Model Context Protocol (MCP) is Anthropic's open protocol that enables AI assistants to dynamically discover and interact with data sources and tools. Unlike REST APIs that require hardcoded endpoints, MCP allows AI to discover available resources, tools, and prompts at runtime through self-describing schemas. The protocol defines three core primitives: Resources (readable data sources), Tools (executable actions), and Prompts (pre-packaged instructions). Built with TypeScript, MCP provides type safety and automatic capability discovery, making it ideal for AI-driven integrations with databases, APIs, and business logic without manual updates.
Table of contents
ContentsThe Problem with REST APIs for AIEnter Model Context ProtocolHow MCP WorksWhy TypeScript is Perfect for MCPReal-World Example: Database AccessWait, Isn't This Just Swagger/OpenAPI?MCP vs REST: Key DifferencesGetting Started with MCPThe Future is ContextualSort: