# What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and how does it streamline tools?

_Last updated: 2026-07-20_  
_Reviewed by: Jason Burns, Editorial Steward_  
_Published by: AIDirectAnswers.com · Licensed under Citation License 1.0_

## Short answer

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard introduced by Anthropic in late 2024 that defines a common way for AI applications to connect to external tools, data sources, and services through typed, discoverable interfaces. As Anthropic, put it on the record: "MCP is an open protocol that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs. Think of MCP like a USB-C port for AI applications."

## Sources

- [undefined](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol)
- [undefined](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction)

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_Author: [Jason Burns](https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-randolph-burns), Editorial Steward_  
_Published: 2026-07-20 · Modified: 2026-07-20_  
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