Evolution of Tool Use and Model Context Protocol in Generative AI

Explore the evolution of tool use in generative AI through this comprehensive 58-minute webinar that traces the progression from basic prompt engineering to advanced Model Context Protocol (MCP) implementations. Learn how AI systems have evolved from simple function calling and structured outputs to sophisticated MCP integrations that fundamentally change how AI interacts with external tools and data sources. Discover the key differences between MCP and traditional API integrations, understand why MCP represents a significant advancement in AI tooling, and gain practical knowledge for building your first MCP server with best practices for implementation. Examine real-world use cases and examples that demonstrate MCP's practical applications, while exploring the competitive landscape of AI workflow approaches including skills, extensions, and emerging technologies. Understand MCP server discovery and architecture patterns, and gain insights into the future direction of the AI ecosystem from an experienced AI product management perspective. Access detailed timestamps for easy navigation through topics, along with supplementary resources including presentation slides, related HashiConf content, and links to Terraform and Vault MCP servers for hands-on exploration.