protocol
MCP
Model Context Protocol
The USB standard for connecting AI to tools
Reading level
PRACTITIONER — Technical context
MCP is an open protocol (by Anthropic, now widely adopted) that standardizes how AI models connect to external tools and data sources. It defines a client-server model: the AI (client) sends structured requests to MCP servers that expose tools, resources, and prompts. This replaces ad-hoc API integrations with a consistent interface, enabling AI assistants to access file systems, databases, web searches, and custom business logic.
Real-world example
Claude in your code editor uses MCP to read your actual project files, run your tests, and check documentation — all through standardized MCP servers that any AI can connect to using the same protocol.
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