Build Zendesk-Powered Applications in Cursor with CData Code Assist MCP

Cursor is an AI-powered code editor that integrates agentic AI into everyday development workflows. With support for MCP, Cursor can connect to local tools and enterprise data sources directly from the editor, enabling natural language interaction with live systems without switching context.

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting LLM clients to external services through structured tool interfaces. MCP servers expose capabilities such as schema discovery and live querying, allowing AI agents to retrieve and reason over real-time data safely and consistently.

In this article, we guide you through installing the CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk, configuring the connection to Zendesk, connecting the Code Assist MCP add-on to Cursor, and querying live Zendesk data from within the editor.

Step 1: Download and install the CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk

1. To begin, download the CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk
2. Find and double-click the installer to begin the installation
3. Run the installer and follow the prompts to complete the installation

When the installation is complete, you are ready to configure your Code Assist MCP add-on by connecting to Zendesk.

Step 2: Configure the connection to Zendesk

1. After installation, open the CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk configuration wizard

   NOTE: If the wizard does not open automatically, search for "CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk" in the Windows search bar and open the application.

   
2. In MCP Configuration > Configuration Name, either select an existing configuration or choose to create a new one
3. Name the configuration (e.g. "cdata_zendesk") and click OK

4. Enter the appropriate connection properties in the configuration wizard

   Connecting to Zendesk

   To connect, set the URL and provide authentication. The URL is your Zendesk Support URL: https://{subdomain}.zendesk.com.

   Authenticating to Zendesk

   You can authenticate using the Basic or OAuth methods.

   Using Basic Authentication

   To use Basic authentication, specify your email address and password or your email address and an API token. Set User to your email address and follow the steps below to provide the Password or ApiToken.

   • Enable password access in the Zendesk Support admin interface at Admin > Channels > API.
   • Manage API tokens in the Zendesk Support Admin interface at Admin > Channels > API. More than one token can be active at the same time. Deleting a token deactivates it permanently.

   Using OAuth Authentication

   See the Getting Started guide in the CData driver documentation for an authentication guide.

   
5. Click Connect to authenticate with Zendesk through OAuth
6. Then, click Save Configuration to save the Code Assist MCP add-on

This process creates a .mcp configuration file that Cursor will reference when launching the Code Assist MCP add-on. Now with your Code Assist MCP add-on configured, you are ready to connect it to Cursor.

Step 3: Connect the Code Assist MCP add-on to Cursor

1. Download the Cursor desktop application and complete the sign-up flow for your account
2. From the top menu, click Settings to open the settings panel
3. In the left navigation, open the Tools & MCP tab and click Add Custom MCP

Option 1: Manually add the MCP configuration

1. Cursor opens an mcp.json file in the editor
2. Add the code shown below and save the file

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "cdata-local": {
      "command": "C:/Program Files/Java/jdk-17/bin/java.exe",
      "args": [
        "-jar",
        "C:/Program Files/CData/CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk/lib/cdata.mcp.zendesk.jar",
        "cdata_zendesk"
      ]
    }
  }
}



NOTE: The command value should point to your Java 17+ java.exe executable, and the JAR path should point to the installed CData Code Assist MCP add-on .jar file. The final argument must match the MCP configuration name you saved in the CData configuration wizard (e.g. "cdata_zendesk").

Option 2: Copy the MCP configuration from the CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk UI

1. After saving and testing your connection in the configuration wizard, click Next

2. Select Cursor from the AI MCP Tool dropdown

3. Follow the MCP Client Instructions to create the required folders for the MCP config

4. Copy the displayed JSON code and paste it into your configuration file
5. In Cursor, open the project folder you created with the mcp.json config
4. The Code Assist MCP add-on should appear as Running under Installed MCP Servers

Step 4: Query live Zendesk data in Cursor

1. From the top bar, click Toggle AI Pane to open the chat window
2. Ask questions about your Zendesk data using natural language. For example:

   "List all tables available in my Zendesk data connection."

   

Cursor is now fully integrated with CData Code Assist MCP for Zendesk and can use the MCP tools exposed to explore schemas and execute live queries against Zendesk.

Build with Code Assist MCP. Deploy with CData Drivers.

Download Code Assist MCP for free and give your AI tools schema-aware access to live Zendesk data during development. When you're ready to move to production, CData Zendesk Drivers deliver the same SQL-based access with enterprise-grade performance, security, and reliability.

Visit the CData Community to share insights, ask questions, and explore what's possible with MCP-powered AI workflows.