MCP Configuration
claude mcp add — registering a new MCP server
The CLI command for registering a new MCP server, specifying its start command and which scope it should apply to.
Registering a server is a one-time setup step: point claude mcp add at the command that starts the server (often an npx invocation for a published MCP package), and it's available in future sessions without repeating that setup.
Getting the start command exactly right matters more than anything else here — copy it from the server's own documentation rather than guessing at arguments, since a wrong flag is the most common reason a freshly-added server won't connect.
Once added, /mcp confirms whether it actually connects — treat that as the real test, not just the add command succeeding.
claude mcp addFrequently asked questions
What does claude mcp add — registering a new MCP server do in Claude Code?
The CLI command for registering a new MCP server, specifying its start command and which scope it should apply to.
How do I use it?
Try: claude mcp add
Any caveats to know about?
Once added, /mcp confirms whether it actually connects — treat that as the real test, not just the add command succeeding.
Is this covered in the Claude Code Toolkit?
Yes — claude mcp add — registering a new MCP server and patterns like it are part of the full command, hook, and template pack included with a Claude Code Toolkit subscription.
Want the full command, hook, and template pack?
This is one pattern out of the full Claude Code Toolkit — subscribe for the complete set, plus everything we add going forward.
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