Claude Skills vs MCP
Decision Table
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Repeatable instructions | Skill |
| External tool access | MCP |
| Domain workflow | Skill |
| Live data or API | MCP |
Gotchas
MCP adds integration power but also setup and security review. Skills are lighter but cannot magically access external systems.
FAQ
Is MCP a skill?
No. MCP is a protocol for connecting tools and resources; a skill is reusable task behavior.
Can a skill use MCP?
A workflow can combine both: skill instructions plus MCP tool access.