AI for Builders · Workshop 04

MCP and Tool-Connected AI

A beginner-friendly look at what MCP is, why tool access matters, and how connected tools change the way AI helps with development. The aim is not to turn you into an MCP expert today. It is to help you understand the shift from chatting with an AI to working with an AI that can reach your files, APIs, documentation, and development environment, while you stay in control of every step.

Duration: 45 to 60 minutes
Level: Beginner
Tools: No installation required for the workshop. Optional later: Claude Code or Claude Desktop, an MCP server or two, and a development environment for practice.
Outcome: A practical understanding of MCP and how to use tool-connected AI safely during software development

You will leave with

An MCP Mental Model you can sketch from memory
A Tool-Connected AI Workflow for real tasks
An MCP Safety Checklist before you connect anything
A Tool Evaluation Checklist for deciding what to connect
Example developer scenarios mapped to safe tools
Beginner prompt templates for tool-connected AI