MCP servers offer two kinds of things. Tools are actions Claude runs on its own. Resources are content the server publishes, and you bring those in yourself with an @ mention.
The @ mention you already know
Inside Claude Code, @ mentions a file so Claude reads it before answering. For example, typing @src/db.js pulls that file into the conversation. Resources from an MCP server work the same way: you @-mention the resource and Claude reads its contents first, then uses them to answer.
Why resources are different from tools
A tool is something Claude decides to call while it works, like running a query. A resource is a specific piece of content you point at deliberately, such as a document, a record, or a page the server exposes. You reach for a resource when you already know the exact thing you want Claude to look at, rather than leaving it to Claude to go find it.
Using it in practice
Start typing @ and Claude Code helps you complete the reference, including resources from your connected servers. Pull the resource into your prompt and then ask your question:
Summarize @<the resource you mentioned> and list any open action items.
Because the content is loaded up front, Claude answers from the real data instead of guessing.
Tips
Mention only the resources you actually need. Each one adds to the context, so pulling in a large resource you won't use just crowds the session. If a resource doesn't appear when you type @, check that its server is connected with /mcp. Combined with the server's tools, @ mentions let you mix precise, hand-picked context with actions Claude takes on its own.
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