Claude Code MCP workflow: unified development with Playwright, Supabase, Figma, Linear

Before Claude Code MCP servers, my development workflow looked like this: jumping between browser tabs for manual testing, switching to Supabase Studio for database queries, opening Figma separately for design specs, and managing Linear issues in another window. Each context switch meant losing focus and rebuilding mental models.

With Claude Code and Model Context Protocol integration, everything changed. Now I test components with Playwright automation, query my database directly, inspect Figma designs, and track Linear issues - all within a single AI-powered conversation. This is the unified workflow that transformed how I build applications, building on the comprehensive Claude Code development guide that established the foundation for AI-powered development.

Understanding Model Context Protocol for Claude Code

Model Context Protocol represents a fundamental shift in how AI development tools access external systems. Unlike traditional API integrations or VSCode extensions, MCP creates persistent connections between Claude Code and your development tools, enabling seamless context sharing across your entire workflow.

The key difference is architectural. While VSCode extensions operate within the editor's sandbox, MCP servers run as independent processes that Claude Code can communicate with directly. This means you're not limited to what the editor supports - you can connect to any system that provides an MCP server implementation. This architectural approach aligns with the strategic AI tool selection criteria that prioritize extensibility and integration capabilities.

Installing MCP servers in Claude Code uses a completely different approach than traditional development tools. Instead of marketplace installations or manual configurations, you use the claude mcp add command with specific scope parameters:

# Local project scope - only available in current directory
claude mcp add playwright -s local npx '@playwright/mcp@latest'

# Project scope - available across project directories
claude mcp add supabase -s project -e SUPABASE_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_token -- npx -y @supabase/mcp-server-supabase@latest

# User scope - available globally for all Claude Code sessions
claude mcp add figma -s user -- npx -y @figma/mcp-server@latest

The scope system is crucial for workflow organization. Local scope restricts the MCP server to your current working directory, perfect for project-specific tools like testing frameworks. Project scope makes servers available across related directories, ideal for database connections that span multiple microservices. User scope provides global access, excellent for design tools and project management systems you use across all projects.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── MCP servers maintain persistent state across conversations, unlike API calls that require re-authentication. This persistence enables complex workflows where Claude Code remembers your database connections, browser sessions, and project contexts without constant reconfiguration. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

Once installed, MCP servers appear in your Claude Code interface as available tools. You can verify installations using claude mcp list to see active servers and their scopes. The real power emerges when you start combining multiple MCP servers in single conversations - testing a component with Playwright while simultaneously checking database state with Supabase and referencing design specifications from Figma.

This architectural approach eliminates context switching because Claude Code maintains connections to all your development systems simultaneously. Instead of mentally juggling between different tools, you can focus on the actual development work while Claude Code handles the coordination between systems.

The authentication model also differs significantly from traditional integrations. MCP servers handle their own authentication protocols, whether that's API tokens for Supabase, OAuth flows for Linear, or desktop app integration for Figma. Claude Code doesn't store these credentials directly - it communicates with the MCP servers, which manage authentication independently.

For development workflows, this means you configure authentication once per MCP server, then Claude Code can access all connected systems without additional credential management. The security model isolates each MCP server's authentication while providing seamless access to Claude Code's AI capabilities.

Playwright MCP: Browser automation and component testing

Playwright MCP transforms browser testing from a separate manual process into an integrated part of your AI-powered development conversation. Instead of writing test scripts, running them separately, and interpreting results in isolation, you can test components, debug issues, and validate functionality while discussing the development process with Claude Code.

The installation process demonstrates Claude Code's project-specific approach to MCP integration:

# Install Playwright MCP for local project scope
claude mcp add playwright -s local npx '@playwright/mcp@latest'

# Verify installation
claude mcp list

# The MCP server provides these capabilities:
# - Browser navigation and interaction
# - Element inspection and testing  
# - Screenshot capture and analysis
# - Form submission and validation
# - Network request monitoring
# - Console log analysis

The Playwright MCP server extends the proven Playwright testing framework with AI integration capabilities.

Once installed, Playwright MCP enables direct browser automation within Claude Code conversations. You can request component testing, and Claude Code will launch a browser, navigate to your application, interact with elements, and provide detailed feedback about behavior and potential issues.

The workflow integration becomes particularly powerful during debugging sessions. When you're troubleshooting a form submission issue, you can ask Claude Code to test the form with various inputs, capture screenshots of error states, and analyze network requests - all while discussing potential solutions and implementing fixes.

For component development, Playwright MCP enables rapid iteration cycles. You can develop a new feature, ask Claude Code to test it across different browsers and viewport sizes, then immediately discuss the results and implement improvements. This eliminates the traditional cycle of development → manual testing → note-taking → context switching back to code. The efficiency gains complement React testing best practices by providing AI-powered test execution and analysis.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── Playwright MCP maintains browser state across multiple interactions within a conversation. This means you can navigate to a page, fill out a form partially, then ask follow-up questions about the current state without losing context or starting over. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

The real-world application of Playwright MCP extends beyond basic testing. During user experience reviews, you can ask Claude Code to simulate user journeys, capture screenshots at each step, and analyze the flow for potential improvements. For accessibility auditing, Claude Code can navigate your application using only keyboard inputs and identify issues with focus management or screen reader compatibility.

Component integration testing becomes seamless when combined with other MCP servers. You can test a component that displays database information by having Claude Code query the database with Supabase MCP, then use Playwright MCP to verify the data appears correctly in the browser. This cross-system validation happens within a single conversation without manual coordination.

Performance testing scenarios benefit from Playwright MCP's network monitoring capabilities. You can ask Claude Code to load your application, monitor resource loading times, and identify potential bottlenecks while discussing optimization strategies. The AI can correlate timing data with code patterns and suggest specific improvements.

For regression testing workflows, Playwright MCP enables conversational test maintenance. Instead of updating test scripts manually when UI changes, you can describe the new behavior to Claude Code, which will update the browser automation accordingly. This adaptive approach reduces test maintenance overhead while improving coverage reliability.

Supabase MCP: Database management and query optimization

Supabase MCP revolutionizes database interaction by bringing SQL queries, schema management, and data analysis directly into AI-powered conversations. Instead of switching between your code editor and Supabase Studio, you can query data, analyze patterns, and optimize database performance while discussing application logic with Claude Code.

The installation process requires proper authentication configuration to establish secure database connections:

# Install Supabase MCP with authentication
claude mcp add supabase -s project -e SUPABASE_ACCESS_TOKEN=your_access_token -e SUPABASE_URL=your_project_url -- npx -y @supabase/mcp-server-supabase@latest

# The MCP server provides comprehensive database capabilities:
# - Table schema inspection and analysis
# - SQL query execution and optimization
# - Migration generation and management
# - Real-time data monitoring
# - Performance analysis and indexing recommendations
# - Row Level Security (RLS) policy management

The project scope installation makes Supabase MCP available across your entire application structure, perfect for full-stack development where you need database access from multiple components and services. The authentication tokens remain secure within the MCP server while providing Claude Code with the necessary access permissions. The Supabase MCP server integrates with Supabase's comprehensive platform for database management and real-time features.

Database schema exploration becomes conversational with Supabase MCP. You can ask Claude Code to analyze your table structures, identify potential normalization improvements, or suggest index optimizations based on query patterns. This analysis happens within the context of your application discussion, making database decisions more informed and timely. The approach builds on proven Next.js database integration patterns while adding AI-powered analysis capabilities.

Query optimization benefits significantly from AI-powered analysis. When you're experiencing slow queries, you can share the SQL with Claude Code, which will analyze execution plans, suggest index improvements, and even rewrite queries for better performance. The MCP connection allows Claude Code to test these optimizations against your actual data and provide concrete performance comparisons.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── Supabase MCP enables real-time data analysis during development conversations. You can implement a feature, immediately query the database to verify data integrity, and discuss edge cases based on actual data patterns without leaving the conversation context. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

Data migration workflows become more intuitive with Supabase MCP integration. Instead of writing migration scripts separately, you can describe schema changes to Claude Code, which will generate appropriate SQL migrations, test them against your development database, and explain the impact on existing data. This conversational approach reduces migration errors and improves change documentation.

Row Level Security (RLS) policy development benefits from the contextual understanding that Claude Code provides. You can discuss security requirements for different user roles, and Claude Code will suggest appropriate RLS policies, test them against sample data, and explain how they integrate with your authentication system.

For data analysis and reporting needs, Supabase MCP enables ad-hoc query generation and result interpretation. You can ask questions about user behavior patterns, conversion metrics, or system performance, and Claude Code will generate appropriate SQL queries, execute them, and provide analysis of the results within the conversation context.

The integration with other MCP servers creates powerful workflow combinations. When testing a component with Playwright MCP, you can simultaneously verify that user interactions create the correct database entries with Supabase MCP. This cross-system validation ensures data integrity while maintaining conversation flow.

Database troubleshooting becomes more efficient when you can query tables, analyze logs, and discuss solutions within a single interface. Claude Code can correlate application errors with database state, suggest fixes, and validate solutions by re-running queries and comparing results.

Figma MCP: Design system integration and component workflow

Figma MCP bridges the gap between design and development by bringing design specifications, component documentation, and visual assets directly into your development conversations with Claude Code. This integration eliminates the traditional handoff friction between designers and developers while ensuring pixel-perfect implementation consistency.

The installation process requires Figma Desktop and appropriate workspace permissions:

# Install Figma MCP for user-wide access
claude mcp add figma -s user -- npx -y @figma/mcp-server@latest

# Prerequisites:
# - Figma Desktop application installed
# - Professional or Enterprise workspace access
# - Dev Mode enabled for target files
# - Proper authentication through Figma Desktop

# The MCP server provides design integration capabilities:
# - Component specification extraction
# - Design token analysis and export
# - Asset management and optimization
# - Design-to-code translation
# - Version tracking and change detection
# - Collaboration and feedback management

User scope installation makes Figma MCP available across all your projects, recognizing that design systems typically span multiple applications and repositories. The authentication flows through Figma Desktop, maintaining security while providing seamless access to your design files. The Figma MCP server requires Figma Dev Mode for advanced development features and design token extraction.

Component implementation workflows transform with Figma MCP integration. When building a new component, you can reference Figma specifications directly within Claude Code conversations. The AI can analyze design tokens, extract spacing measurements, and generate initial component code that matches the design specifications precisely. This integration supports the user-centered design methodology by maintaining design fidelity throughout development.

Design token extraction becomes automated rather than manual. Claude Code can analyze your Figma design system, extract color palettes, typography scales, and spacing systems, then generate CSS variables or styled-components that maintain consistency with your design specifications. This automation reduces manual errors and keeps design systems synchronized.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── Figma MCP maintains awareness of design file changes across conversations. This means Claude Code can detect when designs are updated and suggest corresponding code changes, keeping implementation synchronized with evolving design specifications. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

Asset optimization workflows benefit from integrated analysis. When implementing designs, Claude Code can evaluate which assets need optimization, suggest appropriate formats and compression settings, and even generate multiple resolutions for responsive implementations. This analysis considers both design requirements and performance implications.

Design system auditing becomes conversational with Figma MCP. You can ask Claude Code to compare implemented components against design specifications, identify inconsistencies, and suggest updates to maintain design system integrity. This ongoing validation ensures design compliance without manual checking processes.

The integration with Playwright MCP creates powerful design validation workflows. You can implement a component based on Figma specifications, then use Playwright MCP to capture screenshots and compare them against the original designs. Claude Code can identify visual differences and suggest adjustments for pixel-perfect implementation.

Responsive design implementation benefits from Figma's multiple artboard support. Claude Code can analyze breakpoint specifications, extract layout rules, and generate responsive CSS that matches the intended design behavior across different screen sizes. This analysis includes consideration of content overflow, navigation adaptations, and interactive element positioning.

For design handoff optimization, Figma MCP enables better developer-designer communication. When designs are unclear or implementation challenges arise, you can discuss specific design elements with Claude Code, which can reference the actual Figma specifications and suggest practical solutions that maintain design integrity.

Version control for design implementation becomes more manageable when Claude Code can track both design file changes and corresponding code updates. This dual awareness helps maintain synchronization and identifies when implementations need updates due to design evolution.

Linear MCP: Project management and issue tracking automation

Linear MCP transforms project management from a separate administrative task into an integrated part of your development workflow. Instead of manually updating issue statuses, creating progress reports, or tracking dependencies, you can manage project tasks while discussing implementation details with Claude Code.

The installation process uses Linear's remote MCP server architecture for secure authentication:

# Install Linear MCP with remote authentication
claude mcp add --transport sse linear-server https://mcp.linear.app/sse

# Run /mcp in Claude Code session to authenticate
# Authentication flows through Linear's OAuth system
# The MCP server provides project management capabilities:
# - Issue creation, updating, and status management
# - Project timeline analysis and reporting
# - Team workload distribution and planning
# - Dependency tracking and resolution
# - Automated progress reporting
# - Integration with git commits and pull requests

The remote authentication model ensures secure access to your Linear workspace while maintaining the seamless integration that MCP provides. This approach eliminates the need to manage API tokens manually while providing comprehensive access to project management features. The Linear MCP server leverages Linear's comprehensive API for seamless project management integration.

Issue management becomes contextual with Linear MCP integration. When you encounter a bug during development, you can create a Linear issue directly within your Claude Code conversation, complete with technical details, reproduction steps, and relevant code context. The AI can automatically populate issue descriptions with conversation context, reducing administrative overhead.

Project planning workflows benefit from AI-powered analysis. Claude Code can analyze your Linear project structure, identify potential bottlenecks, suggest task prioritization based on dependencies, and provide timeline estimates considering team capacity and historical velocity data. This capability extends the web development team scaling strategies with AI-powered project insights and automation.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── Linear MCP enables automatic correlation between code changes and issue progress. When you implement a feature, Claude Code can update the corresponding Linear issue with technical details, completion status, and any additional considerations that emerged during development. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

Progress reporting automation reduces manual project management overhead. Claude Code can generate status updates based on completed issues, identify blocked tasks requiring attention, and suggest resource reallocation to maintain project momentum. These reports integrate technical context with project timeline considerations.

Team coordination improves when project discussions happen within the development context. You can discuss implementation approaches while simultaneously updating Linear issues, assigning tasks to team members, and scheduling follow-up work. This integration ensures that project management accurately reflects technical realities.

The combination with other MCP servers creates comprehensive workflow automation. When you complete database schema changes with Supabase MCP, Claude Code can automatically update related Linear issues, create follow-up tasks for frontend implementation, and schedule integration testing activities.

Dependency management becomes more visible when Claude Code can analyze both technical dependencies in your codebase and project dependencies in Linear. This dual analysis helps identify potential scheduling conflicts and suggests task reordering to optimize development flow.

For retrospective analysis, Linear MCP enables data-driven project improvement. Claude Code can analyze completed projects, identify patterns in task estimation accuracy, suggest process improvements based on historical data, and help optimize future planning workflows.

Risk assessment benefits from integrated analysis of technical complexity and project timeline constraints. Claude Code can evaluate implementation approaches considering both technical feasibility and project deadlines, suggesting alternatives when initial plans pose timeline risks.

Unified workflow optimization and troubleshooting

The true power of Claude Code MCP integration emerges when multiple servers work together seamlessly, creating a unified development environment that eliminates context switching and maintains conversation continuity across all development activities.

Workflow optimization begins with understanding how different MCP servers complement each other. A typical feature development cycle might involve: analyzing requirements in Linear, referencing design specifications in Figma, implementing code with database considerations from Supabase, and validating functionality with Playwright automation. With MCP integration, these activities happen within a single conversation thread.

Cross-system validation becomes automatic rather than manual. When implementing a user registration feature, Claude Code can verify the database schema with Supabase MCP, test the form functionality with Playwright MCP, ensure design compliance through Figma MCP, and update project progress via Linear MCP - all while discussing implementation details and potential improvements.

Troubleshooting workflows benefit significantly from integrated context. When a bug occurs, you can analyze database logs with Supabase MCP, reproduce the issue with Playwright MCP, verify design specifications with Figma MCP, and update the corresponding Linear issue - all while maintaining the conversation context that led to the problem discovery.

★ Insight ───────────────────────────────────── MCP server combination creates emergent capabilities that exceed individual tool benefits. The conversation continuity means Claude Code maintains context across all systems, enabling insights that wouldn't be apparent when using tools in isolation. ─────────────────────────────────────────────────

Performance optimization scenarios demonstrate the workflow integration benefits. You can identify slow queries with Supabase MCP, test performance improvements with Playwright MCP, verify visual impact with Figma MCP, and track optimization tasks with Linear MCP - all while discussing trade-offs and implementation strategies with Claude Code. This comprehensive approach builds on established React performance optimization principles while adding AI-powered analysis and cross-system coordination.

Common troubleshooting scenarios include authentication issues, database connection problems, and MCP server installation challenges. For authentication problems, verify that tokens and credentials are properly configured for each MCP server. Database connection issues often relate to network access or permission settings in Supabase. Installation challenges typically involve scope configuration or dependency conflicts.

MCP server maintenance involves regular updates and configuration reviews. You can check server status with claude mcp list, update servers with claude mcp update server-name, and remove unused servers with claude mcp remove server-name. Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and security.

Workflow customization enables team-specific optimizations. You can configure MCP servers for different project types, create template conversations for common development patterns, and establish team protocols for multi-server workflows. This customization improves consistency and reduces onboarding time for new team members.

For complex debugging scenarios, the integrated approach provides comprehensive analysis capabilities. Claude Code can correlate issues across multiple systems, identify root causes that span different tools, and suggest solutions that consider all affected components simultaneously. This unified debugging approach reflects the broader MCP ecosystem vision for seamless AI-tool integration.