Dictionary term
MCP Client
Agentic AIIntermediate
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.
In plain English
The part of an AI app that connects to MCP servers, finds out what they can do, and passes the AI's requests to them.
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.
Related terms
Sources
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