> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.budecosystem.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# MCP Foundry quick start

> Register an MCP gateway and expose tools to a Bud agent

This guide uses Bud Admin to create a reusable MCP connection. You need access to the **Connectors** page and the URL of an MCP server.

## 1. Open Connectors

In Bud Admin, open **Connectors** and select a registry connector, or choose **Add custom gateway** for an MCP server that is not in the registry.

## 2. Configure the gateway

Provide a descriptive name, the server URL, and its transport. Enter the authentication values required by the server, then choose whether the connection is available globally or only to selected projects.

<Info>
  Store credentials only in the connector configuration. Do not put API keys or bearer tokens in an agent prompt.
</Info>

## 3. Discover tools

Save the connection and open its tool list. MCP Foundry synchronizes the gateway and displays the available tool names, descriptions, and input schemas.

## 4. Attach selected tools

Open an agent's connector settings, select the configured connection, and attach only the tools required for that agent's task. Save and publish the agent configuration.

## 5. Verify the connection

Run a test conversation that invokes one of the attached tools. If the tool call fails, verify the gateway URL, transport, authentication values, and the connection's project visibility.

## Next steps

* Read [MCP Foundry concepts](/mcp-foundry/mcp-foundry-concepts).
* Follow [gateway configuration](/mcp-foundry/guides/configuring-gateways).
* Consult the [MCP Foundry reference](/mcp-foundry/reference/mcp-foundry-reference).