MCP

Complete MCP guide

Complete guide to the Model Context Protocol (MCP): understand, install, and use MCP servers with Claude Code. From basics to advanced usage.

Publié le 9 mars 2026

What is an MCP?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open protocol created by Anthropic that lets Claude Code connect to external services. It's the universal adapter between Claude Code and the rest of the digital world.

A simple analogy

Imagine Claude Code as a versatile expert locked in a room. MCPs are universal ports you plug between Claude and your tools: your email, your source code, your databases, your browser.

How to install an MCP

Installation takes three steps:

1. Use the dedicated command

claude mcp add filesystem -- npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /home/your-user/projects

2. Configure in settings.json

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "filesystem": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem",
        "/path/to/your/folder"
      ]
    }
  }
}

3. Verify the connection

claude mcp list

# Expected output:
# filesystem: connected
#   Tools: read_file, write_file, list_directory, search_files, ...

Essential MCPs

MCP	Level	Use case
Filesystem	Beginner	Read, write, and explore files
GitHub	Intermediate	Manage PRs, issues, and CI/CD workflows
PostgreSQL / SQLite	Intermediate	Query your databases
Puppeteer / Playwright	Advanced	Automate a web browser
Slack	Beginner	Read and send messages
Gmail	Beginner	Manage your emails

Best practices

Token security

Never commit your tokens to a Git repository. Use environment variables or a secret manager for sensitive information. Prefer global configuration for personal tokens.

Principle of least privilege: grant each MCP only the necessary permissions
Per-project configuration: use .claude/settings.json at the root of each project
Combine MCPs: the real power emerges when Claude chains multiple MCPs together
Document your configurations: add a CLAUDE.md file to explain which MCPs are in use

Next steps

Now that you've mastered MCPs, explore Skills to teach new behaviors to Claude Code, or refine your prompting for optimal results.

Getting started with Claude Code

Skills guide