Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison
MCP vs MCP Server
In-depth architectural comparison of the MCP and MCP Server MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.
At a Glance & Executive Verdict
MCP
Developer Tools · Local stdio
Quality: 45/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required
MCP Server
Developer Tools · Local stdio
Quality: 39/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required
Verdict Summary: Choose MCP if you need specialized Developer Tools tools running via a local process. Choose MCP Server if your workspace requires Developer Tools integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's
mcpServers manifest.Which MCP Server Should You Choose?
M
Choose MCP when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
M
Choose MCP Server when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Feature & Specification Comparison
Tools & Capabilities Breakdown
MCP Tools (0)
No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.
MCP Server Tools (0)
No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.
Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations
Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).
MCP Configuration
MCP Server Configuration