[!TIP] Practically, you want to switch between modes, so I recommend using the mcp-server-hybrid template. It allows you to run the server in both Stdio and HTTP modes.

Verify output:

Create from template:

Here is a content of Program.cs:

It is a simple echo server that listens for incoming messages and responds with a greeting. You can add more tools by creating additional methods with the [McpServerTool] attribute. The WithToolsFromAssembly() method automatically registers all tools in the assembly.

Run Locally

Build from the project directory:

Run the inspector:

Open inspector in your browser and test the server:

Distribute as .NET Tool

Pack from the project directory:

Install the tool globally:

Now, after you installed this tool globally, you can run it from anywhere on your system. The tool will be available as MyAwesomeMCPServer (or myawesomemcpserver) in your terminal.

💡 You can also create local tool manifest and install MCPs as tools locally.

Run the inspector:

Run with Aspire

In Stdio mode

In AppHost/Program.cs:

In HTTP mode

In AppHost/Program.cs:

Reference

• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/tools/custom-templates
• https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/dotnet/core/tools/global-tools