Overview
- MCP is presented as an open protocol that connects language models to external tools and read-only context through a consistent, typed interface.
- The specification covers capability discovery, calling tools with typed inputs, receiving structured outputs and errors, and accessing resources as distinct read-only context.
- By moving tool use into a structured, discoverable contract, MCP aims to reduce brittle bespoke integrations and the reliance on prompt-based glue.
- Once capabilities are exposed, they can be reused across MCP-enabled clients such as IDE agents, desktop assistants, and CI bots.
- Implementation guidance emphasizes starting with a narrow capability, selecting server placement, enforcing least-privilege guardrails with auditing and redaction, and adding versioning, observability, tests, and human approval for risky actions.