Protocol / standardPublic referenceMCP
Model Context Protocol
A standard interface connecting AI applications to tools, resources and external workflows.
THE QUESTION IT ADDRESSES
How can an agent discover and invoke a tool?
A concise reading of published information. The explanatory grouping below is editorial, not an implementation test.
A simplified mechanism
- A server exposes tools and resources.
- An authorized client discovers and invokes supported capabilities.
What it does not establish
MCP does not itself transfer money or approve purchases; a payment integration is still needed.
Where it fits
A tool interface used by commerce and payment products, distinct from MPP.
Sources & further reading
Sources reviewed on2026-10-30. Summaries are paraphrased; follow the current source for changes.