Starterbox - configure mcp servers directly from prompt

What is Starterbox?

Starterbox is an MCP server that installs other MCP servers for you. You install it once, then ask Claude or other AI applications to install MCP servers hosted in npm or PyPi. It requires npx and uv to be installed for Node and Python servers respectively.

How to use Starterbox?

Add the configuration to your claude_desktop_config.json with the command npx and arguments ["amcp"]. Then use prompts such as “Hey Claude, install the MCP server named mcp-server-fetch” or specify packages with arguments and environment variables.

Key features of Starterbox

• Installs other MCP servers from npm or PyPi
• Works with Claude and other AI applications
• Requires npx and uv as dependencies
• Configured via claude_desktop_config.json
• Supports setting arguments and environment variables for installed servers

Use cases of Starterbox

• Install a specific MCP server by its package name
• Install a server with custom arguments (e.g., file paths)
• Install a server with required environment variables (e.g., API tokens)

FAQ from Starterbox

What dependencies are needed to run Starterbox?

Starterbox requires npx (for Node‑based servers) and uv (for Python‑based servers) to be installed.

How do I configure Starterbox?

Add an entry to your claude_desktop_config.json (located at ~/Library/Application Support/Claude on macOS or C:\Users\NAME\AppData\Roaming\Claude on Windows) with the command npx and the arguments ["amcp"].

What kind of MCP servers can Starterbox install?

It can install MCP servers that are hosted on npm or PyPi.

Can I pass arguments to the server I install?

Yes. The example prompt Install the @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem package as an MCP server. Use ['/Users/neo/Desktop'] for the arguments shows how to supply arguments.

Can I set environment variables for the installed server?

Yes. The example prompt Install the server @modelcontextprotocol/server-github. Set the environment variable GITHUB_PERSONAL_ACCESS_TOKEN to '1234567890' demonstrates setting environment variables.