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Model Context Protocol

07 bridge/Community / OSS/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.

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)
VENDOR

More from Community / OSS

Aider

Community / OSS · cli-agent

caution
cli · local · Free (OSS) + your model API costs

Cline

Community / OSS · ide-extension

editor/cli · local · Free (OSS) + model costs; ClinePass $9.99/mo

OpenCode

Community / OSS · cli-agent

cli · local · Free (OSS) + BYOK; Zen PAYG; Go $10/mo

OpenHands

Community / OSS · cli-agent

cli/api/editor · local/cloud · Free OSS self-host; Cloud free tier + $20/mo

LiteLLM

Community / OSS · model-router

api · local/cloud · Free OSS self-host; Enterprise quote-based

Continue

Community / OSS · ide-extension

retired
editor · local · Retired — acquired by Cursor (Jun 2026); OSS core only

Instinct

Community / OSS · bridge

caution
api · local · Free (OSS, MIT)

Agent Network Protocol

Community / OSS · agent-communication

api · local/cloud · Open protocol (free)
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.