INTRODUCTION
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Bold Reports MCP Server


Overview

The Bold Reports MCP Server enables AI-powered coding assistants like GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, and VS Code agents to access Bold Reports documentation directly inside your development environment.

Using the Model Context Protocol (MCP), developers can generate code, troubleshoot integrations, and retrieve documentation-backed guidance without leaving their IDE.

What You Can Do with Bold Reports MCP Server

Once connected, your AI assistant can:

  • Answer questions about Bold Reports features, APIs, and concepts.
  • Generate code for embedding report viewers and designers.
  • Assist with RDL / RDLC report structures and expressions.
  • Guide integrations for ASP.NET, Angular, React, Blazor, and JavaScript.
  • Retrieve relevant help content instantly from Bold Reports documentation.

How It Works

The MCP server acts as a secure bridge between your AI assistant and Bold Reports documentation.

  1. Connect your IDE or AI assistant. Connect IDE or AI

  2. Configure the Bold Reports MCP Server. Configure the Bold Reports MCP Server

  3. The AI assistant sends the request to the MCP server. The AI assistant sends the request to the MCP server

  4. The MCP server searches Bold Reports help resources. The MCP server searches Bold Reports help resources

  5. The assistant responds with accurate, contextual answers. The assistant responds with accurate, contextual answers

This approach enables developers to get accurate, documentation-based guidance directly within their coding environment.

Prerequisites

Supported IDEs

  • Visual Studio 2022
  • Visual Studio 2026
  • Visual Studio Code

Supported AI Tools

  • GitHub Copilot
  • JetBrains AI Assistant
  • Claude Desktop
  • Claude Code (CLI)
  • ChatGPT (Plus, Team, or Enterprise)
  • Gemini CLI
  • Other MCP-compatible AI Assistants

For the best experience, use up-to-date versions of your IDEs and extensions to ensure smooth integration and access to the latest capabilities.

Common Setup Steps

  • Enable Agent Mode: Make sure Agent Mode is turned on in your IDE to allow MCP-based interactions with Bold Reports. Refer to your IDE documentation if needed.
  • Set Up Bold Reports MCP Server: Add the Bold Reports MCP server endpoint to your MCP configuration. Some IDEs may support quick or one-click setup options.
  • Validate the Connection: Ensure the Bold Reports tools are available in your AI assistant, such as #boldreports_docs_assistant.
  • Add Custom Instructions (if needed): Provide tailored prompts or guidance to improve how the AI assistant interacts with Bold Reports documentation and tools.

One-Click Installation Links

Use the following links for quick installation:

Note: If the one-click installation does not work, you can follow the manual installation steps provided in the next section.

Manual Installation and Related Documentation

Visual Studio 2022

Add a .mcp.json file to the %USERPROFILE% directory.

Visual Studio (Latest Versions)

Ensure the .mcp.json file is available in the %USERPROFILE% location.

VS Code

Use the Command Palette → “MCP: Add Server”, or manually create /.vscode/mcp.json.

ChatGPT

Setup steps:

  • Open ChatGPT in your browser.
  • Go to Settings → Connectors → Advanced Settings.
  • Enable Developer Mode.
  • Click Create Connector.
  • Name: “Bold Reports Documentation”.
  • URL: https://mcp.boldreports.com/docs
  • Authentication: None.
  • Trust and create the connector.

Read more:

Asking a Question: Best Practices

To get accurate results from the Bold Reports MCP Server:

  • Be specific: Clearly mention the feature (Report Viewer, Designer, RDL, parameters, data sources).
  • Include your environment: Specify your tech stack (ASP.NET Core, Angular, React, Blazor, JavaScript).
  • Ask for details: Request code samples or step-by-step guidance when needed.
  • Reference documentation: Use phrases like “based on Bold Reports docs” for better results.

Sample Queries

  • Create an ASP.NET Core app with the Bold Reports Viewer and secure access.
  • Design a parameter-driven RDL report using a SQL data source.
  • Generate React code to integrate the Bold Reports Viewer with custom toolbar options.
  • Explain how to implement drill-through reports.
  • Build a Blazor app with the Report Designer and a REST API data source.

Troubleshooting

Issue Solution
MCP server not starting Restart IDE and check configuration
Invalid JSON Fix syntax errors in mcp.json
Server not recognized Verify endpoint and connection type
No AI response Enable MCP/Agent mode
Connection errors Check access to MCP endpoint
MCP tools unavailable Ensure MCP is enabled

Security Considerations

  • Review all AI-generated responses before using them.
  • Validate configurations and code before deployment.
  • Ensure usage aligns with your organization’s security policies.