How to Build an MCP Server in Java

Discover how to implement a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server using only the core Java SDK in this 22-minute tutorial. Expand your knowledge of the MCP series with a lightweight, flexible approach for projects where Spring isn't necessary. Follow along as the instructor demonstrates creating a complete MCP server implementation using standard Java, including setting up core dependencies, implementing a simple tool that provides JavaOne presentation data, configuring STDIO transport, and testing the implementation using the MCP Inspector tool. Learn essential skills such as setting up the core MCP Java dependency, implementing an MCP server with the standard Java SDK, working with the default STDIO transport implementation, creating custom tools accessible by MCP clients, testing with the MCP Inspector, and connecting the MCP server to Claude as a client. The tutorial is organized into clear sections covering introduction, protocol overview, project setup, data modeling, tool implementation, transport configuration, server setup, testing, and a practical demonstration with Claude Code.