Model Context Protocol
An open standard that lets AI applications connect to external tools and data sources.
In plain language
MCP wraps tools, resources and prompts into servers that AI clients can discover and call through a common protocol. It reduces the cost of integrating each tool into every model or client. When using MCP servers, watch permissions, data scope and supply-chain risk.
Example
An MCP server exposes a database query tool that both Claude Code and Cursor can call.
Recommended tools
Related terms
AI Agent
An AI system that perceives a goal, plans steps, calls tools and executes tasks.
Function Calling
A model selects and calls external functions based on user intent, then uses the result in its answer.
Tool Use
A model using external tools such as search, code execution or APIs during reasoning.
Agentic Workflow
Breaking a task into steps planned by AI, executed by tools and reviewed by humans.