Lab 4: Tools and MCP Integration

Duration: 18:55 | Files: mcp_integration.py, self_extending_example.py, tools/

What You'll Learn

• Extend agent capabilities with built-in and custom tools
• Integrate MCP servers for AWS Documentation and Pricing
• Build self-extending agents that create their own tools
• Implement proper error handling and security measures

Quick Start

# MCP integration with AWS services (requires AWS credentials)
python mcp_integration.py

# Self-extending agent example
python self_extending_example.py

Key Concepts

• Built-in Tools: File operations, HTTP requests from strands-tools
• Custom Tools: Create tools with @tool decorator
• MCP Integration: Connect to external services via Model Context Protocol
• Self-Extension: Agents that create and register their own tools

Examples

• AWS Solutions Architect: Agent with AWS docs and pricing tools
• Meta Tooling: Agents that build tools for other agents
• Tool Composition: Combining multiple tools for complex workflows

Requirements

• ANTHROPIC_API_KEY in .env file
• AWS credentials (for MCP integration)
• uvx installed (for MCP servers)