MCP is the “reach” layer. Your other setup layers give Claude context, knowledge, and guardrails — MCP gives Claude hands. Without it, Claude reasons about your project but can’t touch anything outside the repo. With it, the other layers guide how Claude uses that reach. This page covers composition patterns, scoping strategy, and next steps. For how all four layers fit together, see Context Distribution.Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://agentic.proxify.io/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
Composition Patterns
MCP + CLAUDE.md — Directing Reach
MCP + CLAUDE.md — Directing Reach
CLAUDE.md tells Claude when to use which MCP connection and in what order. Without it, Claude has access but no workflow.Three lines transform MCP from “Claude can access Linear” to “Claude reads the ticket, implements against the spec, and links the ticket when opening the PR.” The connection provides the capability; CLAUDE.md provides the sequence.
MCP + Hooks — Guardrailed Reach
MCP + Hooks — Guardrailed Reach
Hooks enforce rules on MCP-powered workflows. MCP opens the door; hooks make sure Claude walks through it correctly.
Stopverifies MCP output — checks that the PR has a description, links the ticket, and CI is green before Claude declares donePreToolUsefor access control — matcher on MCP tools that blocks write operations to production systemsPostToolUsefor audit — logs every MCP interaction for compliance or debugging
MCP + Skills — Informed Reach
MCP + Skills — Informed Reach
Skills teach Claude domain patterns that make MCP tools useful. Without the skill, Claude can query your database. With the skill, Claude knows your conventions.
- Database skill + DB MCP — the skill encodes your migration conventions (timestamped filenames, naming patterns); the MCP reads the current schema. Claude writes migrations that match your existing patterns instead of inventing its own.
- Deployment skill + GitHub MCP — the skill knows your release process; the MCP creates PRs. Claude targets the right branch, adds the right labels and reviewers for your release train.
Scoping Strategy
The official docs explain the three scopes (local, project, user). Here’s when to use each:| Connection | Scope | Why |
|---|---|---|
| GitHub MCP | .mcp.json (project) | Every dev needs it. Commit it. |
| Database (dev) | .mcp.json (project) | Team shares the dev DB connection. |
| Personal Linear/Slack | ~/.claude.json (user) | Tied to personal auth tokens. |
| Experimental servers | Local (default) | Testing — don’t pollute team config. |
Next Steps
- Writing CLAUDE.md — direct how Claude uses its MCP connections
- Composing a Skills Stack — teach domain knowledge that makes MCP tools useful
- Hooks Playbook — enforce guardrails on MCP-powered workflows
- Context Distribution — how all four layers fit together