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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about the course and the build.

Why this and not the free MCP docs?

The docs are excellent reference once you know what you are looking for. This course is the 2 to 3 hours where you build both sides of the protocol on a real project, so the reference makes sense when you go back to it. If you would rather spend a weekend stitching fragments together, the docs are free.

Who is this course NOT for?

If you have already shipped an MCP server to production, skip it. If you are brand new to Python or have never called the Claude API, start with a Claude API primer first. This course assumes both and gets straight to MCP.

What do I need to know before taking this course?

You should be comfortable with Python and have experience making API calls to Claude. Familiarity with async/await and decorators is helpful but not required. The course explains MCP-specific patterns as you encounter them.

What will I build during the course?

A CLI-based chatbot that implements both an MCP client and an MCP server. You will define tools (document read/edit), resources (document listing and fetching), and prompts (a /format command), then test everything with the MCP Inspector and the CLI.

How is MCP different from tool use?

Tool use is how Claude calls functions you define. MCP is about who defines those functions. With MCP, someone else (often the service provider) has already built and tested the tools, so you just connect to their MCP server instead of writing everything yourself.

How long does the course take?

Most developers complete the course in 2 to 3 hours, including hands-on exercises. The first module takes about 30 minutes.

Is this affiliated with Anthropic?

No. Introduction to MCP is independent. This course is not an Anthropic product and has not been reviewed or endorsed by them.

How much does it cost?

Nothing. The full course, all 4 modules and 14 lessons, is completely free. No payment, no subscription, no recurring charges.

How long do I have access?

As long as you like. You can revisit the course material anytime, and any future updates to the existing modules are included.

Is my data safe?

Yes. We do not store your personal data. Course access is managed via a browser cookie. We do not track you with third-party analytics. See our Privacy Policy for full details.

Still have questions?

Reach out and we'll get back to you.

support@aifirstpartner.com