# Connect Source

> Connect to external data sources including MCP servers, REST APIs, and local filesystems. Use when this capability is needed.

- Skill: `tomevault-io/connect-source` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add tomevault-io/connect-source`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tomevault-io/connect-source/raw
- Safety review: pending (external: skill-scanner PASS, skillspector PASS)
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: tomevault-io (https://skillmd.com/u/tomevault-io)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tomevault-io/connect-source

---


# Connecting Sources

Use this skill when you need to connect Anyapp to external data sources.

## MCP Servers

To connect an MCP server:

1. Identify the server command (e.g., `npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-github`)
2. Create source configuration with:
   - `type: 'mcp'`
   - `command`: the server command
   - `args`: command arguments array
   - `env`: optional environment variables
3. Connect using the Sources panel or programmatically
4. List available tools from the connected server

### Example MCP Configuration

```json
{
  "id": "github-server",
  "name": "GitHub MCP",
  "type": "mcp",
  "command": "npx",
  "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-github"],
  "env": {
    "GITHUB_TOKEN": "..."
  }
}
```

## REST APIs

For REST API sources:

1. Get the base URL for the API
2. Determine authentication type:
   - API key (header or query param)
   - OAuth 2.0
   - Basic auth
3. Configure credentials securely
4. Test the connection with a simple request

## Local Filesystem

For filesystem access:

1. Specify the root path to watch
2. Set include patterns (e.g., `["**/*.ts", "**/*.tsx"]`)
3. Set exclude patterns (e.g., `["node_modules/**", "dist/**"]`)
4. Test file listing works correctly

## Best Practices

- Always test connections before relying on them
- Store sensitive credentials in the config file, not in code
- Use environment variables for secrets when possible
- Disconnect sources when not in use to free resources

---
> Converted and distributed by [TomeVault](https://tomevault.io/claim/guyettinger) — claim your Tome and manage your conversions.
<!-- tomevault:4.0:skill_md:2026-04-14 -->