MCP: A New Protocol to Enable Web3 Capabilities for Large Language Models

MCP (Model-Context Protocol) is an innovative open protocol designed to provide standardized access to external tools, data sources, and services for large language models. Unlike traditional plugin systems, MCP uses a client-server architecture to achieve seamless integration between the model and external systems through standardized protocol interfaces.

Core Advantages of MC

1. Standardized Interface: A unified protocol specification avoids the problem of each application developing separate integration solutions.
2. Security: Strict permission controls and sandbox mechanisms ensure the safe access of external tools.
3. Scalability: Supports various types of tools, from simple API calls to complex data processing workflows.
4. Interoperability: Any client that supports MC can use compatible services to achieve true cross-platform compatibility.

The Application Prospects of Web3 and MCP

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

• Asset Inquiry: Query various token balances and transaction history
• On-chain operations: sending transactions, deploying contracts, calling smart contracts
• DeFi Integration: Interacting with decentralized exchanges, lending protocols, liquidity mining, and other DeFi applications.
• Cross-chain operations: supports multi-chain asset management and cross-chain transfers
• NFT Management: Query, Transfer, Trade NFT Assets

Next, we will build a simple Web3 MCP service using nodejs and typescript, gaining insight into how MCP works and best practices.

Create Project

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

Write Server

Taking the getBalance function of the Sepolia testnet as an example, let's create a tool:

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

Debugging Service

Package the js file, then execute modelcontextprotocol/inspector for debugging.

Improve functionality and integrate into IDE

Expand more functionalities, such as supporting multiple EVM networks, querying gas, sending transactions, querying token information, and other common methods. Integrate the packaged service into IDEs that support MC, such as Cursor.

Practical Applications

In the IDE integrated with MCP services, users can interact with the blockchain using natural language. For example:

• Query 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 infinite possibilities for us. Directions to explore in the future include:

• Support for more blockchain networks (such as Bitcoin, Solana, TRON)
• Achieve cross-chain operations
• Integrate more complex DeFi protocols
• Develop NFT market operation functions

Complex blockchain operations can be achieved through simple conversations, and MCP is reshaping the way we interact with the Web3 world.