Model Context Protocol (MCP)

What Is Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is an open standard developed by Anthropic that creates a standardized way for language models to interact with external systems. Rather than each AI application building custom integrations, MCP defines a common language and protocol that tools and systems can implement, allowing models to use them seamlessly.

MCP solves a real problem: language models generate text, but real applications need access to databases, APIs, file systems, and specialized tools. MCP provides a standardized way for models to invoke these external resources, with proper sandboxing and security. This enables models to interact safely with critical systems.

MCP implementations (called "servers") provide specific capabilities: file system access, database queries, API calls, etc. Language models that support MCP can discover and use these capabilities without special training. This open standard accelerates AI application development and enables safer, more controlled AI access to business systems.