upstash--context7/docs/clients/claude-code.mdx

---
title: Claude Code
description: Using Context7 with Claude Code
---

Context7 integrates with Claude Code to provide current library documentation instead of relying on training data. Claude Code supports skills, agents, and commands that make documentation lookups more powerful.

## Installation

Run the setup command to configure Context7 for Claude Code:

```bash
npx ctx7 setup --claude
```

This flow authenticates via OAuth, generates an API key, and installs the appropriate skill. You can choose between CLI or MCP mode. Login uses the OAuth device flow — it shows a verification link and short code you open on any device, so it works the same locally or on a remote, headless, or SSH host.

Create or manage API keys in the [Context7 dashboard](https://context7.com/dashboard). For manual MCP installation or other configuration options, see [All MCP Clients](/resources/all-clients).

---

## Using Context7

With `ctx7 setup`, a skill is installed that triggers automatically when you ask about libraries — no need to say "use context7". You can also invoke it explicitly:

```
use context7 to show me how to set up middleware in Next.js 15
use context7 for Prisma query examples with relations
use context7 for the Supabase syntax for row-level security
```

If you know the library ID, use it directly to skip resolution:

```
use context7 with /supabase/supabase for authentication docs
use context7 with /vercel/next.js for app router setup
```

<Tip>
With the [Context7 plugin](#the-context7-plugin) installed, you get additional agents and commands on top of the skill.
</Tip>

---

## The Context7 Plugin

The full Context7 plugin for Claude Code includes more than just the MCP server:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
<Card title="MCP Server" icon="server">
The tools for fetching documentation (`resolve-library-id`, `query-docs`)
</Card>
<Card title="Skills" icon="sparkles">
Auto-triggers documentation lookups when you ask about libraries
</Card>
<Card title="Agents" icon="robot">
A `docs-researcher` agent for focused lookups that keep context lean
</Card>
<Card title="Commands" icon="terminal">
`/context7:docs` for manual documentation queries
</Card>
</CardGroup>

### Installing the Plugin

The plugin is available from the Context7 marketplace. Run these commands in Claude Code:

```
/plugin marketplace add upstash/context7
/plugin install context7@context7-marketplace
```

This adds the Context7 marketplace and installs the plugin with skills, agents, and commands.

### Using Your API Key with the Plugin

Without an API key, the plugin connects anonymously and shares the anonymous rate limits. To use your own plan, create an API key in the [Context7 dashboard](https://context7.com/dashboard) and export it as an environment variable before launching Claude Code:

```bash
# e.g. in ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc
export CONTEXT7_API_KEY="your-api-key"
```

The plugin reads `CONTEXT7_API_KEY` from your environment automatically. Restart Claude Code after setting it, then confirm requests are counted against your plan in the [dashboard](https://context7.com/dashboard).

<Note>
If the variable is not set, the plugin still works — requests just go through the anonymous tier, which has lower rate limits.
</Note>

### Skills

#### Documentation Lookup Skill

This skill triggers automatically when you ask about libraries, frameworks, or need code examples. You don't need to type "use context7" — the skill recognizes when documentation would help.

<AccordionGroup>
<Accordion title="What triggers the skill">
- Setup questions: "How do I configure Next.js middleware?"
- Code generation: "Write a Prisma query for user relations"
- API references: "What are the Supabase auth methods?"
- Framework mentions: React, Vue, Svelte, Express, Tailwind, etc.
</Accordion>
<Accordion title="How it works">
1. **Resolve**: Finds the library ID using `resolve-library-id` with your question as context
2. **Select**: Picks the best match based on name accuracy and quality scores
3. **Fetch**: Calls `query-docs` with the library ID and your specific question
4. **Return**: Provides code examples and explanations from current documentation
</Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Agents

#### docs-researcher Agent

When you're in the middle of a long task and don't want documentation tool calls cluttering your context, spawn the `docs-researcher` agent. It runs in a separate context and returns just the answer.

<Tabs>
<Tab title="When to Use" icon="question">
- You need docs but want to keep your main context clean
- You're working on something complex and context is getting long
- You want a focused answer without side effects
</Tab>
<Tab title="Examples" icon="code">
```
spawn docs-researcher to look up React hooks documentation
spawn docs-researcher: how do I set up Prisma with PostgreSQL?
spawn docs-researcher to find Tailwind CSS grid utilities
```
</Tab>
</Tabs>

The agent uses the same tools (`resolve-library-id` and `query-docs`) but runs on a lighter model (Sonnet) to keep things fast.

#### When to Use Agents vs Inline Tools

| Scenario | Use |
|----------|-----|
| Deep into a task with long context | Agent |
| Want to avoid context bloat | Agent |
| Context is short | Inline tools |
| Want docs visible in conversation | Inline tools |

### Commands

#### /context7:docs

Manual command for documentation lookups.

**Format:**
```
/context7:docs <library> [query]
```

**Examples:**

<Tabs>
<Tab title="Basic" icon="search">
```
/context7:docs react hooks
/context7:docs next.js authentication
/context7:docs prisma relations
```
</Tab>
<Tab title="With Library ID" icon="link">
```
/context7:docs /vercel/next.js app router
/context7:docs /supabase/supabase row level security
```

Using a library ID directly skips the resolution step.
</Tab>
</Tabs>

**When to use:**
- You know exactly which library and topic you need
- You want a quick lookup without explaining your full context
- You're testing what documentation is available