If LLM, RAG, Agents, and MCP sound like alphabet soup… you’re not alone.
Here’s what they actually mean:
- LLM = The Brain
Reasoning, language, answers based on what it learned.
Example: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini
- RAG = The Brain + Library Access
Instead of just memory, it looks stuff up first.
So answers are current + sourced.
Example: “Search our company docs before replying”
- AI Agent = The Brain + Hands + Goals
Doesn’t just talk. It does.
Books meetings. Writes code. Sends emails. Calls APIs.
- MCP = The Nervous System
The standard that lets the Brain talk to all the tools.
Think: USB-C for AI.
Once this clicks, you’ll see why everyone’s obsessed with “Agents” right now.
Save this. You’ll need it next week 👇
Which term was new to you?
