What is MCP?
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a standardized communication protocol that enables LLM systems to interact with external tools and services. It acts as a universal adapter between AI assistants and various data sources or applications.
How It Works
MCP follows a client-server architecture:
- The AI assistant (client) connects to an MCP server
- Each server provides specific capabilities (file access, database queries, API integrations, etc.)
- The AI uses these capabilities through a standardized interface
- Communication occurs via JSON-RPC 2.0 messages
Think of MCP as a USB-C port—any compatible LLM can connect to any MCP server to use its functionality. This standardization eliminates the need to build custom integrations for every individual tool or service.
For example, an AI using MCP can perform tasks like "Search the company database and generate a report" without requiring dedicated code for each database system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MCP a cloud service?
MCP servers can run either locally or be deployed remotely as cloud services, depending on your use case and security requirements.Will MCP replace other integration methods?
No. MCP complements existing approaches like API plugins and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). It provides a standardized protocol for tool interaction but does not replace specialized integration solutions.How is security handled?
Users retain full control over which MCP servers to connect to and what permissions to grant them. As with any tool that accesses data or services, always use trusted sources and configure appropriate access controls.
MCP in VJSP
VJSP implements the Model Context Protocol to:
- Connect simultaneously to both local and remote MCP servers
- Provide a unified interface for accessing tools
- Extend functionality without modifying the core system
- Enable specialized capabilities on demand
MCP offers a standardized way for AI systems to interact with external tools and services, making complex integrations more consistent and easier to manage.
Dive Deeper into MCP
Ready to explore further? Check out these guides:
- MCP Overview – A quick tour of the MCP documentation structure
- Using MCP in VJSP – Getting started guide, including how to create a simple server
- MCP vs Traditional APIs – Technical advantages over conventional APIs
- STDIO vs SSE Transport Protocols – Comparison of local and cloud deployment models