MCPSkill
MCP and Skill MarketMCP vs Skill
Guide

Glossary

The words that keep appearing while you learn MCP and Skills, with short beginner definitions.

MCP terms

ClientThe app or runtime that discovers and uses capabilities.
ServerThe process or service that exposes capabilities.
ToolA callable action with a structured input and result.
ResourceReadable context that the agent can inspect.
PromptA reusable template that shapes common interactions.
SchemaThe shape of allowed input or output fields.

Skill terms

SKILL.mdThe main instruction file for a Skill.
ActivationThe moment the agent decides the Skill should be loaded.
ReferencesExtra reading loaded only when needed.
AssetsTemplates or files the Skill reuses.
ScriptsExecutable helpers that make output deterministic.
CatalogThe short name and description shown before activation.

Learning terms

1
Progressive disclosure

Show only the small amount of information needed at each step.

2
Capstone

The final practical task that proves the learner can connect the ideas.

3
Validation

Testing the structure or behavior before trusting the result.