Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.boostgpt.co/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open protocol that allows AI agents to connect to external tools and services. Think of it as a universal adapter that lets your agent interact with Gmail, Salesforce, Slack, and any other service.How MCP Works
- Agent receives user request - “Send an email to john@example.com”
- Agent decides to use a tool - Determines Gmail tool is needed
- MCP protocol bridges the connection - Standardized communication
- Connector executes the action - Actually sends the email via Gmail API
- Result returns to agent - “Email sent successfully”
Key Concepts
Connectors
Connectors are MCP-compatible servers that provide tools to your agent.Tools
Tools are individual actions your agent can perform through a connector.Tool Calling
When your agent needs to use a tool:- Agent analyzes user request - Understands what action is needed
- Agent selects appropriate tool - Chooses “send_email” from Gmail connector
- Agent prepares parameters - Extracts to, subject, body from context
- MCP executes tool - Connector sends the email
- Agent receives result - Uses response to continue conversation
Two Types of Connectors
1. Pre-built Connectors
BoostGPT provides 30+ ready-to-use connectors:- Managed by BoostGPT - We handle hosting, updates, and maintenance
- OAuth authentication - Secure connection to your accounts
- One-click deployment - Just authenticate and connect
2. External MCP Servers
Connect any MCP-compatible server from the internet:- You provide the URL - Point to any MCP server
- Third-party or self-hosted - Host your own or use community servers
- Custom tools - Access specialized tools not in our library
MCP Protocol Flow
Authentication
OAuth Flow (Pre-built Connectors)
API Key (External Servers)
Security
Pre-built Connectors
- OAuth 2.0 - Industry-standard secure authentication
- Encrypted storage - Tokens encrypted at rest
- Scoped permissions - Only request necessary permissions
- Revokable access - Disconnect anytime from Dashboard
External Servers
- HTTPS required - All MCP servers must use HTTPS
- You control access - Manage authentication yourself
- Audit logs - See all tool executions in agent Insights
Real-World Example
Building a Sales Agent
MCP vs Direct API Integration
| Feature | MCP Protocol | Direct API |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Deploy connector, add to agent | Write custom code for each API |
| Maintenance | Automatic updates | Manual updates required |
| Authentication | OAuth handled for you | Implement OAuth yourself |
| Agent Access | Automatic tool calling | Manual prompt engineering |
| Multi-service | One pattern for all | Different code per service |
Supported Tool Types
MCP connectors can provide various tool types:Data Access
- Read data (emails, contacts, files)
- Search and filter
- Query databases
Actions
- Send messages
- Create records
- Update information
- Delete items
Scheduled Tasks
- Set reminders
- Schedule events
- Automate workflows
Real-time
- Subscribe to events
- Stream data
- Webhooks
Building Your Own Connector
Want to create a custom MCP connector? See our guide:Creating Connectors
Build your own MCP connector
MCP Protocol Spec
Technical protocol details
Debugging Tools
Agent Insights
View all tool executions:Test in Playground
Limitations
Rate Limits
Each service has its own rate limits:- Gmail: 100 emails/day (free), 2,000/day (Google Workspace)
- Salesforce: API limits by license tier
- HubSpot: 100 requests/10 seconds
Permissions
Agents can only use tools you’ve connected:Connector Availability
By plan:| Plan | Connectors |
|---|---|
| Free | 1 connector |
| Starter | 5 connectors |
| Pro | 20 connectors |
| Scale | Unlimited |
Next Steps
Quickstart
Deploy your first connector
Browse Connectors
See all available connectors
Build Custom
Create your own connector
External Tools
Connect third-party servers