MCP: Providing standardized external tool access for large language models

MCP (Model-Context Protocol) is an open protocol that provides a standardized way for large language models to securely access external tools, data sources, and services. Unlike traditional plugin systems, MCP uses a client-server architecture to achieve seamless integration between the model and external systems through standardized protocol interfaces.

Core Advantages of MCP

• Standardized Interface: Define unified protocol specifications to avoid independent integration solutions for each application development.
• Security: Strict permission control and sandbox mechanisms ensure safe access to external tools.
• Scalability: Supports various types of tools, from simple API calls to complex data processing workflows.
• Interoperability: Clients that support MCP can use compatible services to achieve cross-platform compatibility.

Application Scenarios of Web3 and MCP

In the Web3 space, MCP can provide rich blockchain interaction capabilities for large language models:

• Asset Inquiry: Check token balance, transaction history
• On-chain operations: sending transactions, deploying contracts, calling smart contracts
• DeFi Integration: Interact with DeFi applications such as DEX, lending protocols, liquidity mining, etc.
• Cross-chain operations: Support for multi-chain asset management and cross-chain transfers
• NFT Management: Query, Transfer, Trade NFT Assets

The following will build a simple Web3 MCP service using nodejs+typescript, explaining the working principle and best practices of MCP.

Create Project

1. Create a project folder and initialize the project
2. Install required packages
3. Add typescript configuration
4. Modify the package.json configuration

Write server

Create a tool using getBalance of the sepolia testnet as an example:

1. Register an account, activate node services, obtain rpcUrl, and instantiate the provider.
2. Write tool logic
3. Start the service and add error handling

Debugging Service

Package the js product and execute modelcontextprotocol/inspector for debugging.

Improve logic and reference in Cursor

Enhance more logic and methods, such as supporting multiple EVM networks, querying gas, sending transactions, querying token information, and other common methods. Reference it in Cursor after packaging. Cursor is an intelligent IDE built on VSCode, integrating AI technology and supporting MCP integration.

Usage Example

In the Cursor chat, you can interact with the codebase using natural language:

• Query address balance

• Transfer ETH

Future Outlook

The combination of Web3 and MCP opens up a new world full of possibilities. In the future, it can be expanded to support more chains (such as Bitcoin, Solana, Tron) and achieve complex functions like cross-chain operations. Whether it is DeFi protocol integration, NFT market operations, or cross-chain asset management, it can all be realized through simple conversations.