MCP resource
Also called MCP resources
Data an MCP server offers at an address, such as a database schema or open issues, for an app to read rather than call.
An MCP server can offer 2 different things. Tools are actions the model decides to call: search, update, create. Resources are data with an address, such as a file, a database schema or a summary of open issues, that the app can show the model without the model having to go and find it.
That difference matters for agents that waste their first calls surveying. A catalogue offered as a resource lets the agent see what exists in one read, and keeps its tool calls for the real work.
For example
A database server exposes its schema as a resource, so an agent can read the tables in one go instead of listing and describing them one call at a time.
Put it to use
Where you'll meet MCP resource in ChatGPT, Gemini and Claude, how to use it there, and the mix-up most people make.
Daily Bytes Plus is in the Android app.