Explore MCP Servers

MCP is an open-source protocol from Anthropic that establishes a standardized interface between AI systems and external data. It implements a client-server architecture that allows LLMs like Claude to securely query and integrate with various data sources through well-defined endpoints.

MCP Servers function as backend services that expose context, tools, and prompt templates to AI clients. They abstract away the complexity of integrating with different data sources (files, databases, APIs) and provide a consistent interface for LLMs to consume structured data.

MCP Servers implement a standardized client-server architecture with well-defined protocol specifications. They establish secure 1:1 connections with AI clients, handle request validation, process data transformations, and maintain session state within applications like Claude Desktop.

MCP Servers can expose a variety of resources including data sources like files, documents, and structured data; tool endpoints for API integrations and action handlers; and prompt templates that define parameterized interaction patterns. Each server maintains control over its own resources and establishes clear system boundaries for security.

Claude interfaces with MCP servers via client libraries that handle connection management and request formatting. Currently, Claude supports local MCP servers with filesystem access and predefined tools. Enterprise deployments with remote server capabilities and enhanced security features are in development.

MCP implements security best practices by design. Servers maintain isolated resource control, eliminate the need for shared API credentials, enforce strict boundary checking, and implement their own authentication mechanisms. The protocol follows the principle of least privilege throughout the request lifecycle.