AI Glossary
What is MCP?
Overview
MCP, or Model Context Protocol, is a protocol for connecting AI assistants to external tools, data sources, and services through a standard interface. It matters because agent and coding workflows increasingly need reliable context access without every app inventing a custom integration layer.
Why it matters
MCP gives AI products a shared integration pattern for tools, files, APIs, and enterprise data.
Where it appears in AI research
- AI agent tool integrations
- Developer tool announcements
- Enterprise AI connectors
- Coding assistant workflows