MCP Protocol Version
Industry Definition Set • Entity Resolution Path: /glossary/mcp-protocol-version
Quick Answer / TL;DR
The negotiated version of the Model Context Protocol used for a client-server session, ensuring both sides speak the same dialect.
Key Takeaways
- Negotiated during the initialize handshake.
- Uses semantic versioning.
- Mismatched versions may cause session failure.
- Always specify the supported version in client/server configs.
Definitive Statement: The negotiated version of the Model Context Protocol used for a client-server session, ensuring both sides speak the same dialect.
Technical Context & Protocol Usage
- Detailed Explanation
- MCP uses semantic versioning. During initialization, the client proposes a version and the server responds with its supported version. If they differ, the session may fall back to the lowest common version or fail to establish. Servers and clients should document which MCP versions they support.
Format & Payload Metadata
Format: Semantic version string (e.g., `2024-11-05`)
Latency: Evaluated once at session start
Real-World Implementation Use Case
A client requests MCP version `2024-11-05`; the server supports `2024-11-05` and confirms the session can proceed.
Cite This Page
MLA Style:
MCPserver.in Engineering. "MCP Protocol Version." MCPserver.in Knowledge Hub, 20 July 2026, mcpserver.in/glossary/mcp-protocol-version.
Related Terms
Model Context Protocol (MCP)
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A local-only transport mechanism where the AI client spawns the MCP server as a child process and communicates via standard input (stdin) and standard output (stdout) channels.
SSE Transport (Server-Sent Events)
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