Software Craft and Testing Community Salzburg

In this session, we’ll explore the Model Context Protocol (MCP). We’ll build a custom MCP server that provides tools for an LLM. Then, we’ll connect the server to a locally running LLM to see it in action.

What will we do?
We’ll work in pairs to build an MCP server for a fictitious hotel. The server will provide tools to get information about rooms, check availabilities and finally book a room. The end goal is that an LLM can use these tools to guide users through choosing a room and then complete a booking, all via chat.

What should I bring?
· A laptop with a working development setup of your choice
· Curiosity about LLM systems and current AI trends

You can find the repository for the meetup here: https://github.com/vivid-planet/meetup-mcp-hotel-demo . You can already clone and set it up beforehand. The only prerequisite is that you have Node.js (>= v20) installed.

Who can join?
Everyone! No prior experience with MCP or LLMs is required.

Location and host
The meetup will be hosted at Vivid Planet Software GmbH at Hopfgartenstraße 10, 5302 Henndorf am Wallersee.
If you arrive by car, parking is available in front of our office. If you use public transport, you can take the bus 130 from Salzburg Hbf to Henndorf Gersbach/Aiderbichl. From there it’s about a 15-minute walk to our office.

In collaboration with the FH-Salzburg we will host the Global Day of Coderetreat in Salzburg!

What is a Global Day of Code Retreat?
A Coderetreat is a full-day event of improving your software development skills. Away from usual project pressure, you can take time and concentrate on refining your coding abilities.

In a Coderetreat you put a strong focus on improving your software development practices. Therefore you will work on a software problem with just enough complexity to create rich learning without overburdening you with complex business rules.

Through iterative implementations, the introduction of new challenges, and frequent partner changes, Coderetreats serve as a proven method for creating a positive and collaborative learning environment to hone your craft.

How will it work?
There will multiple sessions, with breaks in between. Early sessions give the chance for new attendees to become comfortable with the problem domain, pairing habits, and basic Test-Driven Development. Later session constraints challenge pairs to stretch their skills and understanding of modular design, working in small increments, AI-supported software development and more.

What should I bring?
A laptop with a development environment, including a test-framework, in the programming language of your preference. Prepared means: A few mouse clicks or key-shortcuts, and a dummy-unit test is green. For reference, you can take one of these template projects:

• Java, C#, Typescript, Kotlin, C++, JavaScript or Go

Who is this event for?
Coderetreats are suitable for everyone who wants to improve their software development skills, whether you are a student just starting your journey in the software engineering field or you have been working in the industry for decades. The format allows for enough freedom to make this a valuable learning experience for you.

Will there be food?
We are providing lunch and we need to plan the amount, so we ask you to update your status in case you cannot make it.

Agenda

• 9:00 Welcome & how does this work
• 9:30 session 1 (45 min)
• 10:15 group retrospective + break (15min)
• 10:30 session 2 (45 min)
• 11:15 group retrospective + break (15min)
• 11:30 session 3 (45 min)
• 12:15 group retrospective
• 12.30 lunch break (45 mins)
• 13:15 session 4 (45 min)
• 14:00 group retrospective + break (15min)
• 14:15 session 5 (45 min)
• 15:00 overall retrospective & goodbye (30mins)
• 15:30 space closes

Location
The event will be hosted at the FH Campus in Puch Urstein at HS 151 and HS 152 (there will be signs pointing towards the event once you enter the FH campus).