Model Context Protocol (MCP) Fundamentals

Module 5: Connecting to and exploring MCP servers

• Understanding how an MCP client is configured to connect to a server
• Discovering the tools, resources, and prompts exposed by a server
• Reading names, descriptions, parameters, and schemas to understand available capabilities
• Testing simple interactions and interpreting successful and unsuccessful responses

Module 6: Understanding a simple MCP server

• Reviewing the basic structure and responsibilities of an MCP server
• Defining a simple tool with clearly described inputs and outputs
• Exposing a simple resource or reusable prompt
• Understanding how an MCP SDK reduces the amount of protocol handling required by developers

Module 7: Designing useful MCP capabilities

• Translating a business or application requirement into a suitable MCP capability
• Writing clear tool names, descriptions, parameters, and expected outputs
• Keeping individual tools focused and understandable
• Distinguishing read only information access from actions that can change external systems

Module 8: Security, responsible use, and next steps

• Understanding that MCP access does not automatically make every connected operation safe
• Considering authentication, permissions, least privilege, and sensitive data access
• Applying human confirmation and appropriate controls to actions with meaningful side effects
• Building a practical checklist for evaluating and planning future MCP integrations