# How Claude's memory and MCP work (and when to use each)

DevFeed: [How Claude's memory and MCP work (and when to use each)](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/how-claude-s-memory-and-mcp-work-and-when-to-use-each-31019.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://www.mintlify.com/blog/how-claudes-memory-and-mcp-work>)

Author: Emma Adler

Published: 2025-06-24T00:00:00Z

Content type: tutorial

Language: en

Sources: [Mintlify Blog](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/mintlify-blog.md>)

Topics: [Claude](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/claude.md>), [Model Context Protocol](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/model-context-protocol.md>), [context](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/context.md>), [Large Language Model](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/llm.md>)

Tags: [ai-trends](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/ai-trends.md>), [claude](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/claude.md>), [documentation](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/documentation.md>), [llms](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/llms.md>), [memory](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/memory.md>), [model-context-protocol](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/model-context-protocol.md>)

## AI overview

This guide compares Claude's memory with Model Context Protocol (MCP). Memory retains user preferences and context across sessions, while MCP provides real-time access to external sources such as files, logs, documentation, and APIs during a session. It also explains that well-organized documentation helps both methods work effectively.

## Source excerpt

Large Language Models (LLMs) like Claude can read files, troubleshoot issues, use external tools, and write tutorials much faster than a human ever could. But they are prone to hallucinations, struggle to follow complex instructions, and miss important context.