MCP · Model Context Protocol
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
An open protocol that standardizes connections between AI applications and servers exposing tools, resources, or prompts.
Key difference
MCP is the protocol; a server implements it, a client connects to it, and tools, resources, or prompts are the exposed capabilities.
Example
An MCP client discovers a search tool and documentation resource on a server, then calls the tool through its schema.
Counter-example
A local SKILL.md file is not an MCP server and does not implement the protocol by itself.
Continue with a guide
Related concepts
Sources
- https://modelcontextprotocol.io/specification/2025-06-18/index
- https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/learn/architecture
Revision glossary-v1.3:model-context-protocol · 2026-07-19
- Editorial status
- review-needed
- Verification ID
- verification-glossary-mcp-r3
- Sourced content digest
- sha256:7dd411735b39b0649bee3dee5df7fac3e4c06cf7e10234d87e108675a7ceefcf