Explain why MCP exists and how it replaces brittle custom integrations for AI apps
Identify the roles of host, client, server, and the three primitives (tools, resources, prompts)
Describe MCP architecture including local/remote servers, transports, and capability negotiation
Sequence the connection and session flow from launch through context integration
Differentiate tools, resources, and prompts that MCP servers typically expose
Map practical MCP server examples to local, data, and devtools use cases
Apply design tips to avoid common pitfalls such as over-broad tools and missing auth
Who this course is for
Software developers, AI engineers, and agent builders who want AI hosts to securely access external tools, files, and APIs. Basic familiarity with APIs, JSON, and AI application runtimes is helpful; no prior MCP experience required.