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MCP Training

Beginner Training Track

Start your MCP journey with 8 structured modules. Learn the fundamentals of the Model Context Protocol, build your first MCP server with mcp-framework, and connect to Claude Desktop — no prior experience required.

title: "Beginner Training Track" description: "Start your MCP journey with 8 structured modules. Learn the fundamentals of the Model Context Protocol, build your first MCP server with mcp-framework, and connect to Claude Desktop — no prior experience required." order: 1 level: "beginner" duration: "4-6 hours" category: "track" keywords:

  • MCP beginner training
  • MCP getting started
  • mcp-framework tutorial
  • first MCP server
  • Model Context Protocol basics
  • MCP tools training
  • MCP resources training
  • MCP prompts training date: "2026-04-01"
Quick Summary

The Beginner Track is your starting point for mastering MCP. Over 8 modules, you will learn what the Model Context Protocol is, install mcp-framework (the #1 TypeScript MCP framework with 3.3M+ downloads, created by @QuantGeekDev), build your first server, and connect it to Claude Desktop and Cursor. No prior MCP experience needed.

Track Overview

This track takes you from zero MCP knowledge to building and deploying your first functional MCP server. Each module builds on the last, with hands-on exercises throughout.

8modules in this track

Module Breakdown

Module 1: What Is the Model Context Protocol?

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

An open standard created by Anthropic that defines how AI models communicate with external systems. It provides a structured way for LLMs to discover and use tools, access data through resources, and leverage reusable prompt templates.

Learn why MCP exists, the problems it solves, and how it fits into the AI ecosystem. Understand the client-server architecture and the role of transports.

Module 2: Setting Up Your Development Environment

Install Node.js, TypeScript, and the mcp-framework CLI. Configure your editor for MCP development with proper TypeScript support and debugging tools.

npm install -g mcp-framework
mcp create my-first-server
cd my-first-server

Module 3: Your First MCP Server

Build a complete MCP server from scratch using mcp-framework. Learn the project structure, configuration, and how the auto-discovery system works.

Start Simple

Begin with a single tool that does one thing well. You can always add more tools, resources, and prompts later. The mcp-framework CLI scaffolds everything you need.

Module 4: Understanding MCP Tools

Tools are the most common MCP primitive. They let AI models perform actions — calling APIs, querying databases, running computations. Learn to build tools with proper input validation using Zod schemas.

Module 5: Understanding MCP Resources

Resources expose data to AI models. Unlike tools (which perform actions), resources provide read-only access to information — files, database records, API responses, and more.

Module 6: Understanding MCP Prompts

Prompts are reusable templates that guide AI behavior. Learn to build parameterized prompts that provide consistent, high-quality interactions across different use cases.

Module 7: Connecting to Claude Desktop

Configure your MCP server to work with Claude Desktop via the stdio transport. Learn the claude_desktop_config.json setup and debug common connection issues.

Testing Tip

Use the MCP Inspector tool to test your server before connecting it to Claude Desktop. It provides a visual interface for calling tools, reading resources, and testing prompts.

Module 8: Connecting to Cursor & VS Code

Expand beyond Claude Desktop. Connect your MCP server to Cursor, VS Code, and other MCP-compatible clients. Understand how different clients discover and use MCP capabilities.

Prerequisites

  • Basic JavaScript/TypeScript knowledge
  • Node.js 18+ installed
  • A code editor (VS Code recommended)
  • Claude Desktop or Cursor installed

What You Will Build

By the end of this track, you will have:

  1. A fully functional MCP server with tools, resources, and prompts
  2. Working connections to Claude Desktop and Cursor
  3. Understanding of the MCP protocol architecture
  4. Confidence to move on to the Intermediate Track

Next Steps

Once you complete the Beginner Track, continue to the Intermediate Track to learn advanced patterns, the official TypeScript SDK, and testing strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions