Build Model Context Protocol servers from scratch using Python

Learn MCP by Building

A hands-on, 12-lesson journey from HTTP basics to production-ready MCP servers. Build from scratch using Python's standard library and the protocol specification.

12 Lessons
65 Steps
~25 Hours
Phase 1

Foundations

Build the fundamental building blocks needed for MCP

01

Understanding MCP

Learn what MCP is, its architecture, and core concepts: Tools, Resources, and Prompts.

~1.5 hours 5 steps
02

Your First HTTP Server

Build a basic HTTP server using Python's built-in http.server module.

~2 hours 5 steps
03

JSON-RPC 2.0 Essentials

Understand the JSON-RPC 2.0 protocol that powers MCP communication.

~1.5 hours 5 steps
Phase 2

MCP Protocol Core

Implement the core MCP protocol mechanics

04

The MCP Handshake

Implement the initialization lifecycle and capability negotiation.

~2.5 hours 6 steps
05

Implementing Tools

Add your first MCP primitive — executable functions for AI models.

~2.5 hours 6 steps
06

Implementing Resources

Expose data sources and contextual information to language models.

~2 hours 5 steps
Phase 3

Transport & Integration

Connect your server to the real world

07

STDIO Transport

Implement the primary transport for local MCP servers.

~2 hours 5 steps
08

HTTP/SSE Transport

Build a remote MCP server with Server-Sent Events.

~3 hours 6 steps
09

Implementing Prompts

Add user-controlled templates to complete all three MCP primitives.

~2 hours 5 steps
Phase 4

Testing & Real-World Usage

Test, integrate, and deploy your MCP server

10

Building an MCP Client

Build a Python MCP client to test any MCP server.

~3 hours 6 steps
11

Claude Desktop Integration

Configure and test your server with Claude Desktop.

~2 hours 5 steps
12

Capstone Project

Build a production-ready MCP server of your choice.

~4-6 hours 6 steps

Prerequisites

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