> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://wiki.platelunchcollective.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Model Context Protocol (MCP)

> Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard developed by Anthropic that defines how AI models connect to external data sources, tools, and services.

*Technical implementation* · *AI Search Infrastructure*

## Definition

Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard developed by Anthropic that defines how AI models connect to external data sources, tools, and services. It provides a standardized interface for AI systems to retrieve context from databases, APIs, and applications in real time.

## Why It Matters for AI Search

MCP is infrastructure — it is the mechanism that allows AI assistants to reach into external systems to retrieve current, specific information rather than relying solely on training data. As MCP adoption grows, brands with structured, accessible data sources become more retrievable by AI agents operating through MCP-connected tools. Understanding MCP is increasingly relevant for enterprise brands thinking about AI discoverability beyond public web content.

## Related Terms

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Agentic search" href="/ai-search-glossary/agentic-search" />

  <Card title="RAG" href="/ai-search-glossary/rag" />

  <Card title="Retrieval pipeline" href="/ai-search-glossary/retrieval-pipeline" />

  <Card title="AI Crawler" href="/ai-search-glossary/ai-crawler" />

  <Card title="AI Search Ecosystem" href="/ai-search-glossary/ai-search-ecosystem" />
</CardGroup>

## Relevant Plate Lunch Collective Services

[AI SEO](https://www.platelunchcollective.com/services/ai-seo)