MCP: The Web3 Interaction Standard for Large Language Models

MCP (Model-Context Protocol) is an open protocol that provides a standardized way for large language models to access external tools and services. It adopts a client-server architecture and achieves seamless integration between the model and external systems through a unified interface specification.

Main Advantages of MC

1. Unified Interface: Avoid independent integration solutions for each application.
2. Security: Strict access control and sandbox mechanisms
3. Scalability: Supports various tool types, from simple APIs to complex data processing.
4. Interoperability: Clients that support MCP can use compatible services to achieve cross-platform compatibility.

Application Scenarios of Web3 and MCP

In the Web3 field, MCP can provide rich blockchain interaction capabilities for large language models:

• Asset Inquiry: Check token balance and transaction history
• On-chain operations: sending transactions, deploying and calling smart contracts
• DeFi Integration: Interact with decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, etc.
• Cross-chain operations: Manage multi-chain assets and perform cross-chain transfers
• NFT Management: Query, Transfer, and Trade NFT Assets

Next, we will build a simple Web3 MCP service using Node.js and TypeScript, delving into the workings and best practices of MCP.

Create Project

1. Create a project folder and initialize
2. Install the necessary dependencies
3. Configure TypeScript
4. Modify package.json configuration

Writing an MCP Server

Taking the getBalance function of the Sepolia testnet as an example:

1. Register an account and obtain the RPC URL
2. Instantiate provider
3. Write tool logic
4. Start the service and add error handling

Debugging Service

Compile TypeScript code, and then use modelcontextprotocol/inspector for debugging.

Improve functionality and integrate into Cursor

Expand more features, such as supporting multiple EVM networks, querying gas fees, sending transactions, querying token information, etc. Integrate the service into the Cursor IDE that supports MC.

Usage Example

In the AI assistant of Cursor, you can perform the following operations using natural language:

• Check the balance of a specific address on the Sepolia network.
• Transfer ETH to the specified address

Future Outlook

The combination of MCP and Web3 opens up a new world full of possibilities for us. Directions that can be explored in the future include:

• Support for more blockchains (such as Bitcoin, Solana, Tron)
• Integrated cross-chain functionality
• Deep integration of DeFi protocols
• Optimize NFT market operations
• Develop a complex cross-chain asset management system

Through MC, these complex Web3 operations can be achieved through simple conversations, greatly enhancing user experience and development efficiency.