The article discusses how to create a cost-effective alternative to AI coding assistants like Cursor by using Claude Pro and the Model Context Protocol (MCP).
Code: https://github.com/ZbigniewTomanek/my-mcp-server
The author, Zbigniew Tomanek, shares their experience of using Claude with MCP to automate the complex task of implementing Kerberos authentication for a Hadoop cluster, reducing a full day's work to minutes.
Main Points:
Problem: AI coding tools like Cursor are expensive and raise privacy concerns.
Solution: Use Claude Pro ($20/month) with a custom-built MCP server to achieve similar functionality without the extra cost and with more control over data.
MCP Explained: MCP is an open protocol that allows applications to provide context to Large Language Models (LLMs). The author uses a Python SDK to build a simple MCP server.
Kerberos Example: The author details how Claude, using the MCP tools, analyzed project files, created a comprehensive plan, generated configuration files, and fixed errors for the Kerberos implementation.
Cost Savings: Using Claude Pro + MCP saves money compared to dedicated AI coding tools.
Data Privacy: Code and data remain on the user's machine, enhancing privacy.
MCP Tools: The author's MCP server includes tools for file system operations, shell command execution, regular expression search, and file editing.
Self-Improvement Loop: Claude can analyze and improve its own tools, leading to AI-optimized interfaces and custom tooling.
Custom MCP Shines: MCP + Claude Pro offers cost-effectiveness, data control, customization, self-improvement, and complex task automation.
#mcp #diy