Title: MCP Adapter
Author: Pascal Birchler
Published: 17 July 2025
Last modified: 16 July 2025

---

 [  ](https://profiles.wordpress.org/swissspidy/) [Pascal Birchler](https://profiles.wordpress.org/swissspidy/)
9:00 am _on_ 17 July 2025     
Tags: [ai building blocks ( 7 )](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/tag/ai-building-blocks/)

# MCP Adapter

This is part of the **[AI Building Blocks for WordPress](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/2025/07/17/ai-building-blocks)**
initiative. The main projects are PHP AI Client SDKPHP AI Client SDK A platform-
agnostic library providing unified access to LLMs and embedding models from any 
major AI provider. Developed collaboratively with the PHP community. The WordPress
AI Client SDK is the WordPress-specific package that adds REST API endpoints, API
key management, and integrations through `AI_Client::prompt()`., Abilities APIAbilities
API A core WordPress API (introduced in 6.9) that creates a central registry of 
capabilities, making WordPress functions discoverable and accessible to AI agents,
automation tools, and developers. Transforms WordPress from isolated functions into
a unified system., MCP AdapterMCP Adapter Translates WordPress abilities into Model
Context Protocol format, allowing AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT to discover
and invoke WordPress capabilities as tools, resources, and prompts., and the AI 
Experiments PluginAI Experiments Plugin WordPress's AI laboratory bringing all building
blocks together. Serves as both a user tool and developer reference implementation.
First release (v0.1.0) includes Title Generation experiment..

## Introduction

[Model Context Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/) (MCP) is an open protocol
that standardizes how applications provide context to LLMs. In WordPress, the MCP
Adapter ([GitHub](https://github.com/WordPress/mcp-adapter)) implements this open
standard, exposing Abilities to AI assistants, while also connecting to other MCP
servers.

MCP’s applications are transformative for various users. Content creators can manage
their WordPress sites conversationally, while developers can automate complex workflows
across systems. Agencies can build sophisticated integrations, from content migrationMigration
Moving the code, database and media files for a website site from one server to 
another. Most typically done when changing hosting companies. to performance optimization.

Consider a typical workflow: an AI assistant receives a request to publish a blog
post. Through MCP, it can research topics using external tools, generate content,
create images, optimize for SEO, and schedule publication. This entire process happens
via natural conversation, respecting permissions and requiring approval when configured.

## Two-Way Communication

WordPress can operate as both an MCP serverMCP Server Exposes tools, resources, 
and prompts according to Model Context Protocol specification. WordPress can run
multiple MCP servers with different configurations. and client, exposing its functionality
and connecting to other tools within the MCP ecosystem. This bidirectional functionality
allows major AI applications and assistants to discover and directly execute actions
on your WordPress site.

As an MCP server, WordPress makes its capabilities registered via the Abilities 
API available as MCP tools and resources. AI assistants can discover, understand,
and execute actions like creating posts, managing media, and moderating comments,
all through the standardized protocol.

As an MCP clientMCP Client AI agents, IDEs, or assistants that connect to MCP servers
to access capabilities., WordPress can integrate with other MCP servers. Your site(
though an embedded Agent, [REST API](https://developer.wordpress.org/rest-api/),
[WP-CLI](https://wp-cli.org/), PHPPHP PHP (recursive acronym for PHP: Hypertext 
Preprocessor) is a widely-used open source general-purpose scripting language that
is especially suited for web development and can be embedded into HTML. [https://www.php.net/manual/en/index.php](https://www.php.net/manual/en/index.php)
functions…) could leverage AI writing tools for content, specialized services for
data analysis, or project management systems, becoming an active participant in 
a network of interconnected capabilities.

To start, we will focus on building the server side of the MCP Adapter.

## Flexible Transport and Security

As an MCP server, WordPress supports the Streamable HTTPHTTP HTTP is an acronym 
for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol. HTTP is the underlying protocol used by the World
Wide Web and this protocol defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and
what actions Web servers and browsers should take in response to various commands.
transport via the existing REST APIREST API The REST API is an acronym for the RESTful
Application Program Interface (API) that uses HTTP requests to GET, PUT, POST and
DELETE data. It is how the front end of an application (think “phone app” or “website”)
can communicate with the data store (think “database” or “file system”) [https://developer.wordpress.org/rest-api/](https://developer.wordpress.org/rest-api/)
as well as the stdio transport via WP-CLIWP-CLI WP-CLI is the Command Line Interface
for WordPress, used to do administrative and development tasks in a programmatic
way. The project page is [http://wp-cli.org/](http://wp-cli.org/) [https://make.wordpress.org/cli/](https://make.wordpress.org/cli/).
This ensures compatibility with the wider MCP ecosystem and enables compatibility
with local development.

For security, the MCP adapter will leverage the built-in application password mechanism
for authentication and the capabilities system for granular authorization. When 
acting as a MCP Client, we plan for WordPress to implement common user approval 
controls.

## Building for Tomorrow

MCP is a rapidly evolving protocol. The WordPress MCP implementation is designed
for adaptability, ensuring it can accommodate future changes and emerging standards.
This is achieved through the underlying [Abilities API](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/2025/07/17/abilities-api),
which represents WordPress functionality in a standard-agnostic way. The MCP adapter
translates this functionality into MCP’s format, but other adapters could be developed
for different protocols as they emerge.

This approach future-proofs WordPress for an AI-driven world. It allows for quick
adaptation to new AI systems and protocols without requiring a restructuring of 
coreCore Core is the set of software required to run WordPress. The Core Development
Team builds WordPress. functionality.

## Getting Started

The MCP Adapter requires the Abilities API to expose WordPress functionality and
works seamlessly with the PHP Client SDK and AI Experiments Plugin. Whether you’re
connecting your site to AI assistants, building AI-powered applications, or contributing
to development, join us in [#core-ai](https://wordpress.slack.com/) on SlackSlack
Slack is a Collaborative Group Chat Platform [https://slack.com/](https://slack.com/).
The WordPress community has its own Slack Channel at [https://make.wordpress.org/chat/](https://make.wordpress.org/chat/)
or explore the [MCP adapter code](https://github.com/WordPress/mcp-adapter).

The future of WordPress is one where sites and AI assistants work together as partners.
The MCP Adapter is making that future possible today.

[#ai-building-blocks](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/tag/ai-building-blocks/)

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### _Related_

 1. ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ce422ec580905252fc2031787da6f0e0fbbd7041464ebe0632eb9131f6f40af?
    s=32&d=mm&r=g)
 2.  [zitnalta](https://profiles.wordpress.org/zitnalta/)  3:44 pm _on_ 24 October 
    2025
 3. Hi, can someone from your team talk about this to my Chicago WordPress MeetupMeetup
    All local/regional gatherings that are officially a part of the WordPress world
    but are not WordCamps are organized through [https://www.meetup.com/](https://www.meetup.com/).
    A meetup is typically a chance for local WordPress users to get together and share
    new ideas and seek help from one another. Searching for ‘WordPress’ on meetup.com
    will help you find options in your area. Group? I would like to schedule a virtual
    meetup via Zoom on this topic. Thanks
 4. Danté Hamilton, Founder
     Chicago WordPress Meetup Group
 5. Loading...
 6.  * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c95de1e6c222121175c2c0dddf4631d2ea45704938f53332d12710379c6153e6?
       s=32&d=mm&r=g)
     *  [Jeffrey Paul](https://profiles.wordpress.org/jeffpaul/)  3:01 pm _on_ 29 October
       2025
     * Danté – are you asking specifically about the MCP AdapterMCP Adapter Translates
       WordPress abilities into Model Context Protocol format, allowing AI assistants
       like Claude and ChatGPT to discover and invoke WordPress capabilities as tools,
       resources, and prompts. or all of the AI Building Blocks (e.g. Abilities APIAbilities
       API A core WordPress API (introduced in 6.9) that creates a central registry
       of capabilities, making WordPress functions discoverable and accessible to AI
       agents, automation tools, and developers. Transforms WordPress from isolated
       functions into a unified system., MCP Adapter, PHPPHP PHP (recursive acronym
       for PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor) is a widely-used open source general-purpose
       scripting language that is especially suited for web development and can be 
       embedded into HTML. [https://www.php.net/manual/en/index.php](https://www.php.net/manual/en/index.php)/
       WP AI Client SDK, AI Experiments pluginAI Experiments Plugin WordPress's AI 
       laboratory bringing all building blocks together. Serves as both a user tool
       and developer reference implementation. First release (v0.1.0) includes Title
       Generation experiment.)?
     * Loading...
        - ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/4ce422ec580905252fc2031787da6f0e0fbbd7041464ebe0632eb9131f6f40af?
          s=32&d=mm&r=g)
        -  [zitnalta](https://profiles.wordpress.org/zitnalta/)  11:43 pm _on_ 31 October
          2025
        - Hi Jeffrey! Thanks for your reply. Honestly, I don’t really know. I am still
          trying to wrap my head around MCP ServerMCP Server Exposes tools, resources,
          and prompts according to Model Context Protocol specification. WordPress 
          can run multiple MCP servers with different configurations.. I think I need
          to learn more about ALL of the AI Building Blocks and then I can answer you.
        - I am open to a recommendation if you have one?
        - Interestingly, I just finished watching the “[WooCommerce MCP Beta: AI Store Management with Model Context](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBqTPImSSxQ)”
          on the WooCommerce YouTube Channel and that was the clearest explanation 
          of what MCP can do that I have seen so far.
        - Something like how the MCP context was provided in this WooCommerce related
          video would be great.
        - Thanks
        - Loading...
           * ![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/c95de1e6c222121175c2c0dddf4631d2ea45704938f53332d12710379c6153e6?
             s=32&d=mm&r=g)
           *  [Jeffrey Paul](https://profiles.wordpress.org/jeffpaul/)  5:38 pm _on_
             2 November 2025
           * Danté – if you’ve not yet read the overarching [AI Building Blocks for WordPress post](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/2025/07/17/ai-building-blocks/)
             as well as the ones linked there to the individual building blockBlock
             Block is the abstract term used to describe units of markup that, composed
             together, form the content or layout of a webpage using the WordPress 
             editor. The idea combines concepts of what in the past may have achieved
             with shortcodes, custom HTML, and embed discovery into a single consistent
             API and user experience. posts, then that’s a great place to start. Subscribing
             to this [Make/AI blog](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/) so that you can
             follow along and stay current will also be helpful.
           * Loading...

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# Post navigation

[← AI Building Blocks for WordPress](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/2025/07/17/ai-building-blocks/)

[Abilities API →](https://make.wordpress.org/ai/2025/07/17/abilities-api/)