# Model Context Protocol [07 bridge](https://www.agentlist.io/categories/bridge)/[Community / OSS](https://www.agentlist.io/ai/community)/ACTIVE/aka MCP, Model Context Protocol Model Context Protocol is an open protocol for connecting agents and IDEs to tools and data sources through MCP servers. - [MCP tools](https://www.agentlist.io/capabilities/mcp) - [Tool calling](https://www.agentlist.io/capabilities/tool-calling) - [API-native](https://www.agentlist.io/capabilities/api-native) SEC.01 ## What it does - 01Standardized tools and resources - 02Large server ecosystem - 032026-07-28 spec: stateless core, Extensions, Tasks, MCP Apps - 04Supported across Cursor, Claude Code, Cline, and more SEC.02 ## Who it's for The common tool-bridge layer across most entries in this catalog. PRICING ## Pricing Open protocol (free). List prices as checked against the vendor's pricing page on 2026-09-25; plans change often, so confirm before deciding. caveat · before you adopt The 2026-07-28 revision is the largest since launch and introduces a 12-month deprecation policy; check server/client compatibility. ALT ## Other bridge protocols (1) [Instinct Community / OSS · bridge caution api · local · Free (OSS, MIT)](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/instinct) VENDOR ## More from Community / OSS [Aider Community / OSS · cli-agent caution cli · local · Free (OSS) + your model API costs](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/aider) [Cline Community / OSS · ide-extension editor/cli · local · Free (OSS) + model costs; ClinePass $9.99/mo](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/cline) [OpenCode Community / OSS · cli-agent cli · local · Free (OSS) + BYOK; Zen PAYG; Go $10/mo](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/opencode) [OpenHands Community / OSS · cli-agent cli/api/editor · local/cloud · Free OSS self-host; Cloud free tier + $20/mo](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/openhands) [LiteLLM Community / OSS · model-router api · local/cloud · Free OSS self-host; Enterprise quote-based](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/litellm) [Continue Community / OSS · ide-extension retired editor · local · Retired — acquired by Cursor (Jun 2026); OSS core only](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/continue) [Instinct Community / OSS · bridge caution api · local · Free (OSS, MIT)](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/instinct) [Agent Network Protocol Community / OSS · agent-communication api · local/cloud · Open protocol (free)](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/anp) FAQ ## Frequently asked ### What is Model Context Protocol? Model Context Protocol is an open protocol for connecting agents and IDEs to tools and data sources through MCP servers. ### Who is Model Context Protocol for? The common tool-bridge layer across most entries in this catalog. ### How much does Model Context Protocol cost? Open protocol (free). List prices as checked against the vendor's pricing page on 2026-09-25; plans change often, so confirm before deciding. ### Does Model Context Protocol run locally or in the cloud? Model Context Protocol runs locally on your machine and in the vendor's cloud. Its interfaces are an API or protocol. ### What are alternatives to Model Context Protocol? Other bridge protocol entries in the catalog: Instinct. Different categories solve the same problem differently — see the Bridges, brokers & protocols category page for tradeoffs. ### What should I know before adopting Model Context Protocol? The 2026-07-28 revision is the largest since launch and introduces a 12-month deprecation policy; check server/client compatibility. Spec sheet **Name**: Model Context Protocol **Vendor**: [Community / OSS](https://www.agentlist.io/ai/community) **Category**: [Bridges, brokers & protocols](https://www.agentlist.io/categories/bridge) **Interfaces**: api **Hosting**: local · cloud **Pricing**: Open protocol (free) **Status**: actively maintained **Integrates**: - [VS Code](https://www.agentlist.io/integrations/vscode) - [GitHub](https://www.agentlist.io/integrations/github) **Speaks**: - [MCP (Model Context Protocol)](https://www.agentlist.io/transports/mcp) **Aliases**: MCP, Model Context Protocol **Record ID**: `sys://community/mcp` **Verified**: [2026-09-25](https://www.agentlist.io/changelog) Sources - [↗ modelcontextprotocol.io](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) - [↗ blog.modelcontextprotocol.io/posts/2026-07-28/](https://blog.modelcontextprotocol.io/posts/2026-07-28/) - [↗ github.com/modelcontextprotocol/specification](https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/specification) Catalog entries are editorial records, not paid placements or endorsements. Pricing and status are approximate as of the seed date. --- Source: [Model Context Protocol — BRIDGE-PROTOCOL by Community / OSS | agentlist.io](https://www.agentlist.io/systems/mcp). This is the public page rendered as Markdown; interactive controls require the website.