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Cosine

MCP

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows Cosine to connect with external tools, APIs, and data sources. Think of MCP as a USB-C port for AI applications — providing a standardized way to plug in capabilities like database access, file system operations, API integrations, and more.

What is MCP?

Section titled “What is MCP?”

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open-source standard developed by Anthropic that enables secure, two-way connections between AI applications and external systems. With MCP, you can:

  • Access databases — Query PostgreSQL, MySQL, or any database with an MCP server
  • Interact with APIs — Connect to GitHub, Slack, Jira, or custom APIs
  • File system operations — Read and write files in controlled directories
  • Browser automation — Control browsers through specialized MCP servers
  • Custom integrations — Build your own MCP servers for proprietary tools

How MCP works in Cosine

Section titled “How MCP works in Cosine”

When you configure an MCP server in Cosine:

  1. The agent starts and manages the MCP server process
  2. Cosine discovers the tools (functions) exposed by the server
  3. When relevant, Cosine can call these tools to perform actions
  4. All tool executions require your approval (unless using auto-accept)

MCP servers run locally on your machine (for CLI and Desktop) or in managed environments (for Cloud).

Quick start

Section titled “Quick start”

1. Add a server from the CLI

Section titled “1. Add a server from the CLI”
Terminal window
cos mcp add --transport http stripe https://mcp.stripe.com/

For local stdio servers, place -- between the server name and the command:

Terminal window
cos mcp add -e API_KEY=xxx my-server -- npx my-mcp-server

2. Start Cosine

Section titled “2. Start Cosine”
Terminal window
cos start

Cosine will automatically discover and connect to your configured MCP servers.

3. Use MCP tools

Section titled “3. Use MCP tools”
You: List all files in my projects directory
Cosine: I'll list the files for you. [Uses mcp_filesystem tool]

Configuration

Section titled “Configuration”

MCP servers are configured in ~/.cosine/mcp.json (for personal/local MCPs) or through Team Settings (for centrally managed team MCPs).

Pages in this section

Section titled “Pages in this section”
  • Configuration — Detailed config format, transport types, and fields
  • Examples — Example configurations for popular MCP servers
  • Server management — Adding, managing, troubleshooting, and building custom servers
Section titled “Related pages”
  • Customizing — Skills, plugins, hooks, and other customization primitives
  • Integrations — Native integrations with GitHub, Slack, Linear, and more