Database Integrations

Connecting Claude Code to databases via MCP servers

title: Database Integrations description: Connecting Claude Code to databases via MCP servers

Claude Code can interact with databases through MCP (Model Context Protocol) servers. This enables querying, schema exploration, and data analysis directly from your Claude conversations.

Overview

Database integration with Claude Code works through MCP servers that act as secure bridges between Claude and your databases. This approach:

• Keeps credentials secure on the server
• Allows fine-grained access control
• Supports multiple database types
• Enables complex queries and analysis

PostgreSQL Integration

MCP Server Setup

Usage Examples

Explore schema:

Query data:

Analyze patterns:

MySQL / MariaDB Integration

Server Configuration

Read-Only Mode

For safety, configure read-only access:

SQLite Integration

Local Database

Memory Database for Testing

MongoDB Integration

Connection Setup

Working with Collections

Redis Integration

Configuration

Common Operations

Security Best Practices

1. Use Read-Only Accounts

Always create database users with minimal permissions:

2. Environment Variables

Never hardcode credentials:

3. Connection Limits

Configure connection pooling:

4. Query Timeouts

Set reasonable timeouts:

5. Audit Logging

Enable query logging for audit:

Common Workflows

Schema Exploration

Data Analysis

Query Optimization

Data Migration Planning

Troubleshooting

Connection Issues

"Connection refused":

• Check database is running
• Verify host/port configuration
• Check firewall rules

"Authentication failed":

• Verify credentials
• Check user permissions
• Ensure database exists

MCP Server Issues

"MCP server not found":

"Server timeout":

• Increase timeout in settings
• Check network latency
• Verify database responsiveness

Query Errors

"Permission denied":

• Verify user has SELECT permissions
• Check schema access
• Review role grants

"Query too complex":

• Add query timeouts
• Use LIMIT clauses
• Index frequently queried columns

Advanced Configurations

Multiple Databases

Custom MCP Server

For specialized needs, create a custom server:

Best Practices Summary

1. Always use read-only accounts for Claude database access

2. Set query timeouts to prevent long-running queries

3. Use environment variables for all credentials

4. Enable audit logging to track database access

5. Test in staging first before connecting production databases

6. Review generated queries before execution on sensitive data

7. Use connection pooling to manage resources

8. Index frequently queried columns for performance

Next Steps

• MCP servers overview
• GitHub Actions integration
• Docker integration