Introduction to Model Context Protocol
by Anthropic (Anthropic Academy)
Anthropic Academy's free, hands-on intro to building MCP.
Overview
Hosted on Anthropic Academy (Skilljar), this free course teaches developers to build MCP servers and clients from scratch in Python. It centers on MCP's three core primitives: Tools (model-controlled actions), Resources (application-controlled, read-only data), and Prompts (predefined instruction templates). Along the way you learn MCP architecture and communication, building servers with the Python SDK's decorators, defining document-management tools and resources, creating prompts for workflows, and testing and debugging with the MCP Server Inspector in your browser, then integrating a client. It is a first-party, beginner-friendly path (a companion 'MCP: Advanced Topics' course goes deeper into production concerns) and offers a completion certificate.
At a Glance
- Topic
- MCP
- Level
- Beginner
- Format
- Course
- Cost
- Free
- Duration
- ~1-2 hours, self-paced
- Provider
- Anthropic (Anthropic Academy)
- Hands-on
- Yes — code/exercises
- Certificate
- Available
What You’ll Learn
- ✓MCP's three primitives: tools, resources, and prompts
- ✓Building MCP servers with the Python SDK's decorators
- ✓Testing and debugging with the MCP Inspector
- ✓Integrating an MCP client with your server
Highlights
- •Official Anthropic Academy course, free with a certificate
- •Builds a deployable server from scratch in Python
- •Pairs with an advanced follow-on course
Who It’s For
Best For
- ✓Developers new to MCP wanting a first-party intro
- ✓Learners who want an Anthropic certificate
Prerequisites
- •Basic Python
- •Basic understanding of JSON and HTTP
FAQ
What is Introduction to Model Context Protocol?
Anthropic's official free course teaching you to build MCP servers and clients from scratch in Python, centered on the three core primitives. For developers who want a certificate-bearing, first-party introduction.
Is Introduction to Model Context Protocol free?
Introduction to Model Context Protocol is free to access.
What level is Introduction to Model Context Protocol for?
Introduction to Model Context Protocol is aimed at a beginner audience. Recommended background: Basic Python, Basic understanding of JSON and HTTP.
How long does Introduction to Model Context Protocol take?
Expect roughly ~1-2 hours, self-paced. Most learners work through it at their own pace.
What will I learn from Introduction to Model Context Protocol?
You'll learn: MCP's three primitives: tools, resources, and prompts; Building MCP servers with the Python SDK's decorators; Testing and debugging with the MCP Inspector; Integrating an MCP client with your server.