8 MCP server templates that actually work with Claude Desktop
Source: Dev.to
Introduction
Claude Desktop’s MCP protocol lets Claude interact with real tools such as GitHub, databases, and note‑taking apps. Setting up an MCP server from scratch can be time‑consuming, so these eight ready‑made Python templates provide a quick start.
Templates
| Template | What it does |
|---|---|
| GitHub | Search repositories, read files, and create issues. Enables Claude to inspect and modify your code. |
| SQLite | Query any local SQLite database. Point the template at a .db file and ask questions in plain English. |
| Notion | Search and read pages, making it easy to pull notes or documentation into a conversation. |
| Slack | Read channel history and post messages, useful for summarising activity that occurred while you were away. |
| Linear | List and create issues in Linear, connecting Claude to your project‑tracking workflow. |
| Memory | Persistent key‑value store so Claude can retain information across conversations. Simple yet powerful. |
| Web Search | Perform web searches via DuckDuckGo without needing an API key. |
| Shell | Execute shell commands. Offers obvious utility and obvious security considerations. |
Each template is a standalone Python file. Copy the file, fill in the required credentials or paths, and register it in your Claude Desktop configuration.
Usage
Add the template to the mcpServers section of your Claude Desktop config.json (or equivalent) file:
{
"mcpServers": {
"github": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_github_template.py"]
},
"sqlite": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_sqlite_template.py"]
},
"notion": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_notion_template.py"]
},
"slack": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_slack_template.py"]
},
"linear": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_linear_template.py"]
},
"memory": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_memory_template.py"]
},
"websearch": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_websearch_template.py"]
},
"shell": {
"command": "python3",
"args": ["/path/to/mcp_shell_template.py"]
}
}
}After editing the configuration, restart Claude Desktop to load the new servers.
Availability & Pricing
- Three templates are available for free on GitHub:
- All eight templates can be purchased for a one‑time fee of £19:
There is no subscription; you own the files outright.
Future Idea
A template runner that hot‑reloads on file changes would eliminate the need to restart Claude Desktop after each edit. If anyone is interested in building or contributing such a tool, let me know.