Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a structured, interoperable standard that enables AI agents to query, invoke, and respond to external APIs or services. Think of MCP as a universal translator that allows Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude to seamlessly connect with databases, APIs, file systems, and other services through a standardized interface.
At its core, MCP solves a critical AI development problem: the fragmented integrations landscape. Before MCP, each AI application required custom connectors and bespoke integrations for every external service it needed to access. MCP standardizes this process through a client-server architecture where AI applications act as MCP clients and external services expose themselves through MCP servers.