Explainer
MCP (Model Context Protocol) for Coding Agents
MCP (Model Context Protocol) is the open standard that lets a coding agent call external tools — GitHub, web search, a browser, your Figma designs. This is the hub: what MCP is, the servers worth adding, how to set one up in any agent, and a categorized directory.
01 / Definition
An MCP server is a small program that exposes tools an agent can call during a task. Instead of only reading files, an agent with MCP can search the web, query GitHub, drive a browser, or pull live docs — whatever servers you connect. MCP is supported natively by Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex CLI, so the same servers work across agents; only the add command differs. The pages below cover the servers, the setup, and a categorized list.
02 / What it does
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Best MCP servers
The curated top servers for coding agents — Context7, GitHub, Playwright, Exa, Desktop Commander — with the exact add command for Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex, verified first-hand.
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Set up any MCP server
The client-agnostic how-to: stdio vs HTTP vs SSE transport, then the exact add command in Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex CLI, plus verification and security.
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MCP server list by category
A categorized directory — docs/context, GitHub & Git, search, browser & testing, terminal, and design — with what each does and how to add it.
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Per-client setup
Detailed guides for Claude Code MCP and OpenCode MCP, plus the Figma MCP server setup for turning designs into code.
04 / Who it's for
- Developers extending a coding agent past file editing — adding web, GitHub, browser, or design tools.
- Teams standardizing a shared MCP toolset across Claude Code, OpenCode, or Codex.
- Anyone who keeps hearing "MCP" and wants the concept plus the practical setup in one place.
05 / Getting started
New to MCP? The concept is above. To act: see the best MCP servers for the curated picks, the MCP server setup guide for the exact commands in your agent, or the categorized server list to browse by need. Per-client and Figma guides are linked too.
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FAQ
- What is an MCP server?
- An MCP (Model Context Protocol) server is a small program that exposes tools — like GitHub access, web search, or browser control — that a coding agent can call during a task. You register it once with your agent and it gains those tools.
- Which MCP server should I add first?
- For most coding agents, Context7 (live, version-pinned library docs) is the highest-value first server. After that, GitHub and a search server like Exa, based on your workflow. Keep your active set to 2-3 — see the best MCP servers page.
- How do I set up an MCP server?
- It depends on transport (stdio vs HTTP/SSE) and agent. Our MCP server setup guide gives the exact add command for Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex CLI, verified first-hand, plus how to verify the connection.
- Do MCP servers work across Claude Code, OpenCode, and Codex?
- Yes — MCP is a shared standard, so the same servers work across agents; only the add command differs (claude mcp add / opencode mcp add / codex mcp add). The setup guide covers each.