AI and MCP: A New Breakthrough in Liberating Productivity

The emergence of artificial intelligence has brought about tremendous changes for humanity. It not only enhances work efficiency but also significantly improves the quality of work across various industries. However, the current large language model (LLM) still has some limitations, such as requiring frequent conversations to obtain useful advice, and users still need to implement these suggestions themselves. This is still a certain distance from the ideal state of truly utilizing AI to assist us in our work.

However, the emergence of a new technology may change this situation. By conversing with AI, users can achieve functions such as automatic email replies, report writing, and even automated trading. This technology is the current focus of attention in the AI field, MC.

Definition and Working Principle of MCP

MCP( Model Context Protocol ) is a standardized protocol released by Anthropic in November 2024, aimed at addressing the issue where AI models can only "speak" but cannot "act." It consists of three parts:

• Model: refers to various large AI language models
• Context: Additional information or external tools provided to the model.
• Protocol: A general, standardized specification or interface

The core of MCP lies in establishing a unified standard that enables AI not only to engage in conversations but also to directly manipulate external tools to accomplish various tasks.

Traditional LLMs like ChatGPT can only perform "text input and text output" interactions. The emergence of MCP allows AI to read local files, connect to remote databases, and even directly operate specific web services. This means that AI is no longer limited to text output but can help complete many repetitive or procedural tasks.

The operation of MC involves three main components:

1. MCP Host: Responsible for managing and coordinating the operation of the entire MCP.
2. MCP Client: Receives user requirements and communicates with the AI model
3. MCP Server: Provides functionalities that can be used by AI, such as reading databases, sending emails, etc.

The Importance of MCP

1. Build a bridge between AI and external tools

MCP breaks through the limitation of LLM, which can only use pre-trained data, allowing AI to access real-time updated information.

2. Standardization and Universality

MCP provides a unified standard for the interaction between AI and external tools, avoiding the problem of redundant development.

3. From passive response to active execution

MCP enables AI to determine the execution of instructions based on the actual situation and to proceed with the next steps based on feedback results.

4. Security and Control

MCP controls data access through permissions and API key management, ensuring that sensitive information does not leak.

Differences Between MCP and AI Agent

The AI Agent is an AI system that can automate specific tasks, while MCP is a protocol. MCP provides standardized tool interfaces for the AI Agent, enabling it to operate more efficiently. The combination of the two allows the AI to know how to act and find the appropriate tools to execute tasks.

MCP Project in the Cryptocurrency Field

1. Base MCP: Allows AI applications to interact with the Base blockchain, enabling users to deploy contracts or conduct lending operations through natural language conversations.

2. Flock: A decentralized AI training platform that provides Web3 proxy models, enabling AI-driven blockchain tasks to run locally.

3. LYRAOS: A multi-AI Agent operating system that allows AI Agents to interact directly with the Solana blockchain, executing cryptocurrency transactions and other operations.

Summary

Although MCP shows great potential in the Web3 field, there are still few successful cases at present. This may stem from factors such as immature technology integration, security risks, and user habits. While the combination of MCP and blockchain has broad prospects, it still faces the dual challenges of technical barriers and market pressure.

In the future, if security mechanisms can be improved, user experience optimized, and truly innovative applications developed, "Web3 + MCP" is expected to break through the limitations of hype topics and become the mainstream narrative of a new round. However, this process will require time and continuous technological innovation.