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What is MCP?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that lets Ana connect to external services and tools—like Notion, Slack, GitHub, or your internal APIs. Think of it as a universal connector for AI.
MCP Tools are configured by organization administrators through Settings.

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Why Use MCP?

Connect Ana to services beyond TextQL’s built-in integrations:
  • Productivity: Notion, Google Drive, Slack, Jira
  • Development: GitHub, GitLab, Linear
  • Custom APIs: Your organization’s internal tools
  • Data Sources: Industry-specific platforms

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Quick Setup

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Prerequisites

  • Organization administrator access
  • MCP server URL (we’ll use Notion as an example)

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Step 1: Open MCP Settings

  1. Navigate to Settings → Configuration tab → MCP Tools
  2. Click Edit Configuration
Empty MCP configuration

MCP Settings in the Settings page

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Step 2: Add Your First Server

Add this configuration for Notion: 
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "notion": {
      "url": "https://mcp.notion.com/mcp",
      "enabled": true
    }
  }
}
Configuration breakdown:
  • "notion": Server name (use any descriptive name)
  • "url": MCP server endpoint
  • "enabled": true: Server is active
MCP configuration modal

Configuration editor with Notion setup

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Step 3: Apply Configuration

  1. Click Apply Configuration
  2. TextQL validates and connects (takes a few seconds)
  3. Tools are discovered automatically
Server requires authentication

Notion server showing authentication required

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Step 4: Authenticate (if required)

Some servers like Notion require authentication. You’ll see a 🔒 Authentication required badge.
  1. Click Authenticate
  2. A popup opens with the OAuth login page
  3. Log in and click Allow
  4. Popup closes automatically
OAuth login page

OAuth authentication flow

After authentication:
  • ✅ Tool badges appear (e.g., search_pages, create_page)
  • 🔒 badge is removed
Server showing tools

Authenticated server with available tools

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Using MCP Tools with Ana

Once connected, simply ask Ana natural questions: Search: 
"Search my Notion for the product roadmap"
Read: 
"What's in my Notion page about Q1 goals?"
Create: 
"Create a Notion page with today's meeting notes"
Ana automatically selects and uses the appropriate tools—no need to specify tool names.
Chat showing MCP tool execution

Ana using MCP tools in conversation

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Tool Execution

When Ana uses an MCP tool, you’ll see:
  • Tool name and server
  • Execution status (loading → success/error)
  • Results and timing
Example cell: 
[MCP: notion] search_pages
  ✓ Found 3 pages in 0.8s

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Multiple Servers

Add multiple servers in one configuration: 
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "notion": {
      "url": "https://mcp.notion.com/mcp",
      "enabled": true
    },
    "github": {
      "url": "https://api.githubcopilot.com/mcp/",
      "enabled": true
    }
  }
}

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Managing Servers

  • Disable temporarily: Toggle the switch (keeps configuration and authentication)
  • Edit configuration: Click “Edit Configuration” again
  • Clear authentication: Click “Clear authentication” to revoke access
  • Delete server: Remove from JSON and apply
Deleting a server removes stored OAuth tokens. You’ll need to re-authenticate if you add it back.

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Quick Troubleshooting

Connection Failed:
  • Verify the URL is correct
  • Check if the server is running
  • Ensure no firewall is blocking the connection
Authentication keeps asking:
  • Server requires OAuth—click Authenticate
  • Enable pop-ups for your TextQL domain if blocked
No tools appear:
  • Complete authentication first if 🔒 badge is shown
  • Server may not implement MCP correctly
  • Check the Reference guide for details

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Next Steps

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