27
Lesson 27 · 1 min
MCP: a universal plug for AI
MCP is a shared standard that lets any AI assistant connect to apps and data, like a USB-C port for AI.
For an assistant to read your calendar, search your company wiki or update a spreadsheet, it needs a connection to that app. Building each one by hand was slow.
The Model Context Protocol, or MCP, is an open standard created in 2024 and now supported by most major AI companies and many apps. An app offers an MCP server once, and many AI tools can plug in.
For users, this shows up as connectors or integrations: "connect Google Drive", "connect Notion", "connect GitHub". The AI can then read or act inside that app with your permission.
Only connect apps you trust, and give the least access needed. A connection that can read your email can also be tricked by a bad email.
Do it now
Look at your connectors
- 1.Open the settings of the AI assistant you use most.
- 2.Find the section called connectors, integrations, apps or tools.
- 3.Check what is connected and remove anything you do not use.
Words from this lesson
- MCP
- An open standard that lets AI assistants plug into apps and data sources, like a universal adapter for tools.
- Agent
- An AI system that takes several steps on its own, such as searching, clicking or using apps, to finish a goal you set.
- Prompt injection
- Hidden instructions planted in a web page, email or file that try to hijack an AI reading it.