Model Context Protocol (MCP)

MCP

Definition

An open standard protocol for connecting Claude to external tools and data sources. Defines a client-server architecture where MCP servers expose tools, resources, and prompts that Claude clients can discover and use. Supports project-scoped (.mcp.json) and user-scoped configurations.

Example Usage

Configure MCP servers in .mcp.json with environment variable expansion for credentials: ${GITHUB_TOKEN}.

Related Concepts

MCP Server Configuration & Scoping

Tool Design & MCP

Use project-scoped .mcp.json for team tools, user-scoped ~/.claude.json for personal tools

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Model Context Protocol (MCP)

Definition

Example Usage

Related Concepts

MCP Server Configuration & Scoping

Related Terms