MCP (Model Context Protocol)

One Line summary

MCP is like a universal adapter that lets AI assistants plug into any app, database, or tool without needing a custom cable for each one.

The Problem MCP Solves

Imagine you have:

• 10 AI apps (Claude, ChatGPT, coding assistants, etc.)
• 20 tools/data sources (Google Drive, Slack, GitHub, databases, etc.)

Without MCP: You'd need 10 × 20 = 200 custom integrations. Every AI needs its own connector for every tool. Nightmare to build and maintain.

With MCP: Each AI just speaks "MCP." Each tool just speaks "MCP." Now you only need 10 + 20 = 30 implementations. Done.

This is called solving the N×M problem.

The USB-C Analogy

Think of MCP like USB-C:

Key Architechture

1. Host: The app running the AI (like Claude Desktop)
2. Client : Lives inside the host, talks to servers
3. Server: A lightweight program that connects to a specific tool (one for Slack, one for GitHub, etc.)