Model Context Protocol (MCP)
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard developed by Anthropic that provides a universal way to connect AI models to external data sources, tools, and services. MCP standardizes how AI applications communicate with integrations — similar to how USB standardized peripheral connections. It enables AI agents to access databases, APIs, file systems, and other services through a consistent interface.
Example
A developer configures MCP servers for their AI coding assistant — one connects to their GitHub repository, another to their database, and a third to their project management tool. The AI can now read code, query data, and update tickets through a single standardized protocol, without custom integration code for each service.
Related Resources
Model Context Protocol (MCP): The Complete 2026 Guide
MCP is the open standard from Anthropic that lets any compliant LLM client talk to any compliant tool, resource, or prompt server — collapsing the n×m integration problem into n+m.
MCP and Tool Use Prompting: How to Write Prompts for AI That Uses Tools (2026)
AI models don't just generate text anymore — they call APIs, query databases, and execute code. Learn how to write prompts that guide tool-using AI effectively, from function calling basics to MCP server architecture.
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