Definition
Plain language
A standard way for AI agents to call external tools and get structured results back.
As stated in the literature
A 2024 standard that defines how LLM agents invoke external tools and consume their structured responses in agentic systems.
Also called: MCP
Why it matters: A shared protocol means any compliant agent can use any compliant tool, instead of every pair needing a custom integration.
For example, an agent uses MCP to call a calendar tool and receives a structured list of upcoming events back.
Heard on the show
“The Model Context Protocol — think of it as a universal adapter, a USB-C port for AI tools.”Episode 208 — The Blank Space in Your AI Approval Box That Isn't Empty