Model Context Protocol integration

What this post added

This post introduces and details the integration of the Model Context Protocol (MCP) into the GitLab Duo Agent Platform. It explains MCP as an open standard for connecting AI with data and tools, enabling secure two-way communication. GitLab now supports MCP as both a client (allowing Duo features to access external services) and a server (allowing external AI tools to access GitLab data). The post outlines the setup and configuration for MCP clients, including enabling feature previews and defining MCP servers in `mcp.json`. It provides example prompts and a demo project to illustrate how AI can access GitLab data like issues, merge requests, and Slack discussions to assist developers. The MCP server capabilities within GitLab are also detailed, including support for issues, merge requests, pipelines, work item notes, and search functionalities, with authentication handled via OAuth 2.0.