AI
aixjo
GuideUpdated 5 October 2026

MCP Explained: The Model Context Protocol

Short answer

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard for connecting AI applications to tools and data. An MCP server exposes capabilities, such as reading files, querying a database or calling an API, and any MCP-compatible client (a chat app, IDE or agent) can use them. It saves building a separate integration for every AI tool. The latest specification version is dated 2026-07-28.

How it works

There are two sides. A client (for example an AI assistant or coding agent) connects to one or more servers. Each server describes what it offers: tools the model can call, resources it can read and prompt templates. The model decides when to use them, and the client passes requests and results back and forth using a standard message format.

Why tools adopt it

Evidence: Editorial assessment

Without a standard, every AI app needs its own integration for every service. With MCP, a service publishes one server and works with many clients. That is why agents, IDEs and chat apps increasingly list MCP support.

The 2026-07-28 specification

Evidence: Verified

The MCP specification repository publishes a schema version dated 2026-07-28. Release logs reported that this revision introduced a stateless core and new Tasks and Apps extensions; check the specification itself for the details before relying on them.

Before you connect an MCP server

  • Check who publishes it: a server can read and act on whatever you grant it.
  • Grant the narrowest permissions (read-only where possible).
  • Be careful with servers that fetch web content: hidden instructions can steer the model.
  • Keep credentials out of prompts and logs.

Common questions

Who created MCP?

Anthropic introduced the Model Context Protocol as an open standard in November 2024; it is now developed in the open with a public specification repository.

Is MCP only for Claude?

No. It is an open protocol; many AI clients and IDEs from different vendors support it.

What is the latest MCP version?

The specification repository lists a schema version dated 2026-07-28.

Sources