MCP (Model Context Protocol) Usage Guide

Overview

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standardized protocol that enables AI assistants to access external tools, data sources, and services. This guide covers how to set up and use MCP across different platforms and clients.

Claude Desktop

Installation

Download Claude Desktop for your operating system
Install and launch the application

Configuration

Open the settings menu (gear icon)
Navigate to Developer section
Click Edit Config to open the MCP configuration file
Add MCP servers in JSON format:


{
  "mcpServers": {
    "deskday": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://developer.deskday.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_DESKDAY_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Save and restart Claude Desktop

Usage

MCP tools appear automatically in Claude's interface
Use them naturally in conversations without special syntax
Tools are context-aware and suggested when relevant

Claude Web

Custom MCP connectors in claude web require a Claude Pro or Team plan.

Step 1 — Go to Settings

Click your profile icon (top right)
Select Settings → Connectors
Step 2 — Add a custom connector
Click Add custom connector (or Add MCP server)
Enter the following:
Name: DeskDay
URL: [https://[developer.deskday.ai/mcp](https://developer.deskday.ai/mcp)](https://deskday.readme.io/mcp)
Click Save

You might be prompted for an API key during conversations. Paste the Public API key generated inside Deskday control center (dd_pkxxxxx) when prompted.

Security note: Claude.ai and ChatGPT require you to paste your API key directly into the chat to configure the MCP connection. This may expose your key in conversation history. We recommend using other platforms that support secure credential configuration without requiring your key to be entered in chat. If you are using Claude.ai or ChatGPT, please rotate your API key regularly and avoid reusing keys across integrations.

Cursor

Setup

Install Cursor code editor
Open Settings → Features → MCP
Enable MCP support

Configuration

Create or edit .cursor/mcp.json in your project root:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "deskday": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://developer.deskday.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_DESKDAY_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Restart Cursor

Usage

Access MCP tools through the command palette (Cmd/Ctrl + Shift + P)
Type MCP: to see available commands
Tools integrate with Cursor's AI features for code assistance

Visual Studio Code

Installation

Install VS Code from code.visualstudio.com
Install the MCP Client extension from the Extensions marketplace

Configuration

Open VS Code settings (Cmd/Ctrl + ,)
Search for "MCP"
Configure MCP servers in settings.json:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "deskday": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://developer.deskday.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_DESKDAY_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Reload VS Code

Usage

Access MCP tools via the MCP sidebar panel
Use the command palette for quick access
Integrate with VS Code's built-in AI features

ChatGPT

Setup

Log in to ChatGPT
Ensure you have ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise subscription
Access Settings → Beta Features
Enable MCP Support (if available in your region)

Configuration

Go to Settings → Integrations
Add MCP server endpoints:
- Provide server URL
- Add authentication credentials if required
Save configuration

Usage

MCP tools appear as available actions in conversations
Reference tools by name in your prompts
ChatGPT automatically routes requests to appropriate MCP servers

Security note: Claude.ai and ChatGPT require you to paste your API key directly into the chat to configure the MCP connection. This may expose your key in conversation history. We recommend using other platforms that support secure credential configuration without requiring your key to be entered in chat. If you are using Claude.ai or ChatGPT, please rotate your API key regularly and avoid reusing keys across integrations.

GitHub Copilot / Codex

Setup

Install GitHub Copilot extension in your IDE
Authenticate with your GitHub account

Configuration

In your IDE settings, locate Copilot configuration
Add MCP server details:
- Server endpoint URL
- API keys or authentication tokens
Save and restart your IDE

Usage

Copilot suggests MCP tool usage in code comments
Use inline chat to request tool execution
Tools enhance code generation and debugging capabilities

Generic MCP Client Setup

Requirements

Node.js 16+ or Python 3.8+
MCP server running and accessible
Network connectivity (for remote servers)

Basic Configuration Template

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "deskday": {
      "type": "http",
      "url": "https://developer.deskday.ai/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "Bearer YOUR_DESKDAY_API_KEY"
      }
    }
  }
}

Common Environment Variables

MCP_SERVER_URL - Server endpoint
MCP_API_KEY - Authentication token
MCP_TIMEOUT - Request timeout in milliseconds
MCP_DEBUG - Enable debug logging

Best Practices

Security: Never commit API keys to version control; use environment variables
Testing: Test MCP connections before production use
Monitoring: Enable logging to troubleshoot connection issues
Updates: Keep MCP servers and clients updated for latest features
Documentation: Reference your MCP server's documentation for available tools

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

Verify server is running and accessible
Check firewall and network settings
Review authentication credentials
Enable debug logging for detailed error messages

Tool Not Appearing

Restart the client application
Verify MCP configuration syntax
Check server logs for errors
Ensure tool is properly exported from server

Performance Problems

Monitor server resource usage
Increase timeout values if needed
Reduce number of concurrent requests
Check network latency