# MCP (Model Context Protocol)

> The Model Context Protocol: an open standard that lets any AI tool connect to any app through one shared plug, instead of a custom link each time.

**Category:** Under the hood

**MCP, the Model Context Protocol, is a universal plug for AI.** Before it, linking an AI tool to each app meant a custom build. MCP sets one shared standard, so any app that speaks MCP can connect to any AI tool that speaks MCP, a company's own systems included.

You rarely touch MCP directly; it is the plumbing under [connectors](/glossary#connector). But it is why the list of apps Claude can reach keeps growing, and why you can add a custom connector by its MCP address.

## At work

When your team wants Claude to reach an in-house tool, MCP is what makes it possible: expose the tool over MCP and Claude can connect, with no bespoke build per AI.

## Often confused with

A connector. MCP is the standard; a [connector](/glossary#connector) is one working link built on it. Standard versus socket.

## Related terms

- Connector
- Cowork
- Claude

## See it in a lesson

[Connecting Claude to your tools](/en/learn/working-smart/connecting-claude-to-your-tools)

## Further reading

- [What is the Model Context Protocol? (modelcontextprotocol.io)](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/getting-started/intro): The official introduction to MCP.
- [Introducing the Model Context Protocol (Anthropic)](https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol): Anthropic's announcement and the why.
- [Model Context Protocol (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_Context_Protocol): A neutral overview and its adoption.

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Last updated: 24/07/2026  
Source: Rollo Academy glossary