The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard developed by Anthropic that enables AI applications to securely and uniformly connect with external data resources and services.
MCP acts as a standardized "modular connector" that allows AI models to access the external world through a secure, unified interface.
It provides a safe way for AI assistants to connect to databases, APIs, file systems, and other tools without embedding access credentials directly in the model.
As an open-source protocol, MCP encourages innovation and creates a vibrant ecosystem of developers building connectors for various data sources.
MCP follows a client-server architecture that separates the AI model from data access permissions:
A user asks the AI assistant to perform a task requiring external data
The AI application (client) sends the request to the appropriate MCP server
The MCP server connects to the data source and retrieves the information
Data is sent back to the client and used as context for the AI model
Complete separation between AI models and data access credentials. No API keys stored in the model itself.
Uniform interface for accessing any data source, eliminating the need for custom integrations.
Add new capabilities by simply adding MCP servers without changing the core application.
Access to current information beyond the model's training data cutoff.
Open-source protocol that encourages community development and innovation.
Simple to create new MCP servers for custom data sources and APIs.
Connect AI assistants to internal databases to answer questions about sales, inventory, and business metrics.
Enable AI to read and explain source code by connecting to GitHub repositories and codebases.
Access CRM systems to provide personalized support with full context of customer history.
Connect to tools like Trello, Notion, or Google Calendar to manage tasks and schedules.
Pull data from platforms like Google Analytics or Salesforce for instant analysis and insights.
Access scientific databases, academic papers, and real-time information sources.
The Model Context Protocol represents a fundamental shift in how AI systems interact with the world. By making data access secure, standardized, and modular, MCP opens the door to a new generation of AI applications that are more powerful, relevant, and trustworthy.
Think of MCP as an "App Store" for AI capabilities, where each "app" (MCP server) grants the model new abilities without compromising security or requiring complex custom development.