What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)

MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs. Think of MCP like a USB-C port for AI applications. Just as USB-C provides a standardized way to connect your devices to various peripherals and accessories, MCP provides a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools.

​Why MCP?

MCP helps you build agents and complex workflows on top of LLMs. LLMs frequently need to integrate with data and tools, and MCP provides:

• A growing list of pre-built integrations that your LLM can directly plug into

• The flexibility to switch between LLM providers and vendors

• Best practices for securing your data within your infrastructure

​General architecture

• MCP Hosts: Programs like Claude Desktop, IDEs, or AI tools that want to access data through MCP

• MCP Clients: Protocol clients that maintain 1:1 connections with servers

• MCP Servers: Lightweight programs that each expose specific capabilities through the standardized Model Context Protocol

• Local Data Sources: Your computer’s files, databases, and services that MCP servers can securely access

• Remote Services: External systems available over the internet (e.g., through APIs) that MCP servers can connect to