What is MCP?
Model Context Protocol Explained
MCP is the open standard that lets AI agents connect to any tool, API, or data source. Think of it as USB-C for AI — one protocol, unlimited integrations.
MCP in 30 Seconds
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open-source protocol created by Anthropic that standardizes how AI applications connect to external tools and data sources. Instead of building custom integrations for every AI platform, developers build one MCP server and it works everywhere.
Universal Standard
One protocol works with Claude, Cursor, VS Code, OpenAI, and any MCP-compatible client.
Tools, Resources & Prompts
MCP servers expose tools (actions), resources (data), and prompts (templates) to AI agents.
Open Source
MCP is an open-source protocol with a growing ecosystem of community-built servers and clients.
How Does MCP Work?
MCP follows a client-server architecture. Here's the flow:
AI Client
An MCP client (Claude, Cursor, custom agent) wants to use external tools.
Discovery
The client connects to MCP servers and discovers available tools, resources, and prompts.
Invocation
When the AI decides it needs a tool, it sends a structured request to the MCP server.
Response
The server executes the action (API call, DB query, etc.) and returns structured results.
MCP Servers vs MCP Clients
🖥️ MCP Servers
Programs that provide capabilities to AI agents.
- • Wrap APIs, databases, or services
- • Expose tools, resources, and prompts
- • Control their own auth and access
- • Examples: GitHub, Slack, PostgreSQL, Brave Search
📱 MCP Clients
AI applications that connect to MCP servers.
- • Discover and invoke tools from servers
- • Manage multiple server connections
- • Handle user authorization
- • Examples: Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline
What is an MCP Gateway?
An MCP gateway is a centralized proxy layer between MCP clients and MCP servers. It handles authentication, rate limiting, routing, analytics, and billing — so developers don't have to build that infrastructure themselves.
What is an MCP Marketplace?
An MCP marketplace is a directory where developers discover and install MCP servers. As the MCP ecosystem grows (there are already thousands of MCP servers), marketplaces help developers find the right tools for their AI agents.
Explore MCP Connectors on AgentHotspot
Discover a growing directory of MCP connectors on AgentHotspot — browse tools, learn about MCP servers, and connect with the developer community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)?▼
How does MCP work?▼
What is an MCP server?▼
What is an MCP client?▼
What is an MCP marketplace?▼
What is an MCP gateway?▼
What can MCP servers do?▼
Is MCP secure?▼
How is MCP different from regular APIs?▼
Who created MCP?▼
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