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Connections

AI-Public offers MCP support that allows you to integrate the application with external tools and services. These connections expand functionality and enable AI-Public to work seamlessly with other applications.

Model Context Protocol (MCP)

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that gives AI assistants access to external tools and data systems. By setting up MCP connections, the AI assistant can interact with various external services such as Google Calendar, file systems, and databases.

There are different ways to create an MCP server:

  1. Online applications like Zapier and N8N
  2. Programmed MCP Servers that establish connections with external systems that offer an API connection.

The first option is very low-threshold and can be integrated without cost. However, not all systems offer connections via Zapier or N8N. Custom applications and commonly used student tracking systems are unfortunately not in Zapier or N8N, and therefore a programmed MCP Server is necessary. MCP Servers are generally applicable and not specific to AI-Public. They can also be integrated within ChatGPT, Claude, or Visual Studio Code.

We will now discuss how to build and connect a Zapier MCP Server with AI-Public.

Creating an MCP Server via Zapier

Zapier offers an easy way to create MCP servers without programming knowledge. With Zapier's MCP platform, you can quickly create connections with thousands of different apps and services.

Step 1: Sign Up for Zapier MCP

  1. Go to https://mcp.zapier.com
  2. Log in with your Zapier account (or create a new account)
  3. You will be redirected to the MCP dashboard

Step 2: Create a New MCP Server

  1. Click the "New MCP Server" button in the dashboard

  2. You will see a form to configure your MCP server

    Zapier MCP Start Screen

  3. Set the client to "Other"

  4. Give the MCP Server a name, for example, "Google Sheets Connection"

    Create New MCP Server

  5. Click on "Add Tools"

  6. Choose which integration you want to add, for example, "Google Sheets"

    Choose Integration

  7. Then choose which tools you want to use

  8. Pay attention to the "Take action" tools. These can also write data to your connections!

    Select Tools

  9. Connect to the chosen integration

  10. The tools are now configured, we will proceed to the connection. Click Connect.

    Tools Set

Step 3: Connect New MCP Server

On the "Connect" tab, you will see the available connections:

  1. Server-Specific URL
  2. OAuth Server URL

The difference between these two URLs lies in the protection of this connection. The Server-Specific URL provides direct access to the tools you have set up. This also means that if this URL falls into the wrong hands, the tools will be available. The tools provide access to functions in external systems. This is a security risk. The Server-Specific URL should therefore be treated confidentially, just like you would treat a password. However, with "rotate secret", you can create a new URL each time.

The OAuth Server URL offers the same functionality but requires logging in to use the MCP Server.

AI-Public supports integrating both the Server-Specific URL and the OAuth Server URL.

MCP Server Connections

Step 4a. Server-Specific URL

  1. Go to Connections on the dashboard and click "Add Connection".

  2. Give the MCP server a name, optionally also a description, and paste the Server-Specific URL

  3. Do not set Authentication.

    Set Up Server-Specific URL

  4. Start the chat by clicking on the connection.

    Start Chat with MCP Server

  5. Ask the first question, for example, "Create a Google Sheet named Test 123"

  6. The MCP tools will be executed.

  7. You should see that the tools have been executed successfully.

    Test Executed

Step 4b. OAuth Server URL

You will follow the same steps as in step 4a. However, now fill in "OAuth 2.1" in Authentication.

Set Up Server OAuth URL

You will be asked to authorize with Zapier (NOTE: this may take a while)!

After authentication, you can take the same steps as in 4a.