Model Context Protocol

MCP is like the USB standard. Any device that follows it just plugs in and works, with no special cable for each computer. In the same way, a service built as an "MCP server" can be connected to any AI tool that supports MCP, so the AI can control a browser, read design files, query a database, use project management tools, and more.

How it relates to nearby concepts: Tool Calling is the model's basic ability to use tools. MCP is the standard for plugging external tools in. An AI Agent is the way of working where the model decides on its own when to use those tools.

A heads-up for beginners: an MCP server can access files, accounts, and data as you. Only install ones from trusted sources, grant permissions only as needed, and don't commit the keys in its config to your code repo.