Model Context Protocol (MCP): Build Your Own in 5 Minutes
Blog post from Upstash
The Model Context Protocol (MCP), introduced by Anthropic in 2024, is a standardized protocol that enables AI agents to autonomously interact with external APIs and live data, effectively extending their capabilities to perform tasks like database operations, translations, and more. MCP servers, which can be built by anyone, act as tools that translate natural language commands into actionable operations, allowing AI to execute tasks it couldn't perform independently. For instance, an MCP server can enable an AI to interact with databases or translate text by using specific tools defined within the server. Building an MCP server involves defining tools with parameters using libraries like Zod, and executing operations through API calls. Once set up, these servers can be added to platforms like Cursor to automate tasks such as translations. The protocol has sparked creativity, with applications ranging from animation creation in Blender to database management. Upstash provides an open-source MCP for interacting with Upstash accounts using natural language commands, illustrating the protocol's versatility and potential for monetization.