How to add an MCP server to Claude Code
Claude Code connects to them over stdio (a local process), Streamable HTTP and HTTP+SSE. 123,071 of the 123,071 servers we can write a config for work in it.
A local server
A local server runs on your machine, started by Claude Code from its package. It needs Node.js installed first. For example, Azure MCP Server goes in a terminal:
claude mcp add --transport stdio azure -- npx -y @azure/[email protected] server startA remote server
A remote server runs on its publisher's machines, and Claude Code connects to its address. Nothing needs installing. For example, Context7 goes in a terminal:
claude mcp add --transport http context7 https://mcp.context7.com/mcpWhich servers work in Claude Code
Claude Code can send a key in a header, so the 3,253 servers that need one work in it.
| Runs | Servers | In Claude Code? |
|---|---|---|
| Local (stdio) | 85,196 | Works |
| Remote, Streamable HTTP | 30,911 | Works |
| Remote, Streamable HTTP, key in a header | 3,206 | Works |
| Remote, HTTP+SSE | 3,711 | Works |
| Remote, HTTP+SSE, key in a header | 47 | Works |
If the server does not show up
- A remote server that does not connect
- The environment variables servers ask for
- Claude Code's own MCP documentation
Matches the official docs The configs follow Claude Code's MCP docs, read on 2026-10-31.
Claude Code on plug.directory · Best MCP servers for Claude Code