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MCP vs Plugins and Extensions: Portability and Tool Discovery

Choosing between MCP servers and traditional plugins/extensions? This educational comparison explains portability across clients, tool discovery, and maintenance overhead. We'll use project management integration as a running example to illustrate the differences.

Understanding the Two Approaches

MCP (Model Context Protocol)

Standardized protocol for AI assistants to access tools. MCP servers provide capabilities that work across multiple clients.

  • Protocol-based
  • Client-agnostic
  • Standardized interface
  • Discoverable tools
  • Remote or local

Plugins/Extensions

Client-specific extensions that add functionality. Each client has its own plugin system and API.

  • Client-specific
  • Custom APIs
  • Platform-dependent
  • Manual discovery
  • Local installation

Portability Across Clients

MCP: Write Once, Use Everywhere

✅ Universal Compatibility

  • Single Implementation: One MCP server works with all MCP clients
  • Standard Protocol: MCP clients speak the same language
  • No Rewrites: Same server works in Cursor, Windsurf, Continue, etc.
  • Future-Proof: New MCP clients automatically support existing servers

Example: Project Management Integration

MCP Approach:

  1. Create one Corcava MCP server
  2. Configure in Cursor → Works immediately
  3. Configure in Windsurf → Works immediately
  4. Configure in Continue → Works immediately
  5. Any new MCP client → Works immediately

Result: One implementation, unlimited clients

Plugins: Write Once Per Client

⚠️ Client-Specific Development

  • Multiple Implementations: Need separate plugin for each client
  • Different APIs: Each client has unique plugin system
  • Rewrites Required: Must adapt code for each platform
  • Platform Lock-in: Tied to specific client ecosystems

Example: Project Management Integration

Plugin Approach:

  1. Create Cursor extension → Works in Cursor only
  2. Create Windsurf extension → Separate codebase
  3. Create Continue extension → Another codebase
  4. New client arrives → Build another extension

Result: Multiple implementations, maintenance overhead

Tool Discovery

MCP: Automatic Discovery

How It Works

  • Server Registration: MCP server registers available tools
  • Client Discovery: Client automatically discovers tools via protocol
  • Tool Listing: AI assistant sees all available tools
  • No Manual Setup: Tools appear automatically when server connects

Example: Corcava MCP

Client connects to Corcava MCP server → Server lists available tools (create_task, update_task, etc.) → AI assistant automatically knows what tools are available

Result: Zero-configuration tool discovery

Plugins: Manual Discovery

How It Works

  • Plugin Installation: User must install plugin manually
  • Configuration: User must configure plugin settings
  • API Integration: Plugin must integrate with client's API
  • Manual Discovery: User must know plugin exists and install it

Example: Cursor Extension

User searches marketplace → Finds Corcava extension → Installs extension → Configures API key → Extension registers with Cursor → Tools become available

Result: Multi-step manual process

Maintenance Overhead

MCP: Single Codebase

✅ Lower Maintenance

  • One Codebase: Maintain single MCP server implementation
  • Protocol Updates: Update server when protocol evolves
  • Client Updates: No changes needed when clients update
  • Bug Fixes: Fix once, works everywhere

Plugins: Multiple Codebases

⚠️ Higher Maintenance

  • Multiple Codebases: Maintain separate plugin for each client
  • API Changes: Must update each plugin when client APIs change
  • Client Updates: May break plugins, requiring fixes
  • Bug Fixes: Must fix in each plugin separately

Feature Comparison

Feature MCP Plugins
Portability ✅ Universal ❌ Client-specific
Tool Discovery ✅ Automatic ⚠️ Manual
Maintenance ✅ Single codebase ⚠️ Multiple codebases
Setup Complexity ✅ Simple ⚠️ Per-client
Future-Proof ✅ Protocol-based ⚠️ Platform-dependent
Remote Support ✅ Native ❌ Local only

✅ = Full support | ⚠️ = Partial support | ❌ = Not available

Getting Started with MCP

Quick Setup Steps

  1. Create a Corcava API key
  2. Add Corcava MCP to your IDE
  3. Tools are automatically discovered
  4. Start using immediately

Related Resources

Corcava MCP Quickstart

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Choose Portability and Discovery

MCP offers universal portability and automatic tool discovery compared to client-specific plugins

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