Connecting to a Remote Server

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) enables Bwat to communicate with external servers that extend its functionality through additional tools and resources. This guide explains how to connect to remote MCP servers via Bwat's interface.

Adding and Managing Remote MCP Servers

Accessing the MCP Servers Interface

To open the MCP Servers interface in Bwat:

1. Click the Bwat icon in your editor's sidebar
2. Open the menu (⋮) in Bwat's top-right corner
3. Select "MCP Servers" from the dropdown

Understanding the Interface

The MCP Servers panel contains three primary sections:

• Marketplace: Browse and install pre-configured MCP servers (if available)
• Remote Servers: Connect to MCP servers using URL endpoints
• Installed: Manage your active MCP connections

Connecting to a Remote Server

Use the "Remote Servers" tab to connect to any accessible MCP endpoint:

1. Navigate to the "Remote Servers" tab
2. Provide the required details:
   • Server Name: Enter a unique, descriptive identifier
   • Server URL: The complete endpoint address (e.g., https://api.example.com/mcp (opens in a new tab))
3. Click "Add Server" to establish the connection
4. Bwat will display the connection status

Important: Only connect to trusted remote servers, as they can execute code in your environment.

Discovering Available Servers

Several third-party platforms host directories of MCP-compatible services:

Disclaimer: The following marketplaces are provided for reference only. Bwat doesn't verify or endorse these services. Review all privacy policies before connecting.

• Composio MCP Marketplace: Offers various third-party MCP servers for services like GitHub, Notion, and Slack. Each includes setup instructions and authentication support (OAuth/API keys).
• Smithery Marketplace: An independent MCP server directory compatible with Bwat and other MCP clients.

Managing Connected Servers

The "Installed" tab lets you control your active connections:

Monitoring Connection Status

Servers display status indicators:

• Green: Active and available
• Yellow: Connecting
• Red: Disconnected/error state

Configuring Server Options

Expand any server to access its settings:

• Tools & Resources:
  • View available tools
  • Configure auto-approval permissions
• Timeout Settings:
  • Adjust response wait time (30s-1h)
• Server Controls:
  • Restart: Re-establish connection
  • Delete: Remove permanently

Toggling Server Availability

Use the toggle switch to:

• Enable: Allow tool usage
• Disable: Keep configured but inactive

Troubleshooting Connections

For failed connections:

1. Review the error message
2. Verify the URL and server status
3. Attempt reconnection
4. If issues persist, remove and re-add the server

Advanced Configuration

Technical users can edit the JSON configuration directly:

1. Click "Configure MCP Servers" in the Installed tab
2. Modify settings using this format:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "customServer": {
      "url": "https://your-server.com/mcp",
      "disabled": false,
      "autoApprove": ["searchTool", "analyzer"],
      "timeout": 45
    }
  }
}

Key parameters:

• url: Endpoint address
• disabled: Activation status
• autoApprove: Tools that bypass confirmation
• timeout: Maximum response wait (seconds)

Access additional settings via "Advanced MCP Settings".

Using Server Tools

When Bwat suggests an MCP tool:

1. You'll see an approval prompt (unless auto-approved)
2. Review the tool details before confirming
3. Results will appear in Bwat after execution