MCP (Model Context Protocol)
بروتوكول MCP
Start with meaning, then move to detail.
This lesson explains MCP (Model Context Protocol) as part of getting started with Hermes correctly. You will learn what it does, when it matters, and the smallest safe test that proves it works.
If you are new, do not memorize names. Focus on three questions: what problem does this solve, what access does it need, and how can you verify the result?
For practice, inspect the first example, identify its effects, run it on test data, and compare the result with the source claim.
For advanced readers, inspect What MCP gives you, Quick start, Catalog: one-click install for Nous-approved MCPs, then verify failure modes and version compatibility.
No prior experience is required; follow the steps on a safe test setup first.
A clear outcome before you read.
- Understand MCP (Model Context Protocol) without assumed prior knowledge.
- Separate the source description from what still needs testing in your environment.
- Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Short definitions before the details.
- MCP
- A standard way to expose external tools, resources, and services to an agent.
- Provider
- The service that runs or provides access and authentication to a model.
- Tool
- A structured action the agent can call to read or change something.
Connect Hermes Agent to external tool servers via MCP — and control exactly which MCP tools Hermes loads
What does the source say, and in what order?
- 01What MCP gives you
Start here to understand the core idea or structure.
- 02Quick start
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 03Catalog: one-click install for Nous-approved MCPs
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 04Tool selection at install time
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 05Trust model
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 06Manifest version compatibility
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 07Runtime $ENVVAR substitution
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 08Updating tool selection later
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 09Updating the catalog manifest
Read this after the foundation, then connect it to the previous step.
- 10Two kinds of MCP servers
Finish here to verify the result and special cases.
Copy only after you understand the effect.
mcp_servers:
filesystem:
command: "npx"
args: ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/home/user/projects"]hermes chatList the files in /home/user/projects and summarize the repo structure.Read the first command and identify its inputs and outputs before copying it.
Match every command to your installed Hermes version, review the files and accounts it can reach, and use non-sensitive data for the first test. If this explanation differs from the source, the official source wins.