integrating-mcp skill

---
name: integrating-mcp
description: "Provides comprehensive MCP integration guidance for Claude Code plugins. MUST Use when integrating databases via MCP, setting up MCP servers, or configuring connections. Do not use for API integration, web services, or general database access."
---

# MCP Integration for Claude Code Plugins

Integrate external services into Claude Code plugins using Model Context Protocol (MCP). MCP servers provide secure, structured access to databases, APIs, and other services through a standardized interface.



#### 1. Code Execution Pattern (Recommended)
Instead of direct tool calls, **expose code APIs** rather than tool call definitions:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "code-exec": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-code-exec"],
      "env": {
        "SANDBOX_PATH": "/tmp/sandbox"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

**Benefits:**
- Give Claude a sandbox execution environment with filesystem
- Let Claude write code to make tool calls
- Elegant, prompt-on-demand pattern (similar to skills)
- Reduces token overhead

#### 2. Selective Tool Exposure
Only expose essential tools:

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "minimal-db": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres"],
      "env": {
        "MCP_TOOLS": "query,schema"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

#### 3. Connection Management
- **Pool connections** to reuse
- **Lazy load** servers only when needed
- **Disconnect** inactive servers

---

## Database Integration

### Quick Reference

**1. Choose Database Type and Configure**
- PostgreSQL: `@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres`
- MySQL: `@modelcontextprotocol/server-mysql`
- SQLite: `@modelcontextprotocol/server-sqlite`

**2. Set Environment Variables**
```bash
export POSTGRES_URL="postgresql://user:pass@host:5432/db?sslmode=require"
```

**3. Add to settings.json**
```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "postgres": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres", "${POSTGRES_URL}"]
    }
  }
}
```

---



---

## Resources

### References
- **[references/mcp-configuration.md](references/mcp-configuration.md)**: Master configuration guide.
- **[references/security.md](references/security.md)**: Security best practices.
- **[references/performance.md](references/performance.md)**: Performance tuning.
- **[references/schema-management.md](references/schema-management.md)**: Schema operations.

### Examples
- **[examples/postgres-config.json](examples/postgres-config.json)**: PostgreSQL configuration.
- **[examples/multi-db-config.json](examples/multi-db-config.json)**: Multiple database setup.