A hands-on introduction to Model Context Protocol (MCP) using a real-world smart home project. The author builds a Node.js MCP server that connects Claude Desktop to a friend's home assistant API, enabling the LLM to query room temperatures, detect presence, and control lights. The post covers MCP's client-server-resource architecture, boilerplate setup with the official SDK, Claude Desktop configuration, and reflects on MCP's potential as a universal standard for LLM tool integration — comparing it to USB-C for AI clients.
Table of contents
MCP MadnessReal-world MCP use case: Claude + smart homeWhat Is Model Context Protocol (MCP)Preparing boilerplate for serverPreparing connection on the client sideAdding actual smart home data to serverIs MCP the USB-C for LLM clients?Should you go “all in” on MCP?1.1K Impressions