What is MCP?

In the context of artificial intelligence, MCP stands for Model Context Protocol. It is an open-source, standardized framework that allows AI systems, particularly large language models (LLMs), to securely and effectively connect with external tools and data sources.

How it Works

• Bridging the Gap: Traditionally, LLMs were limited to the data they were trained on. To perform real-world tasks (like checking a calendar or sending an email), they required custom, one-off integrations for each service.
• A Universal Connector: MCP acts as a “universal adapter” or a “shared language” that any AI model can use to interact with an MCP-compatible server. This server, in turn, is a bridge to an external tool, database, or API.
• Empowering AI Agents: The protocol enables AI agents to go beyond simply generating text. It allows them to perform multi-step, complex actions, such as:
  • Retrieving real-time data from a database.
  • Accessing a file system on a local computer.
  • Using an external tool to make a booking or send a message.

MCP simplifies the integration process, making it easier to build powerful, context-aware AI applications that can interact with the world outside of their initial training data. It is considered a key technology for the development of sophisticated and reliable AI agents.