MCP Server
Exposes tools, resources, and prompts via the MCP protocol
MCP Client
Discovers available tools and connects to the server
Claude (AI model)
Receives tool definitions and decides when to call them
Tool execution
Server handles the call and returns results to Claude
MCP Server
Exposes tools, resources, and prompts via the MCP protocol
MCP Client
Discovers available tools and connects to the server
Claude (AI model)
Receives tool definitions and decides when to call them
Tool execution
Server handles the call and returns results to Claude
MCP primitives
Tools
Functions the AI can call: create issues, query databases, send messages, modify files.
Resources
Data the AI can read: file contents, database schemas, API documentation, configuration.
Prompts
Reusable prompt templates that encapsulate common workflows and best practices.