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Part 6: Context as Tool Definitions — MCP

NOTE

Context consumed by tools. As more MCP servers are connected, the context available for actual work decreases.

Why This Matters

When you connect an MCP server, tool definitions (name, parameter schema, description) are injected into the context window every turn. When multiple MCPs are connected, tool definitions alone can consume 20K+ tokens, drastically reducing the context available for actual work.

→ Why: Which Structural Problems Does This Address?

  • Context Rot: The constant consumption of tool definitions puts pressure on context
  • Knowledge Boundary: External knowledge retrieval via MCP reduces dependency on the LLM's internal knowledge

Documentation in This Part

DocumentContent
MCP Context CostThe reality of how many tokens tool definitions consume
Tool Search / Deferred LoadingLazy loading automatically enabled above 10%

Previous: Part 5: On-Demand Context

Next: Part 7: The Layer LLMs Don't See

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