Every MCP server installs the same way in principle: you tell your assistant how to start the server, or where to find it. What changes is where you put that one line. This guide uses HourLine, a free remote server for time zones, as the example for remote servers, and a placeholder package for local ones. Swap in the server you want.

HourLine find_meeting_time for Sydney, Berlin and Toronto: no slot fits all three, the fairest is 18:30 UTC
HourLine: once installed, the assistant plans meetings across time zones from real data

Before you start

  • Check whether the server is local (a command such as npx -y <package>) or remote (a web address ending in /mcp). The install box on each listing shows the right steps for your assistant.
  • Local servers that use npx need Node.js 18 or later on your computer. Remote servers need nothing installed.
  • Have the key or connection string ready if the server needs one. Never paste it into a file you commit to git.

Claude Code

Claude Code adds servers from the terminal. For a remote server, give the address:

Terminal
claude mcp add --transport http hourline https://plugins.dudelemon.cloud/hourline/mcp

For a local server, everything after -- is the command that starts it:

Terminal
claude mcp add your-server -e API_KEY=your key -- npx -y package
ScopeWho gets the serverHow to choose it
Local (default)You, in this project onlyNothing to add
ProjectEveryone who opens this project; saved in .mcp.json--scope project