WinFormsApp-MCP

What is WinFormsApp-MCP?

WinFormsApp-MCP is a Windows Forms application that demonstrates integrating large language models (LLMs) with Microsoft's Semantic Kernel framework using the Model Context Protocol (MCP). It is built for developers exploring how LLMs can interact with local and remote resources through tools like GitHub, GitLab, and filesystem operations, and it works with OpenAI ChatGPT models.

How to use WinFormsApp-MCP?

1. Clone the repository and open the solution in Visual Studio (requires .NET 8.0 or later).
2. Add an OpenAI API key via the Settings dialog or set the OpenAI__ApiKey environment variable; optionally set the OpenAI__ChatModelId environment variable (defaults to "gpt-4o-mini").
3. Configure MCP settings (GitLab integration, filesystem access controls) through the application’s settings interface.
4. Run the application to start interacting with the LLM using MCP tools.

Key features of WinFormsApp-MCP

• Integration with OpenAI (ChatGPT) models
• Tool functionality for GitHub and GitLab repository access
• Local filesystem operations via MCP
• Configurable settings for API key, model selection, and access controls
• Environment variable support for easy configuration
• Context-aware interactions between LLM and tools

Use cases of WinFormsApp-MCP

• Developers learning how to combine Semantic Kernel with MCP for tool-enabled LLM workflows
• Automating repository operations (e.g., reading files, listing issues) via natural language prompts
• Allowing an LLM to read, write, or analyze files on the local filesystem after user approval
• Experimenting with MCP tool implementations in a .NET desktop environment

FAQ from WinFormsApp-MCP

What API key is required to use WinFormsApp-MCP?

An OpenAI API key is required. You can provide it via the application’s Settings dialog or by setting the environment variable OpenAI__ApiKey.

Which .NET version is needed?

WinFormsApp-MCP requires .NET 8.0 or later.

Does WinFormsApp-MCP support models other than OpenAI?

No—the application only supports OpenAI (ChatGPT) models. The default model is "gpt-4o-mini" unless changed via the settings or the OpenAI__ChatModelId environment variable.

Is WinFormsApp-MCP open source?

The README does not specify a license; you must include your own license information when using or distributing the application.

Can I use WinFormsApp-MCP on platforms other than Windows?

No—because it is a Windows Forms application, it runs only on Windows.