MCP Server

Getting Started with the Bold BI MCP Server

Connect MCP-compatible AI assistants like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude Desktop, and Cursor to Bold BI documentation and development resources using the Bold BI MCP (Model Context Protocol) Server.

The Bold BI MCP Server enables AI assistants to retrieve contextual information about Bold BI dashboards, widgets, APIs, embedding, datasource configuration, and implementation workflows directly within your IDE or AI workspace. This helps developers quickly access relevant guidance, reduce context switching, and improve productivity while working with Bold BI integrations and analytics applications.

Why Use the Bold BI MCP Server?

Developers often spend significant time searching documentation, troubleshooting integrations, and validating implementation approaches while building analytics applications. The Bold BI MCP Server helps reduce that effort by enabling AI assistants to retrieve contextual Bold BI guidance directly inside the development workflow.

With the Bold BI MCP Server, AI assistants can:

  • Retrieve contextual guidance for dashboards, widgets, APIs, and datasources
  • Surface relevant Bold BI documentation and implementation references
  • Assist with embedding, configuration, and integration-related questions
  • Provide troubleshooting guidance for common setup and connectivity issues
  • Improve developer productivity inside MCP-compatible IDEs and AI tools

The MCP Server acts as a contextual documentation and integration layer for AI assistants. It does not independently create dashboards or automate analytics workflows. Instead, it enables AI assistants to access and retrieve relevant Bold BI resources based on developer prompts and requests.

How the Bold BI MCP Server Works

The MCP Server acts as a bridge between your AI assistant and Bold BI documentation resources.

Typical workflow:

  1. Configure the Bold BI MCP Server

Configure the Bold BI MCP Server

  1. Connect your IDE or AI assistant

Connect your IDE or AI assistant

  1. Enable Agent Mode or MCP support

Enable Agent Mode or MCP support

  1. Send natural language prompts
  2. Retrieve contextual Bold BI guidance and references directly inside your workflow

This approach allows developers to access implementation guidance without leaving their coding environment.

Prerequisites

Before getting started, ensure you have the following:

Supported IDEs and AI Tools

  • Visual Studio Code
  • Cursor
  • Claude Desktop
  • ChatGPT
  • GitHub Copilot
  • JetBrains Rider
  • Other MCP-compatible AI assistants

Requirements

  • Node.js v18 or later
  • MCP support enabled in your IDE or AI assistant
  • Access to the Bold BI MCP endpoint

Verify your Node.js installation:

node -v

Documentation

Visual Studio 2022

Create .mcp.json in the %USERPROFILE% directory.

Visual Studio 2026

Create .mcp.json in the %USERPROFILE% directory.

VS Code

Use Command Palette → “MCP: Add Server” or create

<project>/.vscode/mcp.json.

Cursor

Create <project>/.cursor/mcp.json or use Settings → Tools & Integrations → New MCP Server. Use "type": "sse" in Cursor configuration.

JetBrains Rider

Go to Settings | Tools | AI Assistant | Model Context Protocol (MCP) and follow the wizard. Select the HTTP protocol and supply JSON configuration.

GitHub Copilot Plugin: Change chat mode to Agent and add tools. For additional information, see Extending GitHub Copilot Chat with MCP servers / JetBrains IDEs.

Configure the Bold BI MCP Server in Visual Studio Code

Step 1: Open the MCP Configuration File

In Visual Studio Code, open the global MCP configuration file:

%APPDATA%\Code\User\mcp.json

Example path:

C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Roaming\Code\User\mcp.json

This file is used to register MCP servers that can be accessed by supported AI assistants inside VS Code.

Step 2: Add the Bold BI MCP Server Configuration

Add the following configuration:

{ 
  "servers": { 
    "boldbi-doc": { 
      "url": "https://mcp.boldbi.com/docs", 
      "type": "http" 
    } 
  }, 
  "inputs": [] 
}

This configuration registers the Bold BI MCP documentation server and enables MCP-compatible AI assistants to retrieve contextual Bold BI guidance directly from the configured endpoint.

Step 3: Restart Visual Studio Code

After saving the configuration:

Restart Visual Studio Code

Open:

Agent Customizations → MCP Servers

Verify the Bold BI MCP server status appears as: Running

If the configuration is valid, the MCP server becomes available to supported AI assistants inside VS Code.

Using the Bold BI MCP Server in VS Code

Once configured:

  1. Open your AI assistant chat panel
  2. Select the MCP-enabled assistant or agent
  3. Send prompts related to Bold BI documentation, APIs, dashboards, widgets, or integrations

Example:

  • boldbi_docs_assistant how to create dashboard

The AI assistant retrieves contextual guidance directly from the Bold BI MCP documentation server and returns relevant implementation information within the development workflow.

Example Prompts

Use natural language prompts to retrieve implementation guidance and documentation references.

Dashboard Guidance

How do I create a dashboard in Bold BI?

Widget Configuration

Show column chart widget configuration

Datasource Configuration

How do I configure a SQL datasource in Bold BI?

Embedding Guidance

How do I embed dashboards using the Bold BI REST API?

Troubleshooting

Why is my dashboard datasource connection failing?

These prompts help developers quickly retrieve relevant guidance without manually searching across multiple documentation pages.

Best Practices

To improve the quality and relevance of AI-generated responses:

  • Be specific about your request
  • Mention dashboards, widgets, APIs, or datasources explicitly
  • Request implementation examples when needed
  • Use Agent Mode or MCP-enabled workflows when supported
  • Review AI-generated responses before production use

Providing clear prompts helps the AI assistant retrieve more accurate and contextual Bold BI guidance.

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
MCP server not running Restart VS Code and verify the MCP configuration
Invalid JSON configuration Validate the syntax in mcp.json
MCP server not detected Ensure the server URL and type are configured correctly
No response from AI assistant Verify MCP support is enabled in the AI assistant
Connection issues Check network access to https://mcp.boldbi.com/docs
MCP tools unavailable Ensure Agent Mode or MCP support is enabled

Security Considerations

  • The MCP server provides contextual access to documentation resources
  • Always review AI-generated responses before using them in production
  • Validate implementation guidance and configuration changes before deployment
  • Follow your organization’s security and compliance standards when using AI assistants