Learning path
Getting Started with Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Skill Level
Introductory
Duration 1 hour 20 minutes
Updated Jul 28, 2026
About this learning path
Model Context Protocol (MCP) is quickly becoming the standard way AI applications connect to external tools and data. In this learning path, you'll develop a practical understanding of what MCP is, why it was created, and how it works.
You'll begin by exploring the integration problem MCP solves and why an open standard matters. From there, you'll learn how MCP is structured, including the roles of hosts, clients, and servers.
Next, you'll examine the core building blocks that MCP servers expose: tools, resources, and prompts. You'll learn who controls each primitive, how it is used, and when to choose one over another.
By the end of the learning path, you'll be ready to explain MCP, evaluate where it fits, and apply it to your own AI projects.
Your instructors
Prerequisites
- Understanding of Large language Models at a working level.
- Knowledge of client–server and API concepts.
- Basic understanding of AI agents, tool use, and RAG at a conceptual level. Enough to know that LLMs are increasingly connected to external tools and data.
What you'll learn
- What the Model Context Protocol (MCP) is and the integration problem it was created to solve.
- Understand the roles of the three MCP participants and how they relate to one another.
- The three core primitives an MCP server exposes.
- How a typical MCP interaction flows, from connection and capability negotiation through capability use.