Understanding MCP Servers: Connect AI Tools to Your Data
Introduction As AI tools become more powerful, they need secure and standardized ways to access external data sources. The Model Context Protocol (MCP) provides exactly that: a standardized protocol for AI tools to connect with various services and platforms. In this article, we’ll explore what MCP servers are, how they work, and walk through a practical example of connecting Claude Code to GitLab. What is MCP (Model Context Protocol)? The Model Context Protocol is a standardized protocol that enables AI assistants to securely connect with external services and access data. Think of it as a bridge that allows AI tools to interact with APIs, databases, and platforms in a consistent, secure manner. ...