Building MCP Servers That Actually Work
Think MCP servers are complex enterprise-grade infrastructure? Think again. Ben Tayor breaks down the surprisingly straightforward process of building Model Context Protocol servers that extend AI capabilities in meaningful ways—demonstrated through a real code sandbox implementation that lets LLMs safely execute code.
You'll see exactly how Ben built an MCP server that connects AI assistants to a secure WebAssembly-based code execution environment, transforming conversational AI from a text generator into a fully capable programming partner. This isn't theoretical—you'll watch real examples of Claude solving LeetCode problems and calculating prime numbers by writing and running actual code.
Ben will cover
- The MCP Mental Model — Understand how the Model Context Protocol creates a standardized bridge between AI assistants and external tools, and why this matters more than just building another API.
- From Concept to Code — Follow the actual development process of a production MCP server, including the key architectural decisions, WebAssembly integration patterns, and security considerations for sandboxed execution.
- Real-World Integration — See live demos of AI assistants using the code execution server, including debugging sessions, algorithm implementation, and the kind of collaborative coding that feels like magic but is actually just good engineering.
- The Bigger Picture — Discover how MCP servers are reshaping AI workflows, enabling everything from database connections to specialized tool integrations, and why building your own might be easier than you think.
Ben Taylor
Ben is a staff software engineer at Stile Education and the creator of Runno, an open-source browser-based runtime for programming languages and WebAssembly binaries. With over a decade of experience in front-end and mobile development, he's passionate about making technology more accessible and has a particular focus on educational technology. His work spans from building dev tools like Bengular to creating sandboxed execution environments that let AI assistants safely run code in real-time.
When he's not building software that bridges the gap between complex systems and human needs, Ben can be found rock climbing, making games, DJing, or volunteer teaching. His approach to development centers on design, usability, and interfaces that actually serve people—whether that's students learning to code, developers building applications, or AI systems trying to execute user requests safely. He's also an active open-source contributor and frequently shares insights about WebAssembly, web components, and the future of browser-based development.