https://lmstudio.ai/blog/lmstudio-v0.3.17

LM Studio 0.3.17: Introducing Model Context Protocol (MCP) Support

The latest LM Studio update (v0.3.17) brings a game-changing feature to the popular AI model management platform: full support for Model Context Protocol (MCP). This integration allows users to connect both local and remote MCP servers to the app, significantly expanding the capabilities of local models.

What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol is a set of interfaces that gives language models access to tools and external resources. Originally introduced by Anthropic, MCP enables "MCP Servers" (programs providing tools and resources) to connect with "MCP Hosts" (applications like LM Studio that make these resources available to models).

Key Features in This Release:

• MCP Support: Connect to MCP servers by editing the app's mcp.json file or using the new "Add to LM Studio" Button when available.
• Expanded Language Support: 11 new languages added, bringing the total to 33 languages including Malayalam, Thai, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Bengali, Catalan, Finnish, Greek, Romanian, and Swedish.
• UI Improvements: A new "Solarized Dark" theme and various UI enhancements.
• Tool Call Confirmation: Review tool call arguments before execution with options to always allow or allow once.

Getting Started with MCP

Users can add MCP servers by editing the mcp.json file (accessible via Install > Edit mcp.json in the Program tab). The file follows Cursor's mcp.json notation and allows for configuring connections to various MCP servers.

For example, users can try the Hugging Face MCP Server, which provides access to model and dataset search functionality.

Security Considerations

LM Studio emphasizes caution when installing MCPs from untrusted sources, as some MCP servers can run arbitrary code, access local files, and use network connections. The app includes a confirmation dialog for tool calls, allowing users to review arguments before execution.

Additional Improvements

• Option to display message generation stats on last message only, in tooltips, or on all applicable messages.
• Token count now includes system prompt & tool definitions.
• Pop-out downloads panel to a new window.
• Various bug fixes and performance improvements.