What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

What is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)? MCP is an open standard, originally introduced by Anthropic, that lets AI assistants connect to external tools and data sources through a consistent interface. Instead of every assistant and service inventing a different integration, an MCP server describes the tools it offers and the inputs they accept.

The reason it exists is practical: agents need structured access to useful information beyond their built-in model knowledge. A connected server can let an assistant search, retrieve or act on current data while keeping the integration explicit.

directree is one real example. Its public MCP server lets compatible assistants search software listings, retrieve tool facts, compare tools and list categories. Read the connection details at https://www.directree.io/mcp.