Original Source: https://www.sitepoint.com/problems-and-solutions-with-fast-api-servers/?utm_source=rss
Build robust FastAPI services by tackling the top problems: messy project layout, anti‑patterns like endpoint‑to‑endpoint calls, and memory leaks from multiple workers.
Continue reading
Common Problems and Solutions When Building FastAPI Servers
on SitePoint.
Original Source: https://ecommerce-platforms.com/articles/pirate-ship-vs-shipstation
Shipping software can streamline your ecommerce operations, cut costs, and save hours of admin work—but choosing the right one can be overwhelming.
Pirate Ship and ShipStation are two of the most popular tools on the market, each offering unique advantages.
I’ve spent weeks testing and analyzing both platforms across a live ecommerce store setup. From pricing and integrations to automation and ease of use, I put them through real-world scenarios so you don’t have to.
Here’s my verdict:
Quick Verdict: Pirate Ship vs ShipStation
ShipStation – Best for growing and multi-channel stores that need automation and international support
Pirate Ship – Best for small US-based stores looking for a free, easy way to ship via USPS or UPS
This review was updated on 09/17/2025 to reflect the latest pricing, features, and customer feedback.
Quick Comparison: Pirate Ship vs ShipStation
Before diving into the deeper review, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the most important features:
FeaturePirate ShipShipStationBest forSmall US-based storesHigh-volume, multi-channel storesPriceFreeFrom $9 to $229/monthCarriers SupportedUSPS, UPSUSPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, moreAutomationsNoYesInternational ShippingLimitedFull support with customs docsPlatform Integrations4 major platforms40+ ecommerce and marketplace integrationsInventory ManagementNoYesBranded TrackingNoYesIdeal Order VolumeUnder 100/month100+/month
Go to the top
Best for Pricing: Pirate Ship Wins on Simplicity
If you’re looking for the lowest cost to ship products without sacrificing reliability, Pirate Ship is hard to beat. It’s completely free to use, with no monthly fees or hidden charges.
Pirate Ship Pricing
Free plan – No monthly fee
USPS Commercial Rates – Save up to 89% off retail
UPS Simple Rate – Discounts without volume requirements
No setup costs, label fees, or contracts
You only pay for the actual postage. That’s it. It’s ideal for businesses watching cash flow or just starting out.
ShipStation Pricing
ShipStation is subscription-based, which adds monthly costs, especially as your volume grows.
PlanMonthly CostMonthly ShipmentsUsersStarter$9501Bronze$295001Silver$591,5002Gold$993,0003Platinum$1496,0005Enterprise$229+10,000+10+
While these plans scale based on your order volume, it’s worth noting that some of ShipStation’s most powerful features—like advanced automation, branded tracking pages, and live chat support—are only available on the higher-tier plans.
If you’re just starting with the Bronze or Silver plans, you may find yourself needing to upgrade sooner than expected as your order volume grows or your workflow becomes more complex.
This is something to keep in mind when comparing the long-term cost of ownership against free tools like Pirate Ship.
The Winner
Pirate Ship clearly wins if cost is your top priority. It offers unbeatable USPS and UPS rates at no monthly charge.
But if your store ships more than 100 orders per month or across multiple channels, ShipStation is worth the investment.
Go to the top
Best for Shipping Features: ShipStation Offers More Control
ShipStation was designed for scaling ecommerce brands—and it shows.
While Pirate Ship sticks to the basics, ShipStation is packed with shipping automation, rule-based workflows, and advanced carrier support.
Pirate Ship Shipping Features
USPS and UPS only
No automations or shipping rules
Simple label printing
No branded tracking pages
Limited customs support for international shipping
Batch label printing available
It’s perfect for straightforward, domestic shipping. But the feature set ends there.
ShipStation Shipping Features
Supports USPS, UPS, FedEx, DHL, Amazon Logistics, and more
Automation rules: set shipping method, package weight, return label options
Branded tracking pages with order updates
Full international shipping with customs documentation
Batch print hundreds of labels at once
Commercial pricing available through multiple carriers
You can configure rules like: “All Shopify orders over $100 = Priority Mail, Signature Required.” That level of automation saves time at scale.
The Winner
ShipStation is the clear winner when it comes to shipping capabilities. If you need more than USPS or want to automate your process, it’s the better option by far.
Go to the top
Best for Integrations: ShipStation Is Built for Multichannel Sales
Your ecommerce business doesn’t live in a vacuum—so your shipping software shouldn’t either.
The ability to connect with your storefronts, marketplaces, and tools is a huge factor.
Pirate Ship Integrations
Shopify
WooCommerce
BigCommerce
Etsy
CSV upload for manual orders
That’s about it. If you’re selling only on Shopify or Etsy, this may be all you need. But for omnichannel sellers, it’s limited.
One thing to keep in mind is that while Pirate Ship’s native integrations are easy to set up, they don’t go very deep. For example, you won’t get advanced features like syncing inventory across platforms or automatically triggering shipping rules based on sales channels.
ShipStation Integrations
Over 40 platforms, including:
Shopify, WooCommerce, BigCommerce, Wix
Amazon, eBay, Walmart, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace
ERP tools, 3PLs, and custom APIs
You can pull orders in automatically from multiple stores and marketplaces and manage them all from one dashboard.
What’s particularly helpful is how ShipStation handles these integrations—it pulls in data like shipping methods, product SKUs, order tags, and customer notes.
You can then use that data to trigger automated workflows without touching the order manually. It’s especially useful for sellers juggling multiple sales channels, warehouses, or fulfillment partners.
The Winner
ShipStation wins easily here. Pirate Ship is intentionally limited. If you’re a serious multichannel seller, ShipStation handles the complexity.
Go to the top
Best for International Shipping: ShipStation Has the Edge
If you ship internationally—even occasionally—ShipStation is the better choice. Pirate Ship does allow you to ship outside the US via USPS, but there are serious limitations.
Pirate Ship International Capabilities
USPS international only
Limited customs form automation
No support for other carriers like DHL or FedEx
Manual data entry required for customs
It’s technically possible, but not efficient or scalable.
ShipStation International Capabilities
Support for USPS, DHL Express, FedEx, UPS international
Automatic customs forms
Commercial invoices
Built-in country-specific shipping rules
International tracking and delivery updates
ShipStation also integrates with international shipping consolidators, helping cut down your cost and delivery times.
The Winner
ShipStation wins again. For brands with a global customer base or plans to scale internationally, it’s the clear choice.
Go to the top
Ease of Use: Pirate Ship Is Simpler, ShipStation Is More Advanced
Both tools are web-based and offer clean interfaces. But they serve different levels of complexity.
Pirate Ship Usability
Very easy to get started
No setup needed beyond connecting a store
Intuitive dashboard for label printing
Minimal settings to worry about
Ideal for small teams or solo sellers
If you’ve never used shipping software before, Pirate Ship is a smooth on-ramp.
It’s built for simplicity—everything from buying postage to printing labels can be done in a few clicks, without needing a tutorial. It’s clearly made with beginners in mind.
ShipStation Usability
Guided onboarding
More settings, more options
Takes longer to configure
Automation rules require planning
Batch fulfillment and packing slips add complexity
The trade-off is power for a slightly longer learning curve.
That said, once you’re familiar with the layout, ShipStation becomes a powerful central hub for managing shipping across multiple stores and channels—it just takes some time to set up properly.
The Winner
For beginners or those who want simplicity, Pirate Ship is the winner. But for sellers who need more control, ShipStation delivers with advanced tools—once you get past the initial setup.
Go to the top
Customer Support: Both Offer Help, But ShipStation Offers More Channels
You don’t want to be stuck without support when your shipping process breaks—especially during busy seasons.
Pirate Ship Support
Email-based support
Knowledge base and tutorials
No live chat or phone support
Support is friendly but slower, and you may need to wait a day or more for a reply.
For most issues, the help docs cover the basics, but if you run into something urgent, the lack of real-time support can be a drawback—especially during busy sales periods.
ShipStation Support
Email, live chat, and phone (on higher plans)
Extensive documentation
Active community forum
Priority support on Enterprise plans
Support response times are faster, especially on paid tiers.
The availability of live chat and phone support makes a big difference when you’re dealing with time-sensitive fulfillment issues or troubleshooting complex workflows.
The Winner
ShipStation has broader support options and better availability—especially important for larger businesses with more complex issues.
Go to the top
Final Thoughts: Which Shipping Software Is Right for You?
Here’s how to make the final call.
Choose Pirate Ship If:
You ship fewer than 100 orders per month
You only use USPS or UPS
You’re focused on domestic shipping in the US
You don’t need automation or advanced features
You want the lowest cost with zero monthly fees
It’s ideal for new stores, side hustles, or bootstrapped businesses.
Choose ShipStation If:
You ship more than 100 orders per month
You sell across multiple channels (e.g., Shopify + Amazon)
You need international shipping or multiple carriers
You want automation to save time
You’re scaling and need room to grow
While it costs more, the time savings and flexibility are worth it if your order volume justifies it.
Summary Table
CategoryWinnerPricingPirate ShipShipping FeaturesShipStationIntegrationsShipStationInternational ShippingShipStationEase of UsePirate ShipCustomer SupportShipStation
Choosing between Pirate Ship and ShipStation depends on your business needs.
For simple, low-volume domestic shipping, Pirate Ship is a cost-effective, no-fuss option.
But if you’re scaling, selling on multiple platforms, or need automation, ShipStation is built for that kind of growth.
The right tool will save you time, cut costs, and make shipping one less thing to worry about.
The post Pirate Ship vs ShipStation: Which Shipping Tool Should You Use? appeared first on Ecommerce-Platforms.com.
Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/aspekt-office-reinvents-cafe-experience-o12
Aspekt Office Reinvents the Café Experience at Ø12
ibby
09/17 — 2025
Discover how Aspekt Office reimagined Copenhagen’s Ø12 café with tactile materials, custom details, and Nordic-inspired design for a flexible, modern space. In Copenhagen’s café-saturated landscape, standing out takes more than just good coffee. Ø12, already a beloved spot for locals, wanted something lasting, a concept that could both serve daily rituals and make its mark on the city’s design scene. For this next chapter, they partnered with Aspekt Office, the Copenhagen-based multidisciplinary studio known for balancing experimentation with function. We’ve featured Aspekt’s beautiful work on Abduzeedo before, and this project continues to highlight their ability to blend conceptual rigor with everyday usability.
A Space That Works Around You
From morning coffee runs to late-day work sessions, the new Ø12 is designed with flexibility at its core. Aspekt Office rethought the space from the ground up, creating zones that support different behaviors without ever feeling segmented. Benches, tables, elevated platforms, and a bar area offer multiple ways to interact with the café, while newly installed floors and a soft ambient ceiling layer in a sense of calm. Almost every detail is custom made, with textures, finishes, and lighting working together to create depth and flow.
Atmosphere as Function
For Ø12’s founder and CEO, Kasper Cordes, the redesign was about optimization without compromise:
It was important for us to find a collaborator who could deliver not only beautiful designs but also solutions that are truly functional. Aspekt Office helped us create an unforced atmosphere that truly supports how people work and interact in the space.
The bar becomes the focal point, energizing the space with contrast while maintaining harmony with quieter corners. Lighting was carefully considered not just for ambience but for how dishes and drinks are captured on camera. In the digital age, every detail frames an image, ensuring Ø12’s experience extends beyond the café walls.
Nordic Roots, Contemporary Rhythm
Rooted in Nordic design tradition, the interior feels understated yet rich in detail. It is calm but never dull, precise yet warm. Efficiency and comfort sit side by side, embodying Ø12’s ethos of “adding a spark to the ordinary.” The café is not about chasing trends, it is about creating an environment that feels as relevant five years from now as it does today.
About the Collaborators
Aspekt Office: Founded in 2018 by Hans Toft Hornemann and Terkel Skou Steffensen, the studio works across furniture, product, interior design, and creative direction. Their approach revolves around experimentation, conceptual thinking, and original ideas that people can connect with. We’ve loved spotlighting their past projects, and Ø12 shows yet another layer of their creative range. aspektoffice.com
Ø12: With three central Copenhagen locations, Ø12 has become a go-to for high-quality coffee, carefully plated dishes, and interiors that invite people to stay awhile. Each café balances culinary craft with thoughtful design, shaping a distinctive urban café culture. 12cph.dk
This redesign proves what happens when design is not just about surfaces, but about shaping how people use and feel in a space. Ø12 and Aspekt Office have crafted a café that is not only photogenic, but also purposeful, a true reinvention of the everyday.
Original Source: https://www.creativebloq.com/ai/flow-studio-is-the-ai-filmmaking-tool-built-by-filmmakers-for-filmmakers
And it’s now free.
Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/mahjong-reimagined-student-design-project-inspired-taiwans-street-signs
Mahjong Reimagined: Student Design Project Inspired by Taiwan’s Street Signs
ibby
09/16 — 2025
Discover a student-designed mahjong set inspired by Taiwan’s street signs, where tiles tell cultural stories and the game’s global popularity rises.
Mahjong is more than a game, it’s a sound, a rhythm, a cultural glue. The shuffle of tiles, the clack of a winning hand, these are part of everyday life across Asia. But what if those tiles could tell a bigger story? A group of student designers in Taiwan asked that very question, and their answer is as bold and layered as the streets that inspired them. Designed by Yun Xun Dai, Hori Imari, Ruei Ting Chang, and Guan Ting Lee, this student work is a reminder that even familiar things, a mahjong set, can carry new stories.
A Game of Signs
Anyone who’s walked down a Taiwanese street knows the visual orchestra of signage. Fonts clash, colors pop, shapes bend, each sign a small story of identity, commerce, and culture. This project takes those typographic quirks and graphic details and brings them into a mahjong set, turning the game into a microcosm of Taiwan’s street life. The result? A design that’s at once playful, nostalgic, and distinctly local.
Mahjong × Signboards
Winds tiles embed Taiwan’s geographic coordinates, nodding to school memories of maps and place.
Flower tiles transform into icons of Taiwan’s four major convenience stores, a wink at daily rituals.
Dots and Bamboo suits borrow pattern inspiration from vintage iron window grilles, echoing local architecture.
Typography channels the spirit of storefront signs, embracing that mix-and-match energy while keeping each tile readable and full of character.
Packaging the Story
Beyond the tiles, the packaging is designed with intention: clean lines, strong symbols, and enough flair to make you pause before the game even begins. It’s a reminder: how something is boxed can matter just as much as what’s inside.
The Mahjong Magic: Why It’s Having a Moment
Mahjong, a centuries-old tile game, is popping up in clubs, hotels and parties as a way for Gen Zers and millennials to connect.
In San Francisco alone, pop-ups and social Mahjong nights have become a trend among young people looking to unplug and gather in real life.
It’s not just nostalgia. It’s the physicality of mahjong, the texture, the sound, the strategy, combined with social energy. Players today want something tactile and communal, something that can rival a night out with friends, but around a table with tiles instead of screens.
Why It Matters
Because games, like good design, are about connection. This project shows how tradition and place can coexist in design. It reminds us that when you take something familiar, a mahjong set, really seriously, you can reveal layers of culture, memory, and identity. View the project on Behance HERE.
Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/cool-computer-keyboards/
Discover the world of innovative computer keyboards with our handpicked list of 30 cool keyboards that are a must-buy! Keyboards have evolved far beyond just typing; they’re now an integral part of gaming experiences, and can even be your go-to navigation tool when your mouse takes a day off.
For those who crave uniqueness and style in every aspect of their computing experience, this list is a treasure trove. Featuring keyboards that are more than just functional – they’re almost art pieces. Each item on our list is not just a concept; they are available for purchase through provided links. Get ready to elevate your typing and gaming experience with these extraordinary keyboards!
Logitech K780 Keyboard
4.99
Logitech K780 can connect up to three devices via Bluetooth. It offers a stand to hold your mobile or tablet and comes with beautiful, rounded keys. Logitech K780 is compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices.
Get from Amazon
Microsoft Foldable Keyboard
4.99
This foldable keyboard is easy to carry, thanks to its ultra-thin, foldable, and lightweight design. It pairs simultaneously with two devices, and you can switch between them by pressing a button. It avails a rechargeable battery as well.
Get from Amazon
iPazzPort Mini Keyboard
3.95
This mini-keyboard from iPazzPort comes with an ergonomic design and a sensitive touchpad that makes it look adorable. It has media control keys as well as gaming keys, making it an all-in-one keyboard and remote control device.
Get from Amazon
Logitech G413 Carbon
9.99
Level up your gaming with the Logitech G413 Carbon Keyboard. It boasts smart lighting, a USB pass-through port, and versatile function keys with media controls, game mode, and programmable macros for an enhanced gaming experience.
Get from Amazon
Corsair K95 Platinum
42.51
The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Keyboard is a gamer’s dream, featuring dynamic, adjustable multi-color keylighting, six programmable gaming keys, and advanced anti-ghosting technology for an unparalleled gaming session.
Get from Amazon
Keychron K2 Keyboard
9.00
Explore seamless connectivity with the Keychron K2 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. This compact powerhouse offers tactile Gateron G Pro switches, large battery life, and multi-device Bluetooth 5.1 pairing, perfect for various uses from gaming to office work.
Get from Keychron
Razer BlackWidow Keyboard
89.99
Dive into a customizable gaming world with the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%. This compact keyboard boasts hot-swappable keys, Razer Chroma RGB lighting, and an aluminum case, enhancing your gaming with style and performance.
Get from Razer
F77 Model F Keyboard
start from 25.00
F77 Model F Keyboard is a resurrection of the classic keyboard, the IBM Model F, which was very popular during the early days of computers. While making an order, you can customize its layout (including its right-side block), keys, color, etc.
Get from Model F Keyboards
Atrix FPS Keyboard
0.98
Designed for FPS enthusiasts, the Atrix FPS Wired Mechanical Keyboard delivers rapid response and tactile feedback. Outemu brown switches, full RGB lighting, and a compact form factor make it a top choice for competitive gaming.
Get from GameStop
MonsGeek M2
29.99
The MonsGeek M2 offers a compact 1800 layout with a two-piece aluminum case and QMK firmware compatibility. Perfect for customization enthusiasts, it includes south-facing LEDs and supports various mods for a personalized typing experience.
Get from The Key Company
Das MacTigr Keyboard
99.00
For Mac users seeking elegance and efficiency, the Das Keyboard MacTigr stands out. This 100% metal keyboard features low-profile Cherry MX red switches, a built-in USB-C hub, and durable PBT keycaps for a premium typing experience.
Get from Das Keyboard
K100 RGB Keyboard
49.99
Experience ultra-fast gaming with the Corsair K100 RGB. Its aluminum build, dynamic RGB lighting, and Corsair OPX switches provide unmatched speed and style. Advanced features like 8,000Hz hyper-polling technology elevate your gaming sessions.
Get from Corsair
Logitech K400 Plus
4.99
This keyboard comes with a touchpad and has long-range wireless connectivity so that you can work comfortably from a distance. Interestingly, it boasts of a plug-and-play setup that connects up to six devices and battery life of more than a year.
Get from Amazon
POP Keys Keyboard
9.99
Brighten up your workspace with the POP Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. Its playful design, customizable emoji keys, and typewriter-style mechanical switches add a fun, personal touch to your daily typing.
Get from Logitech
Keyboard 81 Pro
19.00
The Keyboard 81 Pro redefines efficiency with its unique three-segment switch and Marble-mallow keycaps. Suitable for diverse operating systems, it offers a comfortable typing experience, ideal for both work and gaming environments.
Get from OnePlus
iClever Folding Keyboard
9.99
The iClever Folding Keyboard with Touchpad redefines portability. This unique, foldable keyboard with a durable aluminum body and integrated touchpad connects to three devices at once, fitting perfectly in your pocket.
Get from Amazon
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.TE
59.99
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E.TE Tournament Edition Gaming Keyboard is tailored for gamers with its modular design, adjustable palm rests, removable numpad, and E.Y.E OLED display for enhanced gaming control and comfort.
Get from Amazon
BlueFinger Keyboard
5.99
Stand out with the BlueFinger Mechanical Computer Keyboard. Its unique crack pattern, backlit design, and 10 multimedia keys make it a visually striking and functional choice for gamers.
Get from Amazon
Sungwoo Silicone Keyboard
9.99
The Sungwoo Foldable Silicone Keyboard offers unparalleled flexibility. Waterproof, lightweight, and made from non-toxic silicone, this keyboard can be easily rolled up for silent typing on the go.
Get from Amazon
Azio MK-RETRO-02
86.99
Retro meets modern with the Azio MK-RETRO-02 Mechanical Keyboard. Featuring chrome-plated, round keys in an eye-catching white and gold color scheme, this typewriter-inspired keyboard adds elegance to your workspace.
Get from Amazon
Varmilo Chicken Dinner
49.00
The Varmilo Chicken Dinner Keyboard, designed with gamers in mind, features a unique blend of light, dark, and yellow keys with custom keycap designs, offering both style and functionality.
Get from Mechanical Keyboards
Qwerkywriter S Keyboard
49.99
Qwerkywriter S Typewriter Inspired Keyboard combines the charm of a classic typewriter with modern features. It offers both wired and wireless connectivity and includes a handy tablet stand.
Get from Amazon
Azio Retro Elwood
97.59
The Azio Retro Classic Elwood Keyboard merges natural wood and handcrafted alloy for a luxurious, vintage look. Spherical keycaps and backlit keys enhance this retro-styled, modern functionality keyboard.
Get from Amazon
The Machinist Keyboard
24.95
The Machinist Keyboard brings a classic vibe with its rugged aluminum construction and typewriter-style keys. Crafted with Cherry MX switches, it offers a premium typing experience.
Get from eBay
The Seafarer Keyboard
,299.50
The Seafarer Keyboard’s brass design and weather-beaten rod frames, combined with Cherry MX keys, give it an antique charm, making it a striking addition to any desk.
Get from Datamancer
Azio Retro L-03 Keyboard
39.99
Azio’s MK-RETRO-L-03-US Retro Keyboard exudes luxury with its genuine leather top, adjustable height, colorful backlight, and alloy-plated round keys, embodying elegant craftsmanship.
Get from Amazon
Microsoft Surface Keyboard
0.99
Microsoft Surface Keyboard’s minimalist design is enhanced with a hidden fingerprint sensor for security, offering wireless connectivity and a sleek, monochrome aesthetic.
Get from Amazon
The post 30 Innovative Computer Keyboards for Gaming and Professional Work appeared first on Hongkiat.
Original Source: https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/mcp-guide-ai-tool-integration/
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard. It acts like a universal connector for AI applications that will allow them to communicate with external data sources or other tools. So instead of building custom integrations for each of these data sources or tools, MCP provides a standardized way for AI models to access the information they need to provide better and more relevant responses.
Before we dive into how to use MCP in your workflows, let’s take a closer look at the architecture behind it.
In this article
MCP Architecture
Clients
Servers
Service providers
Using MCP
Time server
Use browser
Create a Github repository
Wrapping up
MCP Architecture
MCP is built upon a client-server model that involves: Clients, Servers and Service providers.
Clients
The MCP clients are the AI applications themselves, such as chatbots, code editors, or IDEs, that need to access external data or tools. These clients integrate with the MCP protocol to initiate connections with MCP servers and request specific information or actions.
Today, there are a number of clients available that can run MCP, such as code editors like Visual Studio Code, Cursor, an extension like Cline, or Desktop app like Claude.
Servers
The MCP servers act as intermediaries or adapters that translate the standardized MCP requests from the client into specific commands or API calls required by the service provider, and then return the results to the client in a standardized MCP format.
There are already a handful of MCP servers we can use today. Some services and tools have provided their official MCP servers, such as Playwright to perform browser automation, Github to interact with your remote repositories, and you can find many more in this repository.
Service providers
As mentioned, MCP server is designed to connect to one or more underlying service providers, which are the actual platforms or systems that hold the data or offer the tools that the AI needs. For example, it could be an external application like Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, and even PayPal.
A service provider could also be an internal system like your computer file system, the local Git repository, databases like SQLite, PostgreSQL, etc.
Using MCP
We will need to select a client to use MCP. In this article, we will be using the Claude desktop app.
We will add all server configuration within the app from the Settings… > Developers > Edit Config menu. This will open the JSON file, claude_desktop_config.json where we can add the server configuration.
Time server
Let’s start with something simple like getting the current time.
We will be using the Time server. It’s a simple implementation of the MCP protocol that provides us with the current time as well as time conversion capabilities.
To use this server, add the following in the Claude config file:
{
“mcpServers”: {
“time”: {
“command”: “uvx”,
“args”: [“mcp-server-time”, “–local-timezone=Asia/Singapore”]
}
}
}
After you’ve restarted the app, you should see additional information that shows you the tools from the MCP server.
Now, you can ask Claude, such as What’s the current time? and it will return the current time in the local timezone specified.
Claude can also do time conversion. For example, you can ask: What time is it in New York? and it will return the time in New York.
Use browser
Let’s try something a little more interesting.
We will now be using the Playwright MCP server that allows us to interact with the browser such as opening a new tab, navigating to a URL, taking screenshots, and even running JavaScript code.
To use this server, we will need to set up the server configuration, as follows:
{
“mcpServers”: {
“playwright”: {
“command”: “npx”,
“args”: [“@playwright/mcp@latest”]
}
}
}
Now, we can ask Claude with a prompt that will open a new tab in the browser and navigate to a URL. For example, you can ask: Grab the title of this post https://www.hongkiat.com/blog/epson-mac-communication-error-fix/.
And sure enough, it can give us the post title correctly.
The Playwright MCP server is also capable of taking screenshots. You can ask Claude to take a screenshot of the page by using the command Take a screenshot of this post.
You can also further customize the server configuration by adding the –browser argument to specify which browser to use. For example, you can use –browser=firefox to use Firefox instead of the default Chromium.
Create a Github repository
Another example is to manage your Github repositories. To do this, you need to set up the Github MCP server configuration, as follows:
{
“mcpServers”: {
“github”: {
“command”: “docker”,
“args”: [
“run”,
“-i”,
“–rm”,
“-e”,
“GITHUB_PAT”,
“ghcr.io/github/github-mcp-server”
],
“env”: {
“GITHUB_PAT”: “<token>”
}
}
}
}
This server requires a Github Personal Access token. You can generate one from your account Settings. Create one and assign the token with the appropriate permissions.
For example, if you need to retrieve the list of repositories, you should add the public_repo permission.
In addition to that, you will need the docker command. You can get the command by installing the Docker Desktop application, or if you’re on macOS, you can use an alternative, OrbStack.
After you’ve restarted the app, you can now ask Claude, for example, to count my public repositories.
You can try prompts like: List all my public repositories with open issues, list all my public repositories with pull requests more than 2, etc.
Wrapping up
In this article, we looked at how the Model Context Protocol (MCP) helps AI tools connect to external services.
Although we’ve only used it with Claude, the MCP is now built into many popular clients like Visual Studio Code, Cursor, and Cline. This means you can use it with your favorite tools to make them even more powerful.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I think it’s worth exploring how MCP can fit into your own setup and help you work more efficiently.
The post How Model Context Protocol Supercharges Your AI Workflow appeared first on Hongkiat.
Original Source: https://tympanus.net/codrops/2025/09/15/the-journey-behind-inspo-page-a-better-way-to-collect-web-design-inspiration/
How a simple idea grew into a curated platform for discovering the details that make websites unforgettable.
Original Source: https://www.sitepoint.com/smythos-for-ai-agents/?utm_source=rss
Discover SmythOS, the open-source operating system for AI agents. Move from fragile prototypes to production-ready multi-agent systems with proper orchestration, observability, and security.
Continue reading
Stop Duct-Taping AI Agents Together: Meet SmythOS
on SitePoint.
Original Source: https://abduzeedo.com/5-new-books-rich-design-visuals
5 New Books Rich in Design & Visuals
ibby
09/10 — 2025
Discover 5 new books rich in photography and design, from Stephen Curry’s Shot Ready to Architectural Digest’s AD at Home. Fresh inspiration for creatives.
All of these titles have recently been released, or are about to hit shelves, bringing fresh inspiration through photography, branding, and design. Each offers a unique perspective on how visuals shape culture, storytelling, and identity. With Stephen Curry’s Shot Ready launching this week, the lineup feels especially timely, blending sports, personal narrative, and the artistry of Aubrie Pick’s gorgeous photography into a visual memoir that also serves as design inspiration.
The Lineup
Shot Ready – Stephen Curry (Sports as Visual Story) – A brand-new release pairing Curry’s reflections with Aubrie Pick’s photography, highlighting how imagery captures precision, movement, and mindset.
Reflections in Black: A Reframing – Deborah Willis (Cultural Reframing) – A landmark photography collection that reframes Black visual culture, newly expanded with 130 images that underscore identity, heritage, and design.
Pamela Hanson: The 90s (Nostalgia in Candid Photography) – A photobook of supermodels in unguarded, everyday moments, celebrating the intimacy and personality of an era through spontaneous visual storytelling.
The Domestic Stage – Adam Murray (Fashion Meets Space) – An inventive look at how fashion photography has moved into domestic environments, blurring the line between editorial imagery and interior design.
AD at Home (Style as Interior Storytelling) – A 500-page anthology from Architectural Digest, featuring celebrity homes styled with personality and creative flair. Includes unseen photography, celeb interviews, and behind-the-scenes design insights that elevate each space into storytelling.
Photography as Design Language
What connects these five books is how they use photography as more than just documentation, it becomes design in itself. Each one shows a different side of visual storytelling: Curry’s focus and movement, Willis’s cultural lens, Hanson’s candid moments, and Murray’s fresh take on fashion in everyday spaces.
For designers, the reminder is powerful: photography doesn’t just capture reality, it shapes how we see and understand it. These books highlight how images can build identity, set a mood, and tell stories that stay with us. More than just beautiful collections, they’re creative tools for anyone who sees design as a way to inspire and connect.
This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, Abduzeedo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting design content.
