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1---
2title: Model Context Protocol
3link: https://modelcontextprotocol.io/
4tags:
5 - llm
6 - protocol
7 - MCP
8github: https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol
9---
10MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs.
11
12Created by [[Anthropic]] in November 2024: [[Introducing the Model Context Protocol]]
13
14---
15
16From the [intro page](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction) of the docs:
17
18MCP 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.
19
20## Why MCP?
21
22MCP helps you build agents and complex workflows on top of LLMs. LLMs frequently need to integrate with data and tools, and MCP provides:
23
24- A growing list of pre-built integrations that your LLM can directly plug into
25- The flexibility to switch between LLM providers and vendors
26- Best practices for securing your data within your infrastructure
27### General architecture
28
29At its core, MCP follows a client-server architecture where a host application can connect to multiple servers:
30
31- **MCP Hosts**: Programs like Claude Desktop, IDEs, or AI tools that want to access data through MCP
32- **MCP Clients**: Protocol clients that maintain 1:1 connections with servers
33- **MCP Servers**: Lightweight programs that each expose specific capabilities through the standardized Model Context Protocol
34- **Local Data Sources**: Your computer’s files, databases, and services that MCP servers can securely access
35- **Remote Services**: External systems available over the internet (e.g., through APIs) that MCP servers can connect to