Model Context Protocol (MCP)
MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how applications expose tools, data, and prompts to AI models and agents.
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) defines a common way for an AI client — like Claude Code or Cursor — to discover and call tools, read resources, and use prompts from an external server. Instead of every application re-implementing tool integrations, an MCP server exposes a system once and any MCP-capable client can use it.
In practice, an MCP server wraps a system such as a database, an observability platform, or an issue tracker, and presents its capabilities as typed tools. A well-built server adds authentication, scoped access, and audit logging so agents can act against company infrastructure safely.
MCP matters because it turns one-off integrations into reusable, governed infrastructure: build the server once, and every agent and developer on your team can use it under the same controls.