How to Install and Configure an MCP Client to Test Our MCP Server

This guide will walk you through setting up a Model Context Protocol (MCP) client so you can test our MCP server in your environment. We recommend two free GUI-based clients: Claude Desktop App and DeepChat. Both work on Windows and macOS.

Option 1: Claude Desktop App

Step 1: Download and Install

• Visit the official Claude download page: https://claude.ai/download.

• Choose the correct installer for Windows 10+ or macOS 11+.

• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Launch and Sign In

• Open the Claude Desktop app.

• Sign in with your Anthropic account (or create one if you don’t already have it).

Step 3: Enable MCP

• In Claude Desktop, go to Settings → Integrations → MCP Servers.

• Add a new MCP server by providing:

  • Server Name (e.g., Schema App MCP Server)

  • Connection Type (usually HTTP or WebSocket, depending on your setup)

  • Server URL (your enterprise MCP server endpoint)

  • Authentication details if required (API key, token, or credentials).

Step 4: Test the Connection

• Return to the chat window in Claude Desktop.

• Ask Claude to use a tool or resource provided by the MCP server. For example:

  @mcp-server get resources
  

• Claude should list available MCP resources or tools.

Option 2: DeepChat

Step 1: Download and Install

• Go to the DeepChat project page: https://github.com/thinkinai/deepchat.

• Download the latest release for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

• Run the installer and launch the application.

Step 2: Configure MCP

• Open DeepChat and go to Settings → Integrations → MCP.

• Add a new MCP server:

  • Name: Schema App MCP Server

  • Server URL: your enterprise endpoint

  • Authentication: enter API keys or tokens if required.

Step 3: Verify the Connection

• In a new chat, type a request that invokes your MCP server tools.

• DeepChat will display the MCP tool calls and responses inline.

• Example:

  Run tool: fetch-customer-data
  

• You should see the tool output in the chat window.

Best Practices

• Use a test account or sandbox before connecting production data.

• Check access controls to ensure only approved users can connect.

• Monitor tool logs in Claude Desktop or DeepChat to verify responses are coming from the MCP server.

• If errors occur, confirm:

  • The MCP server is running.

  • The URL and authentication details are correct.

  • The firewall or VPN isn’t blocking the connection.