Model Context Protocol (MCP), Explained

Short summary

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open protocol introduced by Anthropic that standardizes how LLMs connect to external tools and data sources, acting like a USB-C port for AI applications. Instead of writing custom integration code for each tool, providers implement the MCP standard on their end, so any MCP-speaking assistant can connect without glue code. The architecture has three pieces: host (the app), client, and server (the tool provider).

• •MCP standardizes LLM-to-tool connections, eliminating per-tool custom integration code
• •Tool providers maintain their own MCP servers, so API updates don't break your integration
• •Architecture includes host (IDE or app), client, and server (tool provider)

Generated with AI, which can make mistakes.