Connect tools with clear boundaries.

An introduction to MCP, connection responsibilities and a review checklist for external tools and data.

This is a learning guide. It does not install an MCP server, authorize tools or connect private data. The public directory provides captured listings and source links; it does not connect or execute servers.

What MCP connects

MCP is an open standard for connecting AI applications to external systems, including data sources and tools. Read the official documentation for the current specification and supported capabilities.

Review the connection, not just the protocol

Document what data is exposed, which actions are read-only and which change state. Inspect the server source, authentication boundary, logs and update process. Protocol support is not a security certification or authorization to act.

Start with a bounded integration

Begin with synthetic or public read-only data. Keep credentials out of prompts and source control, and retain explicit approval for writes. Test failure and permission-denied behavior before expanding access.