A Beginner's Guide: Connecting MCP Servers in Cursor

Subtitle: Mastering the Art of MCP Integration for Enhanced Workflow Efficiency

Connecting MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers in Cursor is a straightforward yet essential task for anyone looking to streamline model-based work environments. In this blog, we'll explore the various methods to connect MCP servers, practical examples, and the step-by-step configuration process.

Why Integrate MCP Servers?

Model-based environments allow seamless integration of backend services with tools you use daily. MCP servers in Cursor provide an efficient way to automate workflows and enhance productivity. Here's a look into the specifics.

Configuring MCP Servers

Cursor software supports several transport protocols you can choose based on your server's setup:

1. Transport Types

Stdio (Local)

This transport type is perfect for local and private tools. You can configure your server using the following JSON:

"mcpServers": {
  "my-server": {
    "command": "npx",
    "args": ["-y", "mcp-server-package"],
    "env": {"API_KEY": "your_key"}
  }
}

Cursor will automatically run the command locally using stdout.

SSE (Local/Remote)

SSE transport is ideal for network communication. Use a configuration similar to this:

"mcpServers": {
  "remote-server": {
    "url": "http://your-server.com:8000/sse"
  }
}

Provide your /sse endpoint URL for seamless communication.

Configuration Setup

Location

Place the MCP server configuration in the Cursor settings file under the key "mcpServers".

Variables

Use the env field to include sensitive data, such as API keys. For instance:

"env": {"API_KEY": "your_key"}

This ensures secure data management.

Adding Multiple Servers

Cursor makes it easy to handle multiple MCP servers. Edit the "mcpServers" block in the settings JSON file as shown below:

"mcpServers": {
  "server1": {
    "url": "http://server1.com/sse"
  },
  "server2": {
    "url": "http://server2.com/sse"
  }
}

With this setup, multiple servers are added by separating their entries with commas.

Verification and Testing

Ensure you're running Cursor version v0.4.5.9 or newer. Navigate to the MCP tab in Cursor to verify the connections. Any faulty configuration will be highlighted for easy debugging.

Practical Example

Here's how you can configure a mock server:

"mcpServers": {
  "example-server": {
    "command": "npm start",
    "args": [],
    "env": {"API_TOKEN": "mock-token"}
  }
}

Additional Resources

Learn more on the official Cursor Documentation.

Conclusion

Connecting MCP servers in Cursor allows rapid scaling of model-based projects. Whether using Stdio for local tasks or SSE for remote setups, the flexibility is unmatched.

Try out these configurations, and enhance your workflow today!

Tags:

blog, MCP servers, Cursor integration, model-based workflows

A Beginner's Guide: Connecting MCP Servers in Cursor