MCP

Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers extend Claude Code with external tools and services, like adding specialized tools to a developer's toolbox.

What MCP Enables

Think of MCP as expanding Claude Code's capabilities beyond its built-in features:

• External Tool Access - Connect to version control, databases, APIs, and specialized services
• Persistent Memory - Remember project context and decisions across sessions
• Custom Integrations - Add domain-specific tools for your workflow
• Enhanced Automation - Coordinate multiple tools for comprehensive development tasks
• Specialized Knowledge - Access tools with expertise in specific technologies or domains

How to Add

Install MCP servers using the claude mcp add-json command:

# Add a server (example with Git server)
claude mcp add-json git '{"command": "uvx", "args": ["mcp-server-git"]}' -s user

# Verify it's installed
claude mcp list

Different servers use different package managers based on their platform (Python, Node.js, etc.).

How to Use

Once installed, MCP servers work automatically in conversations:

# Use natural language - Claude automatically chooses the right tools
"Review my changes and create a commit with a good message"
# → Claude uses Git server to analyze changes and create commit

"Remember we're using PostgreSQL with Redis for caching"  
# → Claude uses Memory server to store architecture decisions

"Find all TODO comments in the codebase"
# → Claude uses file analysis tools to search across files

Quick Example

# Install Git server for version control
claude mcp add-json git '{"command": "uvx", "args": ["mcp-server-git"]}' -s user

# Verify it's working
claude mcp list

# Use it naturally in conversation
"Review my changes and create a commit with a good message"
# → Claude automatically uses the Git server to analyze changes and commit

What This Enables

Version Control Integration:

• Analyze repository changes and create meaningful commits
• Manage branches and coordinate development workflows
• Review code history and track project evolution

Persistent Context:

• Remember architectural decisions across sessions
• Maintain project-specific knowledge and preferences
• Build understanding of codebase patterns over time

Enhanced Analysis:

• Search and analyze large codebases efficiently
• Connect to external services and APIs for data
• Perform complex operations that require specialized tools

Custom Workflows:

• Integrate with your specific technology stack
• Automate domain-specific development tasks
• Coordinate multiple tools for comprehensive automation

Related

• Opinionated Workflow - See MCP servers in action
• Troubleshooting - Solve MCP server issues
• Chat - Use MCP servers through conversation