Session #5:

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Give Claude/Cursor Superpowers

What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol = AI connects directly to your tools

The concept:

  • You use tools (GitHub, Render, Slack, databases)
  • Claude/Cursor wants to help you
  • MCP is the bridge between them

Result: Claude can actually DO things, not just suggest

Think of it like APIs for AI assistants

Without vs With MCP

Without MCP:

You: "Can you deploy my app?"
Claude: "Here's how:
        1. Open Render dashboard
        2. Click your service
        3. Click Deploy..."
        
You: [Does 10 manual steps]

With MCP:

You: "Deploy my app"
Claude: "Deploying... ✓ Done!"

Claude explains → Claude executes

Render MCP Example

What it does:

  • 🚀 Deploy services directly
  • 📊 Check logs in real-time
  • 💚 Monitor service health
  • 🗄️ Manage databases

Real commands:

  • "List my Render services"
  • "Deploy my backend-api"
  • "Show me the logs"
  • "Why did my deploy fail?"

10-step manual process → 1 message

Setup (Simple)

1. Get Render API Key

https://dashboard.render.com/account/api-keys

2. Add to Cursor

Setup (Simple)

Setup (Simple)

2. Add to Json file Cursor (very carefully)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "render": {
      "url": "https://mcp.render.com/mcp",
      "headers": {
        "Authorization": "rnd_your_key"
      }
    }
  }
}

3. Restart Cursor & Test

Ask: "List my Render services"

The Power: Multiple MCPs

Combine GitHub + Render:

You: "Add user login and deploy it"

Claude:
✓ Writes the code (local)
✓ Pushes to GitHub (GitHub MCP)
✓ Deploys to Render (Render MCP)
✓ Verifies it works (Render MCP)

"Done! Your login is live."

Code-to-production in ONE conversation!

Other MCPs: Slack, PostgreSQL, Google Drive, Filesystem...

Summary & Next Steps

What: MCP connects Claude to your tools
Why: Claude executes instead of just explaining
Example: Render MCP deploys apps via chat

Get started:

  1. Pick one MCP (try Render)
  2. Get API key
  3. Add to Cursor settings
  4. Start commanding Claude

Result: 10x faster workflows through conversation

Ready? Add Render MCP today! 🚀