MCP Server

The MCP server hosts the tools and resources for AI agents to use via the model context protocol, bridging the agent and external systems.

What is an MCP server?

The MCP server is the software component that hosts and exposes a set of specialized tools, resources, and prompts to be used by AI agents via the Model Context Protocol. It acts as a bridge between the AI assistant and the external system (like a database, an application's API, or a component registry), providing the actual logic and access layer for the agent.

Key roles of an MCP server include:

• Provides tools: It contains the functional tools (e.g., validate_cloudformation_template, search a registry) that an AI agent can invoke to perform a task.
• Manages access: It handles the connection and communication to the specific external system, often running locally or remotely to maintain security and control.
• Enables generative tasks: It allows the AI assistant to search, analyze, and troubleshoot domain-specific information using natural language prompts.

Learn more: For a comprehensive look at MCP server strategies and best practices, explore our guide to MCP servers.