Hey everyone! I'm curious about the differences between Claude Code and MCP solutions. I currently use Claude Desktop with Jetbrains MCP and wonder if the experience with Claude Code is different. Does it enhance productivity or provide better context when coding and problem-solving? I'm not sure why I would need Claude Code since it seems I can do most of the same things with MCP. I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!
2 Answers
Check out this article: [Claude Code Best Practices](https://www.anthropic.com/engineering/claude-code-best-practices). It highlights some features that could improve your workflow with Claude Code. It might give you some insights into whether it's worth the switch!
I saved that article too! Even though I haven't used Claude Code yet, the examples on how to use these tools are super helpful.
MCP is essentially the protocol. So, when comparing, remember that MCP servers usually enhance AI capabilities with features like web search and reading from files. Claude Code acts as an MCP client, giving you more built-in tools and workflows than just the standalone MCP. If you're looking for raw power, MCP with Claude Desktop might give you more performance. Also, Claude Code requires a subscription, while MCP can be used for free or at a lower cost with Claude Desktop. Just something to keep in mind!
Thanks for clarifying that! I might stick with MCP since I've heard Claude Code doesn't support Windows natively. Using WSL sounds like a hassle.
That article is definitely one of the best resources for this kind of info. Glad you found it useful!