Adding Managed Copilot Protocol (MCP) to a React application enables seamless integration with AI-powered tools and services. This guide walks you through implementing MCP in any React or Next.js app using CopilotKit.

Initial Setup and Project Configuration

If you're starting fresh, create a new Next.js application:

npx create-next-app@latest

For existing projects, initialize MCP support via the CopilotKit CLI:

npx copilotkit@latest init -m MCP

This command:

• Installs required dependencies:
  @copilotkit/react-core and @copilotkit/react-ui
• Configures MCP server connections
• Sets up UI components from the shadcn/ui library
• Handles React 19 compatibility with --legacy-peer-deps

Installing Core Packages

Install the essential CopilotKit packages:

npm install @copilotkit/react-core @copilotkit/react-ui

• @copilotkit/react-core: Manages MCP server connections and AI context
• @copilotkit/react-ui: Provides pre-built chat interface components

Wrapping the Application

Wrap your root layout or main app component with the CopilotKit provider:

import { CopilotKit } from '@copilotkit/react-core';

export default function RootLayout({ children }) {
  return (
    <CopilotKit>
      {children}
    </CopilotKit>
  );
}

Don't forget to obtain your API key from Copilot Cloud.

Managing MCP Server Connections

Create a new component McpServerManager.tsx to manage MCP endpoints dynamically:

'use client';

import { useCopilotChat } from '@copilotkit/react-core';
import { useEffect } from 'react';

export default function McpServerManager() {
  const { setMcpServers } = useCopilotChat();

  useEffect(() => {
    setMcpServers([
      {
        endpoint: 'https://mcp.composio.dev/gmail',
      },
    ]);
  }, []);

  return null;
}

Key features:

• Automatically connects to one or more MCP endpoints
• Supports Server-Sent Events (SSE) for real-time communication
• Allows multi-service integration

Tool Call Visualization (Optional Debugging UI)

1. ToolRenderer.tsx

Monitor all tool calls triggered by MCP:

import { useCopilotAction } from '@copilotkit/react-core';

export function ToolRenderer() {
  useCopilotAction({
    name: '*',
    render: ({ status, name, args }) => (
      <McpToolCall status={status} name={name} args={args} />
    ),
  });
  return null;
}

2. McpToolCall.tsx

Create a collapsible component to visualize each tool call:

export default function McpToolCall({ status, name, args }) {
  return (
    <div className="border p-2 rounded mb-2">
      <strong>{name}</strong>
      <div>Status: {status}</div>
      <pre>{JSON.stringify(args, null, 2)}</pre>
    </div>
  );
}

Benefits:

• Real-time feedback on tool execution
• Helpful during development and debugging
• Parses and displays arguments and status

Production Deployment Checklist

1. Environment Variables

COPILOT_CLOUD_PUBLIC_KEY=your_production_key
MCP_ENDPOINTS=https://mcp.yourdomain.com

2. Build Optimization

npm run build

3. Supported Deployment Targets

• Vercel
• Netlify
• AWS Amplify
• Docker Containers

Advanced Configuration

Custom MCP Server Example

setMcpServers([
  {
    endpoint: 'https://custom.mcp.example.com',
    auth: {
      type: 'bearer',
      token: 'your_auth_token',
    },
  },
]);

Error Handling

try {
  await copilotChat.sendMessage(userInput);
} catch (error) {
  console.error('MCP Communication Error:', error);
  // Optional: retry or user-facing error message
}

Performance Tips

• Use request caching for repetitive queries
• Delegate heavy processing to Web Workers
• Implement connection pooling in high-traffic scenarios

Security Best Practices

• Always use HTTPS for all endpoints
• Rotate API keys at least quarterly
• Set up rate limiting to avoid abuse
• Use JWT authentication for sensitive actions
• Audit your MCP server configurations regularly

Key Benefits of MCP Integration

• Natural language-powered task execution
• AI-driven automation and smart assistant workflows
• Context-aware service orchestration
• Seamless integration with third-party APIs and backends

Maintenance and Best Practices

• Subscribe to CopilotKit release notes
• Schedule package updates at least once per quarter
• Join the CopilotKit community
• Leverage built-in analytics on Copilot Cloud

Conclusion

Integrating MCP with your React application unlocks powerful AI capabilities that enhance user interaction, automate workflows, and support multi-service orchestration with minimal setup.

With modular architecture and out-of-the-box UI components, CopilotKit enables developers to focus on delivering intelligent user experiences without getting bogged down in backend complexity.

Whether you're building a personal assistant, automating tasks across platforms, or adding natural language support, MCP offers a scalable and secure foundation for AI-powered development.

References

1. MCP vs API: Differences, Similarities, and Benefits
2. Best Free Open-Source MCP Servers
3. MCP vs API: Why They Are Not the Same?