MCP (Model Context Protocol) Servers extend Girard's capabilities by connecting AI to external tools and services. Enable your AI assistants to query databases, search the web, interact with APIs, and more.
Overview
MCP Servers provide:
- Tool Integration - Connect AI to external services
- Extended Capabilities - Database queries, file access, API calls
- Modular Design - Enable only what you need
- Secure Connections - API key management
What is MCP?
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a standardized way for AI models to interact with external tools and services. When you enable an MCP server:
- The AI gains access to the server's tools
- Tools appear as functions the AI can call
- AI decides when to use tools based on your request
- Tool results are incorporated into responses
Example Flow
User: "How many orders did we get last month?"
AI: [Recognizes need for database query]
[Calls postgres.query_database tool]
[Receives: 1,247 orders]
AI: "Based on your database, you received 1,247
orders last month."
MCP Marketplace
Accessing the Marketplace
- Navigate to MCP in the sidebar
- Browse the Marketplace tab
- View available server templates
- Click Install to add a server
Available Servers
Database Servers
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | Connect to PostgreSQL databases | query, list tables, describe schema |
| SQLite | Local SQLite database access | query, list tables |
File & Storage
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Filesystem | Local file system access | read, write, list directory |
| Google Drive | Google Drive integration | list files, read files |
Development Tools
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub | GitHub repository access | search repos, issues, PRs |
| Docker | Container management | list, run containers |
Communication
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Slack | Slack workspace integration | send messages, list channels |
| Notion | Notion workspace access | search, read, create pages |
AI Services
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| Web Search | Internet search capability | search, fetch URLs |
| Puppeteer | Browser automation | navigate, screenshot, click |
| Memory | Persistent AI memory | store, retrieve, search |
Cloud Providers
| Server | Description | Tools |
|---|---|---|
| AWS | Amazon Web Services | S3, EC2 operations |
Installing Servers
From Marketplace
- Find the server you want
- Click Install
- Configure connection settings:
- Server URL (if external)
- API key or credentials
- Click Connect
- Server appears in Installed tab
Configuration Fields
| Field | Description | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Display name | Yes |
| URL | Server endpoint | Yes |
| API Key | Authentication key | Depends |
Example: PostgreSQL Setup
Name: Production Database
URL: postgresql://user:pass@host:5432/database
API Key: (not required for direct connection)
Example: GitHub Setup
Name: Company GitHub
URL: https://api.github.com
API Key: ghp_xxxxxxxxxxxxx (Personal Access Token)
Server Tools Reference
PostgreSQL Tools
query_database
Execute SQL queries against the database.
Parameters:
- query (required): SQL query string
- params (optional): Query parameters as JSON
list_tables
List all tables in the database.
Parameters:
- schema (optional): Schema name (default: public)
describe_table
Get the schema of a specific table.
Parameters:
- table_name (required): Name of the table
Filesystem Tools
read_file
Read the contents of a file.
Parameters:
- path (required): Path to the file
write_file
Write content to a file.
Parameters:
- path (required): Path to the file
- content (required): Content to write
list_directory
List contents of a directory.
Parameters:
- path (required): Path to the directory
GitHub Tools
search_repositories
Search for GitHub repositories.
Parameters:
- query (required): Search query
- limit (optional): Max results (default: 10)
get_repository
Get details about a repository.
Parameters:
- owner (required): Repository owner
- repo (required): Repository name
list_issues
List issues in a repository.
Parameters:
- owner (required): Repository owner
- repo (required): Repository name
- state (optional): open, closed, or all
create_issue
Create a new issue.
Parameters:
- owner (required): Repository owner
- repo (required): Repository name
- title (required): Issue title
- body (optional): Issue body
Web Search Tools
search_web
Search the web for information.
Parameters:
- query (required): Search query
- num_results (optional): Number of results
fetch_url
Fetch and extract content from a URL.
Parameters:
- url (required): URL to fetch
Memory Tools
store_memory
Store information in persistent memory.
Parameters:
- key (required): Memory key
- value (required): Value to store
retrieve_memory
Retrieve information from memory.
Parameters:
- key (required): Memory key
search_memory
Search stored memories.
Parameters:
- query (required): Search query
list_memories
List all stored memories.
Parameters: (none)
Using MCP in Chat & Agents
Enabling in Chat
- Open the Chat interface
- Expand MCP Tools in the sidebar
- Toggle servers on/off
- Enabled servers show checkmarks
Enabling in Agents
- Edit or create an agent
- Scroll to MCP Servers section
- Toggle desired servers
- Save the agent
Tool Usage Examples
Database Query:
User: Show me our top 10 customers by revenue
AI: [Calls postgres.query_database]
SELECT customer_name, SUM(revenue) as total
FROM orders
GROUP BY customer_name
ORDER BY total DESC
LIMIT 10;
AI: Here are your top 10 customers by revenue:
1. Acme Corp - $125,000
2. Tech Industries - $98,500
...
File Operations:
User: Read the config.json file and explain the settings
AI: [Calls filesystem.read_file with path "config.json"]
AI: I've read your config.json file. Here's what each
setting does:
- "apiEndpoint": The URL for API calls...
Web Research:
User: Find recent articles about AI regulations in Europe
AI: [Calls web-search.search_web]
AI: I found several recent articles about EU AI regulations:
1. "EU AI Act Implementation Timeline" - TechNews
2. "What Companies Need to Know" - Reuters
...
External Servers
Adding Custom MCP Servers
For self-hosted or third-party MCP servers:
- Go to MCP > External tab
- Click Add External Server
- Enter server details:
- Name
- URL endpoint
- API key (if required)
- Click Connect
Server Requirements
External MCP servers must:
- Implement the MCP protocol
- Be accessible from your network
- Support HTTPS (recommended)
- Provide tool definitions
Managing Servers
Viewing Installed Servers
- Navigate to MCP > Installed tab
- See all connected servers
- View status (connected/disconnected/error)
Server Status
| Status | Description |
|---|---|
| Connected | Server is available and working |
| Disconnected | Server not currently connected |
| Error | Connection or authentication failed |
| Connecting | Attempting to establish connection |
Removing Servers
- Find the server in Installed tab
- Click Remove or the trash icon
- Confirm removal
- Server is disconnected and removed
Security Best Practices
API Key Management
- Never share API keys publicly
- Use environment variables when possible
- Rotate keys periodically
- Use least privilege - minimal permissions
Network Security
- Use HTTPS for all connections
- Whitelist IPs if supported
- Monitor access logs
- Audit permissions regularly
Data Considerations
- Be mindful of data sent to tools
- Review tool permissions before enabling
- Consider data residency requirements
- Audit tool usage in logs
Troubleshooting
Server Won't Connect
- Verify the URL is correct
- Check API key validity
- Ensure network connectivity
- Review server logs
Tools Not Working
- Confirm server is connected
- Check tool is enabled in Chat/Agent
- Verify parameter format
- Review error messages
Slow Responses
- Check server response time
- Reduce concurrent tool calls
- Optimize queries
- Consider server location