Claude Code reads its MCP servers from .mcp.json under the mcpServers key. You rarely open the file. `claude mcp add` writes it, `claude mcp list` and `claude mcp get <name>` read it back with a health check, `claude mcp add-json <name> '<json>'` takes a whole config object, and `/mcp` in a session shows what is connected. No restart. The entry is picked up in the next session, and `/mcp` reconnects one on demand.
| Scope | Path |
|---|---|
| local (default) | ~/.claude.json, this project only |
| project | .mcp.json at the repository root |
| user | ~/.claude.json, every project |
The `--` is load-bearing: it separates Claude Code's own options, such as --transport, --env and --scope, from the command that runs the server. And the default scope is local, private to you and to the directory you ran it in, so adding it in the wrong folder leaves the tools absent with no error at all.
| MCP Time Tracker in Claude Code Track billable time without leaving the chat. |
| MCP Price Tracker in Claude Code Check and watch product prices on ordinary shop pages. |
| MCP Spreadsheet in Claude Code Read, query, edit and convert xlsx and csv files safely. |
| MCP Invoice in Claude Code Numbered invoices with tax lines, rendered to a PDF. |
| MCP Expense Tracker in Claude Code Receipts, mileage and expenses that turn into invoice lines. |
| MCP Currency Converter in Claude Code ECB reference rates with the rate date on every answer. |
| MCP Docx in Claude Code Real Word documents from chat: proposals, contracts, quotes. |
| MCP Timezone Planner in Claude Code Find meeting slots inside everyone's working hours. |
| MCP Office Suite in Claude Code One config entry that exposes every tool of the five servers. |
Each page carries the exact config entry, three prompts that were run against the server, and the hosted alternative that needs no install.
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