MCP Deep Dive.
Model Context Protocol — the USB-C of the agent ecosystem. Everything you need.
MCP
AgenticModel Context Protocol. Anthropic's standard for AI agents to talk to external tools (databases, APIs, files). "USB-C for AI."
MCP Server
AgenticA process speaking the MCP protocol that exposes external resources (DB, API, files) as tools. Connects via stdio or HTTP.
MCP Client
AgenticA consumer that connects to one or more MCP servers. Claude Code, Cursor, Windsurf are all MCP clients.
MCP Prompt
AgenticA pre-baked prompt template offered by an MCP server. Surfaces as a slash command; the third pillar with tools and resources.
MCP Resource
AgenticContent an MCP server exposes for reading (file, page, record). Optional context for the model.
Tool Use
AgenticWhen the model decides to invoke a function instead of generating text. Same as "function calling." The core of agentic behavior.
Context Engineering
WorkflowDesigning what, how much, and in what order to show a model. The grown-up version of prompt engineering — the real lever in agentic systems.
Context Window
AI / LLMThe maximum number of tokens an LLM can "see" at once. When the window fills up, the model starts forgetting or the conversation gets compacted.
Agent Skill
AgenticA modular capability bundle handed to an agent. Markdown instructions + tools + examples. Claude Code Skills productizes this.