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Agents· 3 min

What is MCP?

Model Context Protocol is an open standard for connecting AI assistants to tools, data and services.

Key idea

MCP defines a client-server protocol so any AI app can plug into any MCP server (files, GitHub, databases) without custom glue.

Example

An IDE speaks MCP to a GitHub server so the assistant can read issues, open PRs and comment — the same server works in another app.

What to remember

  • USB-C for AI: one protocol, many integrations
  • Servers expose tools, resources and prompts
  • Backed by Anthropic and a growing open-source ecosystem