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connect-mcp-server

Connect MCP servers to Claude Code via HTTP, stdio, and SSH transports.

Updated Mar 1, 2026
Search Tags:#security#integration#oauth#claude#mcp#http#stdio
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/andy-austin/quipu --skill connect-mcp-server-andy-austin
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: connect-mcp-server
Source: https://github.com/andy-austin/quipu/tree/main/.claude/skills/connect-mcp-server
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/andy-austin/quipu --skill connect-mcp-server-andy-austin

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Integrating external services with Claude Code via the Model Context Protocol is complex and error-prone because it requires choosing the correct transport, handling credentials securely, setting appropriate scopes, and verifying that tools and resources are discoverable and safe to use. This guide centralizes the workflow, configuration formats, authentication patterns, and security checks needed to add and manage MCP servers reliably.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Transport guidance: Clear recommendations for HTTP (remote), stdio (local), and guidance on deprecated SSE usage.
  • Authentication and secrets: Patterns for OAuth, API tokens, and environment variable expansion to avoid committing secrets.
  • Scope and configuration: How to manage local, project (.mcp.json), and user scopes plus enterprise managed configurations and allowlists/denylists.
  • Testing and troubleshooting: Commands and verification steps to confirm server discovery, authentication status, available tools, and common fixes.
  • Use Case: Add a GitHub HTTP MCP server for PR review and a filesystem stdio server for local code access, then verify both in Claude Code and test typical prompts and resource references.

Quick Start

Add a GitHub MCP server over HTTP, authenticate it via OAuth or an environment-backed API token, then open Claude Code and run the MCP status check to verify connected tools and resources.

Frequently Asked Questions about connect-mcp-server

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I connect an MCP server to Claude Code?▼

To connect an MCP server to Claude Code, you configure the server using HTTP for remote services or stdio for local servers, set up authentication like OAuth or API tokens, and verify the connection using the `claude mcp` status command to ensure tools are discoverable.

What is the difference between HTTP and stdio transports for MCP servers?▼

HTTP transports connect Claude Code to remote cloud services and custom APIs, while stdio transports facilitate local server connections for databases and filesystems. The MCP configuration also supports SSE transports, though SSE usage is currently deprecated.

How do I securely manage API tokens and OAuth credentials in MCP configurations?▼

Securely manage MCP credentials by using OAuth patterns or environment variable expansion for API tokens. This approach prevents committing secrets directly into your `.mcp.json` project configuration files and keeps authentication data protected across local and user scopes.

Does Claude Code support project-level MCP server configurations?▼

Yes, Claude Code supports project-level MCP configurations through the `.mcp.json` file. You can manage local, project, and user scopes, apply enterprise managed configurations, and use allowlists or denylists to control server discovery and access.

How can I verify that my MCP server tools are discoverable in Claude Code?▼

Verify MCP server discovery and authentication status by running the `claude mcp` status check command. This confirms connected tools and resources are available, allowing you to test typical prompts and resource references within your Claude Code environment.

Why is my MCP server connection timing out or failing authentication?▼

MCP server connection failures often stem from incorrect authentication setup, invalid API tokens, or exceeding output limits and timeouts. Use the verification commands and troubleshooting steps to confirm authentication status and apply common fixes for discoverability issues.

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