Model Context Protocol (MCP)
Build advanced applications using the Model Context Protocol for enhanced AI workflows
Last updated: May 2025
Universal AI Integration Standard
The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that enables seamless integration between AI applications and external data sources, providing a unified way to connect AI models with the tools and information they need.
๐ Resources
Data sources that AI can read from - databases, APIs, file systems
๐ ๏ธ Tools
Actions AI can perform - create files, run queries, send messages
๐ฌ Prompts
Pre-built templates for common workflows and interactions
๐ Why MCP Matters
- โข Standardization: One protocol for all AI integrations
- โข Security: User-controlled permissions and data access
- โข Composability: Mix and match servers for powerful workflows
- โข Open Source: Community-driven, vendor-neutral standard
Popular MCP Servers
Filesystem
Read, write, and navigate local file systems
Capabilities:
Use Case: Local development, file management, documentation
Supabase
Query and manage PostgreSQL databases
Capabilities:
Use Case: Database development, data analysis, backend integration
GitHub
Interact with GitHub repositories and issues
Capabilities:
Use Case: Code review, project management, CI/CD workflows
Brave Search
Web search with privacy-focused results
Capabilities:
Use Case: Research, fact verification, current events
Puppeteer
Browser automation and web scraping
Capabilities:
Use Case: Testing, automation, data extraction
Context7
Access up-to-date library documentation
Capabilities:
Use Case: Development, learning, troubleshooting
MCP Composition Patterns
The real power of MCP emerges when you combine multiple servers together. Here are proven patterns that unlock exponential capabilities through composition.
๐๏ธ Full-Stack Development Stack
Filesystem + Supabase + GitHub + Context7
- โข Filesystem: Read/write project files, create components
- โข Supabase: Query database, update schemas, test queries
- โข GitHub: Create PRs, manage issues, review code
- โข Context7: Access latest Next.js/React documentation
Example workflow: Claude reads your database schema (Supabase), references latest Next.js docs (Context7), creates components (Filesystem), and opens a PR (GitHub) - all autonomously.
๐ Research & Fact Verification Stack
Brave Search + Puppeteer + Filesystem
- โข Brave Search: Find sources and recent information
- โข Puppeteer: Navigate sites, extract data, take screenshots
- โข Filesystem: Save findings, create reports
Example workflow: Claude searches for sources (Brave), visits and extracts specific data (Puppeteer), then compiles a verified report with citations (Filesystem).
๐ Data Pipeline Stack
Puppeteer + Supabase + Filesystem
- โข Puppeteer: Extract data from websites
- โข Supabase: Store structured data in database
- โข Filesystem: Export reports and analytics
Example workflow: Claude scrapes competitor pricing (Puppeteer), stores in normalized tables (Supabase), and generates comparison reports (Filesystem).
๐งช Testing & QA Stack
Puppeteer + Filesystem + GitHub + Supabase
- โข Puppeteer: Run E2E tests, capture screenshots
- โข Supabase: Verify database state after operations
- โข Filesystem: Generate test reports, update snapshots
- โข GitHub: Create issues for failures, comment on PRs
Example workflow: Claude runs UI tests (Puppeteer), verifies data integrity (Supabase), generates coverage reports (Filesystem), and files issues for regressions (GitHub).
๐ก Composition Pro Tip
Start with one MCP server, master its capabilities, then gradually add complementary servers. The most powerful workflows emerge from 3-4 well-chosen servers working together, not from trying to connect everything at once.
Getting Started with MCP
Installation
1. Install Claude Desktop or Claude Code CLI
npm install -g claude-cli
2. Add an MCP server (example: Supabase)
claude mcp add supabase -s project \ -e SUPABASE_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token \ -- npx -y @supabase/mcp-server-supabase \ --project-ref=your_project_ref --read-only
3. Verify installation
claude mcp list
โ ๏ธ Security Best Practices
- โข Start with
--read-onlyflags when possible - โข Use project-level scoping (
-s project) for database servers - โข Never commit access tokens to version control
- โข Regularly audit MCP server permissions with
claude mcp list