MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial

What is MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial?

This repository is a tutorial that shows how to build an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server using Go and then use Visual Studio Code as an MCP client with GitHub Copilot Agent mode. It is intended for developers who want to develop and test MCP servers outside of the Claude Desktop application.

How to use MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial?

Clone the repo, build the Go server in the server/ directory with go build ., then deploy it in Visual Studio Code by opening GitHub Copilot Chat in Agent mode, clicking Tools → + Add More Tools → + Add MCP Server, selecting “Command (stdio)”, pasting the full path to the compiled executable, and starting the server. A Node-based server using bun is also provided.

Key features of MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial

• Focuses on VSCode as an MCP client (as of April 2025)
• Sample MCP server implemented in Go using the mcp-go package
• Demonstrates deployment via GitHub Copilot Agent mode
• Server exposes several tools including add and notify
• Includes an alternative Node server using bun
• MCP configuration can be saved as user or workspace settings

Use cases of MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial

• Learning how to build and configure MCP servers for VSCode
• Testing MCP server development without Claude Desktop
• Integrating Go‑based MCP tools with GitHub Copilot
• Running multiple MCP servers (e.g., Go and Node) side‑by‑side

FAQ from MCP Server - VSCode Tutorial

What is an MCP server?

An MCP server is a lightweight program that exposes specific capabilities through the Model Context Protocol, allowing large language models (LLMs) to securely access files, databases, APIs, and other services.

What are the requirements to follow this tutorial?

You need Visual Studio Code, GitHub Copilot with Agent mode, and basic knowledge of Go (or Node for the alternative server).

How do I add an MCP server to Visual Studio Code?

Open GitHub Copilot Chat in Agent mode, click Tools → + Add More Tools → + Add MCP Server, select “Command (stdio)”, paste the full command path to your server executable, name it, and save the configuration as user or workspace settings.

What tools does the sample server provide?

The sample server (from the mcp-go “everything” example) includes tools such as add and notify, among others. The exact list depends on the compiled server.

Can I use languages other than Go?

Yes, MCP servers can be written in many languages. This tutorial provides examples in Go and also includes a Node server that runs with bun.