MCP Overview

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) server is the heart of Slot, enabling AI assistants to help you find and understand starter templates through natural conversation. This guide explains how the MCP server works and how to get started.

Note: The MCP server is the recommended way to use Slot. You don't need the CLI tools unless you want to customize your template index or add your own templates.

How It Works

Template Analysis

The MCP server maintains an index of analyzed templates, each processed through our comprehensive ontology to understand:

  • Technology stack and dependencies
  • Project structure and patterns
  • Development tooling
  • Quality metrics

AI Integration

When you chat with Claude about your project needs, it can:

  • Search for matching templates
  • Compare template features
  • Explain technical tradeoffs
  • Make recommendations

Example Conversation

You: "I need a React starter for a B2B SaaS dashboard. We want TypeScript support and built-in authentication."

Claude: "I'll help you find the perfect template. Let me search through the available options that match your requirements..."

The AI assistant will analyze your requirements and search through the template index, providing detailed recommendations based on your specific needs.

Benefits

For Developers

  • Natural language template discovery
  • Contextual explanations
  • Faster decision making
  • Better understanding of options

For Teams

  • Consistent template evaluation
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Template standardization
  • Reduced onboarding time

Next Steps

Learn how to install and set up the MCP server in the Installation guide, or explore how to effectively search for templates in the Search guide.