The Unexpected Universality of Plugin Systems
This blog post was automatically generated (and translated). It is based on the following original, which I selected for publication on this blog:
MCP: An (Accidentally) Universal Plugin System.
The Unexpected Universality of Plugin Systems
Protocols often evolve beyond their initial scope, leading to surprising applications and unexpected network effects. Consider the Model Context Protocol (MCP), initially conceived to enhance AI assistants by connecting them to various data sources and tools. However, the core concept of a standardized way to connect data sources and tools has implications far beyond the realm of AI.
From AI Tool to Universal Connector
The realization that MCP could function independently of AI opens up possibilities for a universal plugin system. Similar to how USB-C has become a versatile port for power, data, and even unexpected functionalities, MCP can serve as a well-defined interface for diverse applications. This paradigm shift mirrors the evolution of NFTs, which transformed from mere image pointers into containers of the image itself.
The Accidental Ecosystem
The proliferation of MCP servers designed for AI inadvertently creates a universal plugin ecosystem. As developers build MCP servers to enable AI to access services like Spotify, other applications can leverage these servers for their own purposes, without requiring direct integration. This creates a collaborative environment where functionality becomes a shared resource.
MCP as a Functional USB-C
Just as USB-C provides a physical interface for various functionalities, MCP offers a functional interface. It moves away from the question of "What is this for?", and focuses on "What can we put here?" This flexibility allows for a dynamic ecosystem where new functionalities can be easily integrated and shared.
Building for the Unexpected
The true potential of MCP lies in its capacity to be used in ways its creators never envisioned. History shows that many successful protocols, such as HTTP, Bluetooth, and USB, have found applications far beyond their initial purpose. This suggests that the most exciting developments in technology often arise from unexpected uses and unforeseen network effects.
As protocols like MCP mature, the question becomes: What unexpected applications will emerge, and how will they reshape the landscape of connected devices and applications? The answer, likely, lies in the ingenuity of developers who dare to explore the boundaries of what's possible.