MCP Server
A lightweight program that exposes specific capabilities through the standardized Model Context Protocol to provide context, tools, and prompts to LLMs.
MCP Server
An MCP server is a lightweight program that exposes specific capabilities through the standardized Model Context Protocol. Servers provide context, tools, and prompts to clients, enabling LLMs to access external data sources and perform actions in the real world.
Core Responsibilities
| Capability | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Resources | Expose data and content that LLMs can read as context |
| Tools | Provide executable functions that LLMs can invoke |
| Prompts | Define reusable templates and workflows |
| Authentication | Handle secure access to external systems |
Example Server Types
- File System Server - Access local files and directories
- Database Server - Query and manipulate database records
- API Server - Integrate with external web services
- Git Server - Interact with version control repositories
Implementation Options
- TypeScript SDK (npm
@modelcontextprotocol/sdk) - Python SDK (pip
mcp)
Architecture Pattern
Host Application (Claude, IDE)
↓
MCP Client
↓ (JSON-RPC over stdio/HTTP)
MCP Server
↓
External System (Files, APIs, DBs)
Related Terms
- MCP Client
- Host
- Resources
- Tools