What are MCP tools exactly?

MCP servers are npm packages exposing utilities (like UUID gen or DB queries) that AI agents like Claude can call over a simple protocol. Run locally via npx or host remotely.

How do I build and publish an MCP tool?

Code the server (Node.js fine), test with Claude, npm publish. Weekend job. Use agent-toolbelt as template.

Can MCP tools make real money?

Yes — free npm for funnel, hosted tiers for $19/mo subs. 50 users? $1K MRR easy. Early ecosystem favors first movers.

🤖 AI Dev Tools

1,600 npm Downloads from a Weekend MCP Tool – The Side Hustle Goldmine Everyone's Ignoring

Dropped a basic MCP tool on npm, watched downloads spike to 1,600 weekly. In a cynical Valley, this screams opportunity – if you're quick.

theAIcatchup Apr 10, 2026 3 min read

npm dashboard showing 1600 weekly downloads for Agent Toolbelt MCP server

⚡ Key Takeaways

MCP ecosystem is nascent like npm in 2012 – huge opportunity for quick wins. 𝕏
Start free on npm, ladder to hosted SaaS for real revenue with minimal effort. 𝕏
Window's closing fast; build now in underserved verticals like CRM or DevOps. 𝕏

Published by

theAIcatchup

Ship faster. Build smarter.

#AI agent tools #AI side projects #Claude AI tools #Claude dev #Claude developer tools #Claude tools #MCP Tools #MCP servers #NPM packages #developer side hustles

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Originally reported by dev.to

⚡ Key Takeaways

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