Connector
Also: connectors, integration
A link between an AI app and a service you use, like your email or document store.
The fuller definition
A connector links an application to an external data source or service, usually with specified authentication and permissions.
- Application
Requests information
- Connector
Authenticated bridge
- Service
Enforces accessible resources
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
An assistant can search authorized files through a connected document service.
The distinction that matters
Connecting an account does not guarantee access to every file or permission to change it.
Related terms
MCP — Model Context Protocol
A shared standard that lets AI apps plug into outside tools and data sources in one agreed way.
APIs & softwareAuthorization
Checking what someone who has logged in is allowed to do.
APIs & softwareAPI — Application Programming Interface
A doorway that lets one program talk to another. Apps use an API to send your request to the model and get the answer back.
Where it is taught
Prompts, skills, workflows, and agentsSource and further reading
Anthropic · Building effective agentsThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.