SkyDeck AI Helper App

Learn about the SkyDeck AI Helper desktop application that manages Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers for GenStudio Workspace.

SkyDeck AI Helper is a powerful desktop application that serves as a management hub for MCP servers. It provides a unified interface for discovering, installing, and managing AI tools on your local machine. The app bridges the gap between AI applications like GenStudio Workspace and local tools, enhancing what AI can do with your data while maintaining privacy and security.

Think of it as a "tool manager" for AI applications - it allows your AI assistants to access specific capabilities on your computer in a secure, controlled way.

SkyDeck AI Helper App

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that defines how AI applications connect to different tools and data sources (Similar to how USB-C provides a standardized way to connect your devices to various peripherals).

Key Components of MCP

• MCP Clients: AI applications (like Claude Desktop, SkyDeck GenStudio) that use MCP to access tools and data

• MCP Servers: Programs that expose specific capabilities (tools) through the protocol

• MCP Tools: Individual functions provided by servers that perform specific tasks

SkyDeck AI Helper manages the servers that provide these tools to your AI applications.

Benefits

• Centralized MCP Management: Manage all your MCP servers from a single, intuitive interface

• Enhanced AI Capabilities: Extend AI applications with local tools and data sources

• Secure Tool Execution: Permission-based security for sensitive tool operations

• Real-time Server Status: Monitor the health and availability of all connected servers

• Standardized AI Integration: Use the Model Context Protocol to ensure consistent AI interactions

• Background Operation: Runs efficiently in the system tray while you work with other applications

Supported Platforms

Currently, SkyDeck AI Helper is available for:

• macOS: Intel and Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M3) processors

Future planned support (not yet available):

• Windows (in development)

• Linux (under consideration)

Prerequisites

Before installing SkyDeck AI Helper, ensure you have:

1. Operating System: macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer

2. uv: Python package manager (required by many MCP servers)

   • We recommend installing uv via Homebrew: brew install uv

3. Node.js: Required for Node-based servers (version 14.x or newer)

   • We recommend installing Node.js via Homebrew: brew install node

Quick Start Guide

1. Download & Install: Download and Install SkyDeck AI Helper app from your GenStudio Workspace

2. Launch the App: Open it from your Applications folder, or simply switch the toggle ON

3. Install a Server: Go to "MCP Servers" tab, select a server, and click "Install"

4. Connect to AI: Your SkyDeck GenStudio will automatically detect your installed servers

5. Start Using Tools: Your AI can now use the capabilities provided by the installed servers

Getting Started

When you first launch SkyDeck AI Helper, you'll see a simple interface with a navigation rail on the left side offering different sections:

1. MCP Servers: Browse and install servers from mcp-get.com and smithery.ai

2. Installed: Manage servers already installed on your system

3. Server Logs: View activity logs for all connected servers

4. Settings: Configure application preferences

The application will run in the system tray, allowing you to access it at any time while working with other applications.

Managing MCP Servers

Finding and Installing Servers

1. Navigate to the "MCP Servers" tab

2. Browse the available servers or use the search function to find specific capabilities

3. Click on a server card to read detailed information

4. Click "Install" to add the server to your system

5. The installation progress will be displayed

6. Once complete, the server will start automatically

Managing Installed Servers

In the "Installed" tab, you can:

• View Status: See which servers are running, stopped, or have errors

• Start/Stop Servers: Toggle individual servers on or off as needed

• Configure Servers: Set environment variables and working directories

• View Server Details: See all available tools and server information

• Uninstall Servers: Remove servers you no longer need

Server Configuration

Many servers require specific configuration to work properly:

1. Environment Variables:

   • Click the "Environment Variables" button on a server's page

   • Add key-value pairs required by the server

   • Common examples include API keys or configuration options

1. Working Directories:

   • Some servers (especially file-related ones) need a working directory

   • Set this by clicking on the server and accessing the directory settings

   • This controls what files the server can access

Working with Tools

Each MCP server provides a set of "tools" that AI applications can use. These tools represent specific capabilities, such as accessing files, searching code, or interacting with services.

Exploring Available Tools

1. In the "Installed" tab, click on a server to access its details

2. You'll see a grid of available tools

3. Each tool card shows:

   • Tool Name: Identifying the capability

   • Description: Explaining what the tool does

   • Parameters: Information the tool requires when used

Tool Security and Permissions

SkyDeck AI Helper provides a security layer for tool execution:

• Permission Requests: When an AI application attempts to use a tool for the first time, you'll be prompted for permission

• Trust Settings: For each tool, you can toggle the "Always Allow" switch to grant permanent permission

• Audit Trail: All tool usage is recorded in the server logs

Default Servers

SkyDeck AI Helper comes with built-in support for these key servers:

SkyDeck AI Code

Automatically installed by default, this server provides comprehensive tools for AI-driven development workflow:

• File operations (reading, writing, managing files)

• Code analysis and search capabilities

• Multi-language code execution

• Web content retrieval

• System information access

• and so on

Claude Code

An optional MCP server that enhances Claude's coding capabilities:

• Specialized coding assistance

• File analysis tools

• Enhanced AI coding workflows

• Must be installed separately through the interface

Automatic Updates

SkyDeck AI Helper checks for updates automatically and notifies you when available:

1. Update notification appears when a new version is detected

2. Click "Update Now" to begin the process

3. The update starts in the background

4. When complete, the application will close and relaunch itself.

Security and Privacy Architecture

SkyDeck AI Helper is designed with security and privacy as core principles:

Security Features

1. Process Isolation: Each server runs in its own process space for containment

2. Permission Model: Two-tier approach:

   • Tools marked as "Always Allow" execute without prompting

   • Otherwise, they will require explicit permission from the users

3. Local Execution: All tools run locally on your machine

Privacy Considerations

1. No Data Collection: The application does not collect usage data

2. No Cloud Dependency: Servers run entirely on your local machine

3. Permission Transparency: Clear visibility into what tools are being used

4. Access Control: AI applications can only access what you explicitly permit

Best Practices for Server Management

To get the most from SkyDeck AI Helper:

1. Start with Essential Servers: Begin with a few key servers rather than installing everything

2. Manage Resources: Stop servers you're not actively using to conserve system resources

3. Review Permissions Carefully: Be selective about which tools you mark as "Always Allow"

4. Check Logs Periodically: Review the Server Logs tab to monitor tool usage

5. Keep Dependencies Updated: Ensure Python and Node.js are kept up to date

6. Use Specific Working Directories: Set appropriate working directories for file-based servers to limit scope

Troubleshooting

Server Connection Issues

• Issue: Server shows "Failed to Connect"

  • Solutions:

    • Click "Retry" and see if it can fix the issue

    • If not, open the server to see why it failed to connect

    

    • Check if any environment variables are required by the server

    • Check the server specification to see if it requires anything else

    
• Issue: Server installs but tools are not visible

  • Solution:

    • Verify the server is properly started in the Installed tab

    • Try to stop and restart the server

Performance Issues

• Issue: Application becomes sluggish

  • Solutions:

    • Reduce the number of active servers

    • Restart the application

    • Check system resources in Activity Monitor

Release Notes

Version 1.1.4 (April 2025)

Features and Improvements

• Enhanced Server Management: Improved handling of server states and connections

• Tray Icon Enhancements: Better visibility and functionality in system tray

• New MCP Server Support: Added compatibility with latest Model Context Protocol servers

• UI Improvements: Refined navigation and server cards

• Performance Optimizations: Reduced memory usage and faster server switching

• Improved Error Handling: Better feedback for connection issues

• Update Mechanism: Smoother application updates

• Documentation: Enhanced in-app help resources

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: What is SkyDeck AI Helper used for? A: It manages MCP servers on your computer, enabling AI applications (like SkyDeck GenStudio) to securely access tools and data that enhance their capabilities.

Q: Is SkyDeck AI Helper free to use? A: Yes, SkyDeck AI Helper is completely free to use.

Q: Does the app need to be running all the time? A: For AI applications to access the MCP servers, yes. However, it runs efficiently in the background with minimal resource usage.

Q: Can I use SkyDeck AI Helper with other AI applications? A: For now, this helper app only supports SkyDeck GenStudio. However, we do plan to add support for more AI applications, such as the Claude Desktop app.

Q: Will SkyDeck AI Helper be available for Windows or Linux? A: Windows support is currently in development, and Linux support is under consideration. Follow our official channels for announcements about platform availability.

Technical Questions

Q: How much of my system resources will the app use? A: SkyDeck AI Helper is designed to be lightweight, but resource usage depends on the number and type of active servers.

Q: Does the application collect my data? A: No. The application only facilitates communication between AI applications and local MCP servers. It doesn't collect or transmit user data.

Q: Can I run the app without internet access? A: Once servers are installed, many can function without internet access, though some may require online services to operate fully.

Q: Do I need to install additional dependencies? A: Yes. Most servers require either Python or Node.js. The application will guide you through installing these if they're missing.

Q: How do I know which servers I need? A: Start with the servers that match your use cases. For development, SkyDeck AI Code is recommended. For specialized coding tasks, Claude Code is useful. You can always install additional servers as needed.

Q: Can I develop my own MCP servers? A: Yes. The MCP protocol is open, and developers can create custom servers. Check the MCP documentation at https://modelcontextprotocol.io for development guides.