Academy starter folder · Proscris Academy

API and MCP Connectors

Understand how an assistant connects to business services, what APIs and MCP do, and how to use a connected source clearly in a session.

Your prepared files are ready

Use this start page in your browser before opening the folder in VS Code. You do not have to write code, run a command, connect an account or submit homework.

The lesson pages contain the complete written explanations and guided activities. These downloaded files give you small examples to inspect later. All business names and records here are fictional.

  1. Extract the ZIP using your normal file manager.
  2. Open the extracted proscris-academy-starter folder in VS Code if you want optional app practice.
  3. Find courses/api-and-mcp-connectors. Start with a prepared file below and follow the matching lesson.

Open this course on Proscris Academy

A familiar working pattern

Describe, use guidance, inspect the resultThree labeled stages show a question, the relevant source or method and a result to review.1. Describe the taskOne useful result2. Use the sourceRelevant guidance3. Review the resultCheck what happened
  1. Describe the task. Name one useful result.
  2. Use the source. Choose relevant information or guidance.
  3. Review the result. Check what happened.

An illustrated learning model, not a live agent connection. Different tools and supported applications handle the mechanics.

Try one small choice here

What does an API provide?

Prepared examples

Markdown files are readable text. A browser may show or download them; open them in VS Code for a familiar editing view.

Your ten short lessons

  1. An API Is a Service Counter for Software
    Understand an API as a defined way for software to request information or actions from a service.
  2. MCP Gives Compatible Agents a Shared Connection Pattern
    Recognize MCP as a shared protocol connecting a compatible AI application with offered tools and information.
  3. Connector, Extension, Plugin or Skill?
    Distinguish the interface, the connection, the editor addition and the reusable working guidance.
  4. Connect the Right Account With the Right Access
    Use the intended account and the access needed for the actual task.
  5. Discover What This Session Can Actually Do
    Check the relevant tools and source available to the current session before promising connected work.
  6. Give the Connector a Useful Question
    Ask a source-specific question with an identifiable record, a useful result and clear limits.
  7. Follow a Read-Only Lookup
    Trace a lookup from a named request through returned information to an accurate summary.
  8. A Draft Is Different From a Live Update
    Keep proposed wording, saved records and external delivery as separate, reviewable stages.
  9. When a Connection Is Missing or Stops Working
    Distinguish connection availability, sign-in, permissions and uncertain outcomes before choosing a next step.
  10. Keep a Connection Map Your Team Can Understand
    Keep a clear map of each connection’s source, account, purpose, available actions and checked result.

Official help when you need it

Download VS Code from Microsoft. The application is a separate official download; this starter kit contains no installers.