mcp-use
mcp-use is a full-stack TypeScript/Python framework for building MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers and interactive apps that integrate with Claude, ChatGPT, and other AI agents. It includes an SDK for development, an in-browser inspector for testing, and optional cloud deployment through Manufact MCP Cloud.
Key facts
Objective fields from the source. Values we can't verify are shown as “Unknown” rather than guessed.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Repository | mcp-use/mcp-use |
| Owner | mcp-use |
| Primary language | TypeScript |
| License | MIT — OSI-approved |
| Stars | 10.3k |
| Forks | 1.4k |
| Open issues | 131 |
| Latest release | [email protected] (2026-07-06) |
| Last updated | 2026-07-08 |
| Source | https://github.com/mcp-use/mcp-use |
What mcp-use is
mcp-use provides a strongly-typed SDK (TypeScript/Python) for MCP server and app development, featuring tool/resource definition with Zod schema validation, React widget support for cross-client UIs, auto-discovery of components, and built-in introspection endpoints. The framework abstracts MCP protocol details while exposing low-level configuration.
Get the mcp-use source
Clone the repository and explore it locally.
git clone https://github.com/mcp-use/mcp-use.gitcd mcp-use# follow the project's README for install & configurationNeed it deployed, integrated, or customized instead? DEV.co ships production installs.
Best use cases
Implementation considerations
- Requires Node.js 18+ (TypeScript) or Python 3.8+ (Python); ensure runtime compatibility in your deployment environment.
- Widget components must be React-based and colocated in `resources/` directory; non-React or remote component architectures require workarounds.
- Schema validation via Zod adds runtime overhead; review Zod performance for high-throughput tool definitions.
- Inspector is hosted at `http://localhost:3000/inspector` by default; network/firewall configuration needed for remote debugging.
- Latest version (1.34.2, 2026-07-06) released recently with active development; monitor breaking changes in minor releases.
When to avoid it — and what to weigh
- Non-AI Agent Integrations — mcp-use is MCP-specific; unsuitable for traditional REST API development or non-LLM system integrations.
- Complex Stateful Services — The framework is optimized for request/response tool calls; applications requiring heavy stateful management or WebSocket persistence may require extensive custom scaffolding.
- Strict Language Lock-In — If your team relies exclusively on languages outside TypeScript/Python, or cannot adopt Node.js/Python runtimes, this framework is not a fit.
- Proprietary Deployment Requirements — The cloud deployment option (Manufact MCP Cloud) is external; if you need full on-premise control without third-party infrastructure, evaluate self-hosting complexity.
License & commercial use
MIT License (permissive OSI-approved). Allows commercial use, modification, and distribution with no copyleft obligations. Attribution recommended but not required.
MIT License permits unrestricted commercial use, including building for-profit MCP apps and servers. No licensing restrictions on apps built with mcp-use. Verify any third-party dependencies (e.g., Zod, React) for their own commercial terms. Manufact MCP Cloud is a separate commercial service; cloud deployment is optional.
DEV.co evaluation signals
Editorial assessment — not user reviews. Directional, with an explicit confidence level.
| Signal | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Maintenance | Active |
| Documentation | Strong |
| License clarity | Clear |
| Deployment complexity | Moderate |
| DEV.co fit | Strong |
| Assessment confidence | High |
MCP servers expose tool endpoints; validate and sanitize all inputs via Zod schemas (framework assists but developer-responsible). Inspector endpoint (`/inspector`) runs on localhost by default—ensure network isolation in development. Widget rendering in MCP clients depends on client's XSS/content security policies; malicious props could leak data if widgets are not properly sandboxed. Review dependency supply chain (Zod, React, Node/Python stdlib). No explicit mention of OWASP practices, rate-limiting, or auth mechanisms in framework; implement at application level.
Alternatives to consider
Claude SDK (Anthropic)
Direct Python/JavaScript library for Claude API; simpler for single-LLM integrations but lacks MCP-agnostic abstraction and widget support.
LangChain / LlamaIndex
Broader LLM orchestration frameworks with multi-model support; heavier footprint and steeper learning curve, but more flexible for non-MCP workflows.
Pydantic AI (Anthropic/community)
Python-first framework for agent development with structured outputs; less MCP-focused and fewer visualization/widget primitives than mcp-use.
Build on mcp-use with DEV.co software developers
Start with mcp-use in minutes. Use the TypeScript or Python SDK to define tools, create interactive widgets, and deploy to production—or evaluate Manufact MCP Cloud for managed hosting.
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mcp-use FAQ
Can I use mcp-use for ChatGPT and Claude simultaneously?
What happens if a client doesn't support widgets?
Do I have to use Manufact MCP Cloud for deployment?
Is commercial support available?
Software development & web development with DEV.co
DEV.co is a software development agency delivering custom software development services to companies building on open source. Our software developers and web developers design, integrate, and ship production systems — spanning web development, APIs, AI, data, and cloud. If mcp-use is part of your mcp servers roadmap, our team can implement, customize, migrate, and maintain it.
Ready to Build AI-Powered MCP Apps?
Start with mcp-use in minutes. Use the TypeScript or Python SDK to define tools, create interactive widgets, and deploy to production—or evaluate Manufact MCP Cloud for managed hosting.