Getting Started with Azure MCP Server: A Guide for Developers

The world of cloud computing is growing rapidly, and Azure is at the forefront of this innovation. If you're a student developer eager to dive into Azure and learn about Model Context Protocol (MCP), the Azure MCP Server is your perfect starting point. This tool, currently in Public Preview, empowers AI agents to seamlessly interact with Azure services like Azure Storage, Cosmos DB, and more. Let's explore how you can get started!

🎯 Why Use the Azure MCP Server?

The Azure MCP Server revolutionizes how AI agents and developers interact with Azure services. Here's a glimpse of what it offers:

• Exploration Made Easy: List storage accounts, databases, resource groups, tables, and more with natural language commands.
• Advanced Operations: Manage configurations, query analytics, and execute complex tasks like building Azure applications.
• Streamlined Integration: From JSON communication to intelligent auto-completion, the Azure MCP Server ensures smooth operations.

Whether you're querying log analytics or setting up app configurations, this server simplifies everything.

✨ Installation Guide: One-Click and Manual Methods

Prerequisites: Before you begin, ensure the following:

1. Install either the Stable or Insiders release of VS Code.
2. Add the GitHub Copilot and GitHub Copilot Chat extensions.

Option 1: One-Click Install
You can install the Azure MCP Server in VS Code or VS Code Insiders using NPX. Here's how:
Simply run:

npx -y /mcp@latest server start

Option 2: Manual Install
If you'd prefer manual setup, follow these steps:

1. Create a .vscode/mcp.json file in your VS Code project directory.
2. Add the following configuration: 
   
   

   { "servers": { "Azure MCP Server": { "command": "npx", "args": ["-y", "@azure/mcp@latest", "server", "start"] } } }

Here an example of the settings.json file

Now, launch GitHub Copilot in Agent Mode to activate the Azure MCP Server.

🚀 Supercharging Azure Development

Once installed, the Azure MCP Server unlocks an array of capabilities:

• Azure Cosmos DB: List, query, manage databases and containers.
• Azure Storage: Query blob containers, metadata, and tables.
• Azure Monitor: Use KQL to analyze logs and monitor your resources.
• App Configuration: Handle key-value pairs and labeled configurations.

Test prompts like:

• "List my Azure Storage containers"
• "Query my Log Analytics workspace"
• "Show my key-value pairs in App Config"

These commands let your agents harness the power of Azure services effortlessly.

🛡️ Security & Authentication

The Azure MCP Server simplifies authentication using Azure Identity. Your login credentials are handled securely, with support for mechanisms like:

• Visual Studio credentials
• Azure CLI login
• Interactive Browser login

For advanced scenarios, enable production credentials with:

export AZURE_MCP_INCLUDE_PRODUCTION_CREDENTIALS=true

Always perform a security review when integrating MCP servers to ensure compliance with regulations and standards.

🌟 Why Join the Azure MCP Community?

As a developer, you're invited to contribute to the Azure MCP Server project. Whether it's fixing bugs, adding features, or enhancing documentation, your contributions are valued. Explore the Contributing Guide for details on getting involved.

The Azure MCP Server is your gateway to leveraging Azure services with cutting-edge technology. Dive in, experiment, and bring your projects to life! What Azure project are you excited to build with the MCP Server? Let’s brainstorm ideas together!