# What is an MCP Server?

> An MCP server exposes tools, data, and prompts to AI applications over the Model Context Protocol.

Source: https://layerv.ai/glossary/mcp-server/

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# What is an MCP Server?

An MCP server gives an AI application tools it can call, over the Model Context Protocol that Anthropic introduced as an open standard in November 2024\. A client such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, or Cursor starts the server or connects to it, and the model can then call the tools it lists.

A local MCP server is usually a command in the client’s config file, such as an npx package, with any API key passed as an environment variable.

## How qURL Fits

The qURL MCP server gives an agent tools to create, redeem, and revoke access links through the LayerV API, which needs an API key. To share an app running on your own machine, the qURL skill and CLI need no key.

## Related

[Agent Skill](https://layerv.ai/glossary/agent-skill/) [Capability URL](https://layerv.ai/glossary/capability-url/)

[qURL for MCP →](https://layerv.ai/mcp/) [Guide: Give an AI agent access to a local app →](https://layerv.ai/guides/give-an-ai-agent-access-to-a-local-app/)



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*This markdown version is auto-generated from [https://layerv.ai/glossary/mcp-server/](https://layerv.ai/glossary/mcp-server/) for AI agents. Curated agent resources: [llms.txt](https://layerv.ai/llms.txt). For the full interactive experience, visit the HTML version.*