# What is the Master Control Program (MCP)?
The Master Control Program (MCP) is a specification that defines a standard way for AI agents and development tools to communicate with each other. It acts as a universal translator, allowing different systems to work together seamlessly.
## Key Concepts
- **MCP Server**: An application that implements the MCP specification. It exposes a set of tools and resources that can be used by other MCP-enabled applications.
- **Tools**: Functions that can be executed by an MCP server. For example, a tool might create an issue in a bug tracker or search for a document in a knowledge base.
- **Resources**: Data sources that can be accessed through an MCP server. This could be anything from a file on the local system to the response from a third-party API.
## Why is MCP Important?
MCP enables a new level of interoperability between AI agents and developer tools. By providing a standardized communication protocol, it allows for the creation of powerful, integrated workflows that were not previously possible.
For example, an AI coding assistant could use an MCP server to:
- Access documentation from a knowledge base
- Create and update issues in a project management tool
- Search for relevant code snippets in a shared repository
This allows the AI to have a much deeper understanding of the development environment and to perform more complex tasks with greater accuracy.
