What is Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

What is MCP? Model Context Protocol is an open standardized protocol that acts like a USB-C port for AI applications, providing a way to connect AI systems to external data sources and tools. MCP standardizes how AI models access data and integrate with external systems, replacing fragmented integrations with a single protocol. Instead of custom implementations for each connection, MCP enables developers to build once and connect AI agents to multiple tools seamlessly.

Why use MCP instead of direct API calls? While calling APIs works for simple tasks, MCP enables something much more powerful—intelligent, context-aware AI agents that can discover and coordinate multiple tools automatically. Unlike fragmented integrations that require custom implementations, MCP provides pre-defined templates and standardized ways for AI systems to understand what external systems can do. This means your AI app can dynamically discover new capabilities, maintain context across multiple servers, and execute complex workflows involving development environments, business tools, and external data sources without requiring constant reprogramming.