What is an MCP Server?
MCP servers bridge the gap between powerful AI models and your valuable data, enabling AI applications to seamlessly access and work with your information.
The Universal Connector for AI
An MCP Server (Model Context Protocol Server) acts as the critical link that connects AI applications to your data sources and tools. Think of it as a universal adapter:
Standardized
One protocol works across Claude, ChatGPT, Codex, and more
Secure
Control exactly what data AI can access with fine-grained permissions
Extensible
Connect to databases, APIs, file systems, and custom services
Pre-built
Hundreds of ready-to-use servers for popular services
Why MCP Servers Matter
Simplified Integration
Connect AI to your tools and data with standardized protocols instead of building custom connections for each source.
Enhanced Capabilities
Give your AI applications the context they need to provide more accurate, relevant, and personalized responses.
Secure Access
Control exactly what information your AI can access while maintaining data security and privacy.
Faster Implementation
Deploy AI solutions in days rather than months with pre-built servers for popular services.
How MCP Works
MCP uses a client-server architecture where AI applications act as clients connecting to MCP servers that expose tools, resources, and prompts:
Discovery
AI clients discover available MCP servers and their capabilities. Servers expose tools, resources, and prompts they can provide.
Connection
When a user request requires external data, the AI connects to the appropriate MCP server using the standardized protocol.
Execution
The server executes the requested operation and returns results. The AI incorporates this context into its response.
Who Uses MCP Servers
Developers
Building AI-powered applications with simplified access to diverse data sources
Businesses
Enhancing customer service with AI chatbots that access company information
Research Teams
Using AI to process and analyze data from multiple sources efficiently
IT Departments
Standardized ways to connect internal systems with AI tools securely
MCP Servers in Action
Development Environments
Connect AI assistants to your codebase for smarter code suggestions, bug detection, and automated documentation.
Business Tools Integration
Link your AI to Slack, Google Drive, or project management tools to automate workflows and answer questions instantly.
Database Access
Enable AI to query databases directly, generating reports and providing data-driven insights without manual extraction.
Web Automation
Automate web tasks like form filling, data collection, or content updates through AI with web access capabilities.
Pre-Built Servers
MCP includes pre-built servers for popular services:
The community has built hundreds more for specialized services and custom integrations.
Browse all MCP ServersMCP Servers vs Agent Skills
MCP Servers
Connect AI to things. MCP servers are standalone protocol implementations that connect AI to external tools, services, and data sources like databases, APIs, and file systems.
Agent Skills
Teach AI how to do things. Skills extend capabilities through instructions and scripts that AI loads when needed. They package expertise, workflows, and best practices.
They work together: Use MCP servers to connect to data sources, and Skills to teach AI how to work with that data effectively.
Ready to connect AI to your data?