go to the [Issues tab](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana/How-To-Create-MCP-Server/issues) 2. Click on **"New Issue"** 3. Select the **"🎯 Submission for Digital Badge"** template 4. Fill out the form with: - Your full name (as it should appear on the badge) - Your email address - Your GitHub username - Link to your pull request - A brief summary of what you implemented - (Optional) Challenges you faced and feedback 5. Make sure to check all the requirement boxes at the bottom 6. Click **"Submit new issue"** ### Step 3: Automated Review Process Once you submit your issue: - ✅ An automated comment will acknowledge your submission - 🏷️ Your issue will be labeled with `submission` and `pending review` - 📋 A maintainer will review your work within 2-3 business days - 💬 You may receive feedback or questions ### Step 4: Receive Your Digital Badge When your submission is approved: - 🎊 The issue will be closed as completed **by @nisalgunawardhana** - 🎖️ A digital badge will be automatically generated and posted in the issue comments - 🏷️ Labels will be updated: `approved` and `completed` will be added, `pending review` will be removed - 📧 You'll receive the badge with instructions on how to display it > **Note:** Digital badges are only issued when the issue is closed by @nisalgunawardhana to ensure proper verification of submissions. ### Badge Display You'll receive: - A custom digital badge image that you can add to your GitHub profile - Markdown code to easily embed the badge in your README files - HTML code for websites or portfolios - Completion date and achievement details **Example of what you'll receive:**  **Follow the steps below to set up and run the MCP server.** --- ## 🚀 Start Work Now Ready to dive in? After cloning and setting up your branch, you can immediately begin making changes or adding features to the MCP server project. Use the provided steps below to guide your development process. If you get stuck, refer to the resources and discussion links at the end of this guide. --- ## 1. Install .NET Download and install the [.NET SDK](https://dotnet.microsoft.com/download) for your OS. > **Note:** This guide uses **.NET SDK 8**. Make sure you download the correct version for your operating system. If you're using **VS Code**, install the [C# Dev Kit extension](https://marketplace.visualstudio.com/items?itemName=ms-dotnettools.csdevkit) for the best development experience. Verify installation in your terminal: ```zsh dotnet --version ``` --- ## 2. Create a New Project Open your terminal and run: ```zsh dotnet new console -o HelloSriLankaServer cd HelloSriLankaServer ``` --- ## 3. Install Required Packages Install the necessary NuGet packages: ```zsh dotnet add package ModelContextProtocol --prerelease dotnet add package Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting ``` --- ## Project Folder Structure After creating the project, your folder structure should look like this: ```text How-To-create-MCP-Server/ ├── HelloSriLankaServer/ │ ├── Program.cs │ ├── HelloSriLankaServer.csproj │ └── (other project files) ├── images/ │ ├── image1.png │ └── image2.png ├── README.md ├── .gitignore.md └── LICENSE ``` This structure helps keep your source code, configuration, and documentation organized. --- ## 4. Update `Program.cs` Clear the contents of `Program.cs` and replace with: ```csharp using Microsoft.Extensions.DependencyInjection; using Microsoft.Extensions.Hosting; using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging; using Microsoft.Extensions.Logging.Console; using Microsoft.Extensions.Options; using ModelContextProtocol.Server; using System.ComponentModel; var builder = Host.CreateApplicationBuilder(args); builder.Logging.AddConsole(options => { options.LogToStandardErrorThreshold = LogLevel.Trace; }); builder.Services.AddMcpServer() .WithStdioServerTransport() .WithToolsFromAssembly(); Console.WriteLine(builder.Environment.ContentRootPath); var app = builder.Build(); await app.RunAsync(); [McpServerToolType] public static class HelloTool { [McpServerTool(Name = "HelloTool"), Description("Say hello to Sri Lanka")] public static void SayHello() { Console.WriteLine("Hello Sri Lanka!"); } } ``` --- ## 5. Configure MCP in VS Code 1. In your project root, create a `.vscode` directory: Before creating the `.vscode` directory, navigate back to the project root if you're inside the `HelloSriLankaServer` folder: ```zsh cd .. ``` ```zsh mkdir -p .vscode ``` After creating the `.vscode` directory, your folder structure should look like this: ```text How-To-create-MCP-Server/ ├── HelloSriLankaServer/ │ ├── Program.cs │ ├── HelloSriLankaServer.csproj │ └── (other project files) ├── images/ │ ├── image1.png │ └── image2.png ├── .vscode/ ├── README.md ├── .gitignore.md └── LICENSE ``` 2. Inside `.vscode`, create a file named `mcp.json` and add your server configuration. - Once created, you will see an **Add Server** button. Click it.  - Choose **"Command (stdio)"** as the server type.  - Enter `"dotnet"` as the command and press Enter.  - Enter the server name `"Hello-SriLankaServer"` and press Enter.  - The `mcp.json` file will be populated automatically. Replace missing contents with the following: ```json { "servers": { "Hello-SriLankaServer": { "type": "stdio", "command": "dotnet", "args": [ "run", "--project", "${workspaceFolder}/HelloSriLankaServer/HelloSriLankaServer.csproj" ] } } } ``` > **Note:** `${workspaceFolder}` will automatically resolve to your project root. If it does not work, replace it with the actual path to your `.csproj` file (right-click the file in VS Code and select "Copy Path"). ## 6. Run the MCP Server(test if it's work) From the `HelloSriLankaServer` directory, start the server: ```zsh dotnet run ``` > **Note:** Once you've confirmed the server is running successfully, you can stop it (press `Ctrl+C` in the terminal) and proceed to the next step (Step 7). --- ## 7. Add the Tool in Copilot Chat > **Note:** Before adding the tool in Copilot Chat, make sure your MCP server is running. Then, open the `mcp.json` file in VS Code. You will see a small **"Add Tool"** button appear just below the(2nd Line) `"servers": {` line in the JSON code—click this button to proceed. 1. Open Copilot Chat in VS Code. 2. Click the **gear icon** (⚙️) or the **"Add Tool"** button. 3. Select your MCP server (`Hello-SriLankaServe`) from the list. **Image Example:** > **Note:** The example images may display "LocationServer" or a similar name, but it actually refers to your MCP server (`Hello-SriLankaServer`).   --- ## 8. Send a Message Using Copilot Chat 1. In Copilot Chat, select the `Hello-SriLankaServer` tool. 2. Type a message to invoke your tool, for example: ``` Can you Say hello to Sri Lank ``` > **Note:** You may need to grant permission or continue when prompted by VS Code. Sometimes, Copilot Chat or other AI tools do not have access to the terminal or workspace by default. If you see a prompt asking for access, make sure to allow it so your tool can run successfully. 3. You should see a reply from your MCP server in the chat. ``` Hello Sri Lanka ! ``` --- ## 9. Get a Reply from the MCP Server You will receive a response from your MCP server in the Copilot Chat window. --- ## 10. Advanced Demo: Try the MCP Location Server For a more advanced example, you can explore the [Try-mcp-location-server-demo](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana/Try-mcp-location-server-demo) repository. This demo showcases how to build and interact with a location-based MCP server using .NET. --- ## 🎁 Share and Win Amazing Tech Swag! Love this project? Share it with your friends and community for a chance to win exclusive tech swag! - **How to participate:** Fill out [this form](https://forms.gle/eGxg1bAZgqwq6mPw7) to request your personalized share link. We'll send your unique link to your email within 2–3 business days. - **Share and Win:** Once you receive your link, share it with your friends. Ask them to complete the project and include your referral link when they submit. - **Why share?** The more friends who use your referral link, the higher your chances to win cool tech goodies—stickers, shirts, and more! > **Note:** Make sure your email is visible in your GitHub profile or mention it in the form when you request your link. Stay tuned—winners will be announced in the Discussions tab! ## Additional Learning Resources For a deeper understanding of MCP and more hands-on examples, check out the [Introduction to MCP](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana/introduction-to-mcp) repository. This resource provides tutorials, sample projects, and further guidance on working with MCP in .NET. --- ## 💬 Join the Discussion! Have questions, ideas, or want to share your experience? We welcome you to use [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana/How-To-create-MCP-Server/discussions) for: - Asking questions about setup or usage - Sharing feedback or suggestions - Requesting new features - Connecting with other contributors 👉 **Click the "Discussions" tab at the top of this repo to start or join a conversation!** Let's build and learn together! --- ## Connect with Me Follow me on social media for more sessions, tech tips, and giveaways: - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nisalgunawardhana/) — Professional updates and networking - [Twitter (X)](https://x.com/thenisals) — Insights and announcements - [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/thenisals) — Behind-the-scenes and daily tips - [GitHub](https://github.com/nisalgunawardhana) — Repositories and project updates - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNP5-zR4mN6zkiJ9pVCM-1w) — Video tutorials and sessions Feel free to connect and stay updated!