What is an MCP Server?

An MCP server is a program that provides AI agents with access to external tools and data sources in a standardized, secure, and controlled way. It acts as a bridge, allowing a large language model (LLM) to perform actions in the real world beyond its initial training data.

How it Works

• Standardization: The MCP server uses the Model Context Protocol (MCP), a common language that any compatible AI model can understand. This eliminates the need for developers to write custom code for every new integration.
• Encapsulation: Each MCP server is typically designed to handle a specific domain or service. For example, a single MCP server might provide all the functionality to interact with Google Drive (e.g., read, search, and list files), a separate one for Slack, and another for a company’s internal database.
• Security and Control: MCP servers are built with a strong emphasis on security. They can be configured to manage permissions, ensuring that an AI model only has access to the data and tools it is allowed to use. This is crucial for corporate environments where sensitive data is involved.

Essentially, an MCP server is like a universal “plugin” for an AI agent. It allows the agent to safely and efficiently access real-time information and take action, such as booking a meeting, sending an email, or running a code snippet.