Comprehensive Report on Model Context Protocol (MCP) with an Introduction to Cursor Rules

Author(s): Don Lim

Originally published on Towards AI.

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Developed by Anthropic to initially help improve how LLMs and machine learning tools work by making it easier for these systems to talk to other programs. Today, MCP is increasingly being adopted in various software development contexts, including AI-assisted coding tools like Cursor.

MCP’s primary function is to standardize and simplify how AI systems interact with external resources such as databases, file systems, and other tools. Think of MCP as a standardized protocol that allows different programs to communicate securely and efficiently.

Meanwhile, Cursor Rules used in an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) called Cursor developed by Anysphere Inc. are configuration files that define how AI should interact with your codebase, providing context-aware assistance. The combination of Cursor Rules and MCP significantly enhances AI-assisted coding by providing context-aware assistance and expanding the AI’s capabilities.

A Screenshot of Cursor Directory Featuring a List of Cursor Rules and MCP Servers

This report explains how MCP is built, its role in managing big software projects, the way its different parts work together, and some advanced features that help optimize performance and security.

MCP Diagram (image by author)

MCP Hosts

These systems manage the flow of information, ensuring everything works securely… Read the full blog for free on Medium.

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Published via Towards AI