MCP Server Design

Overview

This skill provides best practices for designing MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers that work effectively with LLM agents. The key insight: design for agents, not automation. LLMs are human-like thinkers, not API consumers.

Core Philosophy

Design for Agents, Not Automation

Traditional API design optimizes for programmatic access with granular endpoints. MCP tool design should optimize for how LLMs think and reason:

• LLMs are human-like thinkers: They understand intent, context, and purpose
• Tools should be tasks, not endpoints: Shape tools around what users want to accomplish
• Reduce cognitive load: Fewer, more purposeful tools beat many granular ones

The Three Pillars