MCP: Model Context Protocol
Understand the open standard that connects any AI model to any tool. Build connections, animate the request flow, and explore the server ecosystem.
MCP Connection Builder
Click the service chips below to connect MCP servers to the model. Each connection adds new capabilities to the agent.
Click servers above to connect them and see added capabilities
MCP
- + Standardised protocol across models
- + Dynamic tool discovery
- + Server runs separately from model
- + Reusable across different AI clients
- - Requires running MCP server process
Function Calling
- + Simpler to set up initially
- + No external process needed
- + Direct model-to-function execution
- - Provider-specific implementation
- - Tools defined per-request
Key insight: MCP is the USB-C of AI. Just as USB-C replaced dozens of proprietary cables with one universal connector, MCP replaces provider-specific tool integrations with one open protocol.
Protocol Flow Animator
Step through an MCP request to see how data flows between user, model, client, and server. Each step reveals the JSON messages exchanged.
Server Registry Explorer
Browse popular MCP servers. Each card shows capabilities, setup complexity, and common use cases.