Top 10 Essentail MCP Servers for Claude Code (2025 Developer Version)

Discover the top 10 MCP servers for Claude Code in 2025, including GitHub, Apidog, and PostgreSQL. Learn how these servers boost productivity, automate tasks, and streamline workflows with step-by-step setup guides.

Ashley Innocent

Ashley Innocent

9 July 2025

Top 10 Essentail MCP Servers for Claude Code (2025 Developer Version)

Developers demand tools that streamline workflows, boost productivity, and integrate seamlessly with AI assistants. Claude Code, Anthropic’s command-line tool, empowers developers to delegate coding tasks directly from the terminal. However, its true potential shines when paired with Model Context Protocol (MCP) servers. These servers act as bridges, connecting Claude Code to external tools, APIs, and data sources, enabling real-time interactions with systems like GitHub, databases, and web browsers. By leveraging MCP servers, developers can automate repetitive tasks, access live data, and enhance code efficiency without leaving their coding environment.

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What Is the Model Context Protocol (MCP)?

The Model Context Protocol (MCP), developed by Anthropic, standardizes communication between AI models like Claude and external systems. Think of MCP as a universal adapter, enabling Claude Code to interact with tools, databases, and services through a structured interface. MCP servers expose specific functionalities—such as file operations, web automation, or API calls—as tools or resources that Claude Code can access. This modularity allows developers to customize their AI assistant’s capabilities without extensive reconfiguration.

MCP operates through three components:

By integrating MCP servers, Claude Code transcends its role as a text-based assistant, becoming a dynamic tool for automation, debugging, and project management. Now, let’s explore the top 10 MCP servers that elevate Claude Code’s capabilities.

1. GitHub MCP Server: Streamline Version Control

The GitHub MCP server connects Claude Code to GitHub’s REST API, enabling seamless interaction with repositories. Developers can instruct Claude Code to read issues, manage pull requests, trigger CI/CD workflows, or even analyze commits without leaving the terminal. For instance, a developer can say, “Check the repository for issues related to authentication,” and Claude Code retrieves relevant data instantly.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Install Node.js and run npm install @composio/mcp@latest.
  2. Execute npx @composio/mcp@latest setup github --client claude in your terminal.
  3. Authenticate via OAuth in Claude Code’s settings by editing claude_desktop_config.json.
  4. Restart Claude Code to activate the server.

Use Case

A developer debugging a regression bug can ask Claude Code to “pull the commit that introduced the bug” and receive the exact changeset, saving hours of manual searching.

2. Apidog MCP Server: Simplify API Development

The Apidog MCP server integrates Claude Code with API documentation, enabling developers to query API specs, test endpoints, and generate client code directly from the terminal. Apidog’s intelligent parsing ensures Claude Code understands API structures, making it ideal for developers working on API-driven projects.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Open Claude Code’s settings and navigate to the MCP tab.
  2. Add the Apidog MCP server configuration to mcp.json:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "apidog": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["index.js"],
      "url": "https://api.apidog.com/mcp"
    }
  }
}
  1. Replace placeholders with your Apidog access token and project ID.
  2. Test the connection by asking Claude Code to “fetch Apidog API specs.”

Use Case

When building a RESTful service, a developer can ask Claude Code to “generate a Python client for the Apidog API,” receiving ready-to-use code that adheres to the API’s schema.

3. File System MCP Server: Manage Local Files

The File System MCP server enables Claude Code to read, write, and edit local files, making it a cornerstone for project management. Developers can instruct Claude Code to modify scripts, analyze logs, or organize directories without manual intervention.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers.git.
  2. Navigate to the src/filesystem directory and install dependencies: npm install.
  3. Configure claude_desktop_config.json with the server’s path.
  4. Restart Claude Code and test by asking, “List all Python files in the current directory.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “update the README.md with a new section,” and the server will append the content directly to the file.

4. Sequential Thinking MCP Server: Enhance Problem-Solving

The Sequential Thinking MCP server equips Claude Code with structured problem-solving capabilities. It breaks complex tasks into logical steps, ideal for architectural design or large-scale refactoring.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Install the server: npm install -g @modelcontextprotocol/server-sequential-thinking.
  2. Add to claude_desktop_config.json:
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "sequential-thinking": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": ["sequential-thinking.js"]
    }
  }
}
  1. Restart Claude Code and test with, “Break down the steps to refactor this module.”

Use Case

When redesigning a microservices architecture, a developer can ask Claude Code to “outline the steps to decouple this service,” receiving a detailed plan with actionable steps.

5. Puppeteer MCP Server: Automate Web Interactions

The Puppeteer MCP server enables Claude Code to control web browsers for tasks like scraping, testing, or automating workflows. It leverages Puppeteer’s APIs to navigate pages, take screenshots, or interact with elements.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Install Puppeteer: npm install puppeteer.
  2. Clone the Puppeteer MCP repository and install dependencies.
  3. Configure Claude Code with the server’s URL and restart.
  4. Test by asking, “Take a screenshot of this webpage.”

Use Case

A developer testing a web app can ask Claude Code to “click the login button and verify the redirect,” automating the process and receiving a report on the outcome.

6. PostgreSQL MCP Server: Query Databases Naturally

The PostgreSQL MCP server allows Claude Code to query databases using natural language, simplifying data operations for developers unfamiliar with SQL syntax.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/servers.git.
  2. Navigate to src/postgres and install dependencies.
  3. Configure the server with your database credentials in claude_desktop_config.json.
  4. Test by asking, “Fetch all users from the database.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “summarize sales data from the past month,” receiving a formatted report without writing complex SQL queries.

7. Notion MCP Server: Boost Productivity

The Notion MCP server connects Claude Code to Notion, enabling developers to fetch documents, update tasks, or integrate project requirements into their coding workflow.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Run npx @composio/mcp@latest setup notion --client claude.
  2. Complete OAuth authentication in Claude Code’s settings.
  3. Test by asking, “Fetch the product requirements from Notion.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “add a new task to Notion for code review,” streamlining project management without leaving the terminal.

8. Memory Bank MCP Server: Retain Context

The Memory Bank MCP server provides persistent memory for Claude Code, ensuring context retention across sessions. It’s ideal for managing large codebases or tracking decisions.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/modelcontextprotocol/server-memory.git.
  2. Install dependencies and configure the server.
  3. Add to claude_desktop_config.json and restart Claude Code.
  4. Test by asking, “Recall the last file I edited.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “resume work on the last module I edited,” and the server retrieves the relevant context instantly.

9. Figma MCP Server: Design-to-Code Workflow

The Figma MCP server bridges Claude Code with Figma, enabling developers to translate design files into code or generate UI components directly from the terminal.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Run npx @composio/mcp@latest setup figma --client claude.
  2. Authenticate via OAuth and configure in Claude Code.
  3. Test by asking, “Generate HTML for this Figma design.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “convert this Figma layout to React components,” receiving production-ready code tailored to the design.

10. Zapier MCP Server: Automate Cross-App Workflows

The Zapier MCP server connects Claude Code to Zapier, enabling automation across multiple apps like Slack, Gmail, or Trello. It’s perfect for developers managing complex workflows.

Why It’s Essential

Setup Process

  1. Run npx @composio/mcp@latest setup zapier --client claude.
  2. Authenticate with Zapier and configure in Claude Code.
  3. Test by asking, “Create a Slack notification for new GitHub issues.”

Use Case

A developer can ask Claude Code to “send a Slack message when a new PR is opened,” automating team communication effortlessly.

Choosing the Right MCP Server for Your Workflow

Selecting the right MCP server depends on your project needs. Consider these factors:

Test servers with simple prompts to ensure compatibility with Claude Code. Always secure sensitive data by restricting server access to specific directories or APIs.

Tips to Maximize MCP Server Performance

To get the most out of MCP servers with Claude Code:

Why MCP Servers Matter for Claude Code in 2025

MCP servers transform Claude Code into a dynamic, context-aware assistant capable of interacting with real-world tools and data. By integrating servers like GitHub, Apidog, and PostgreSQL, developers can automate tasks, streamline workflows, and focus on building rather than switching between tools. The modularity of MCP ensures new servers are continuously developed, keeping Claude Code adaptable to evolving needs.

Whether you’re managing repositories, querying databases, or automating web tasks, these top 10 MCP servers empower Claude Code to deliver unparalleled productivity. Start experimenting with these servers today, and don’t forget to download Apidog for free to enhance your API-driven workflows.

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