MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs. Think of MCP like a USB-C port for AI applications. Just as USB-C provides a standardized way to connect your devices to various peripherals and accessories, MCP provides a standardized way to connect AI models to different data sources and tools.
At its core, MCP follows a client-server architecture where a host application can connect to multiple servers:
MCP Hosts: Programs like Claude Desktop, IDEs, or AI tools that want to access data through MCP MCP Clients: Protocol clients that maintain 1:1 connections with servers MCP Servers: Lightweight programs that each expose specific capabilities through the standardized Model Context Protocol Local Data Sources: Your computer’s files, databases, and services that MCP servers can securely access Remote Services: External systems available over the internet (e.g., through APIs) that MCP servers can connect to