1
MCP Server
Exposes tools, resources, and prompts via the MCP protocol
2
MCP Client
Discovers available tools and connects to the server
3
Claude (AI model)
Receives tool definitions and decides when to call them
4
Tool execution
Server handles the call and returns results to Claude
1
MCP Server
Exposes tools, resources, and prompts via the MCP protocol
2
MCP Client
Discovers available tools and connects to the server
3
Claude (AI model)
Receives tool definitions and decides when to call them
4
Tool execution
Server handles the call and returns results to Claude
MCP primitives
ToolsFunctions the AI can call: create issues, query databases, send messages, modify files.
ResourcesData the AI can read: file contents, database schemas, API documentation, configuration.
PromptsReusable prompt templates that encapsulate common workflows and best practices.
Anthropic created MCP
Unlike proprietary tool integration systems from other providers, MCP is an open standard with a public specification, open source SDKs, and broad third party adoption. Anthropic open sourced MCP to create an ecosystem, not a moat. Over 50 major AI tools and platforms now support MCP, making it the emerging standard for AI tool connectivity.