What it does
mcp-agent helps programmers build AI agents: programs where an AI model can take actions, like reading files or fetching web pages. It is built around the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a common way to connect AI models to outside tools.
It handles connecting to these tool servers and includes ready-made patterns for organising agent work, such as routing tasks or having one agent check another's output. Its makers say simple patterns like these are more reliable than complex designs.
Agents can be scaled up to long-running jobs that pause and resume, and deployed to the cloud.
Who it's for
Python developers building AI agents.
Can I use it without coding?
Developers only. It's a programming framework and needs an API key for an AI model. New to this? Start here.
Can I run it?
- Cost
- Free, but needs an AI accountThe software is free, but it uses an online AI service (like OpenAI or Anthropic), which usually charges for use.
- Computer
- An ordinary computer is fine
- Privacy
- Sends what you give it to an online service
- API key
- Needed. An API key is a password-like code from an online AI service. What's that?
Try it
Using Claude Code, Cursor or another AI coding assistant? Paste the prompt and it will walk you through the setup.New to this?
Before you install
- Only download from the official GitHub page. Copies with similar names exist for many popular projects.
- License (Apache-2.0): Permissive: free to use, change and share, including for business.
- Keep your API key private. Never paste it into websites or share it, and set a spending limit with the AI service.
- What you type or upload is sent to an online service. Avoid sharing private or sensitive information.
- More on staying safe
Where people are talking about it
- Show HN: Representing Agents as MCP ServersHacker News · May 2025
- Show HN: Mcp-Agent – Build effective agents with Model Context ProtocolHacker News · Jan 2025