MCP Client
The component inside an AI application that connects to MCP servers, discovers their tools and resources, and relays calls between the model and the server.
Analogy
Like the plug and cable on a device: it knows how to connect to any standard outlet and carry power back and forth.
Why it matters
The MCP client is the part of an app like Claude Desktop that actually wires the model to your connected servers.
In practice
Claude Desktop acting as an MCP client that loads a configured Slack MCP server.