> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shoal.xyz/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Claude Code

> Use Shoal in Claude Code through the Shoal plugin marketplace or hosted MCP

Claude Code can use Shoal in two ways:

* the Shoal plugin marketplace
* the hosted Shoal MCP server directly

The marketplace path is the easiest because it bundles both the Shoal skill and the hosted MCP server config.

## Plugin Marketplace (Recommended)

1. Open Claude Code.
2. Add the Shoal marketplace:

```text theme={null}
/plugin marketplace add shoalresearch/shoal-skill
```

3. Install the plugin:

```text theme={null}
/plugin install shoal@shoalresearch-tools
```

4. Reload plugins:

```text theme={null}
/reload-plugins
```

5. When prompted, connect Shoal.
6. Claude Code opens the browser and redirects you to `app.shoal.xyz`.
7. Sign in to Shoal if needed, then approve access.

## Direct Hosted MCP

If you prefer to configure the remote MCP server yourself, use:

```text theme={null}
https://api.shoal.xyz/mcp
```

See [Hosted MCP](/integrations/mcp) for the full auth flow.

## Notes

* The Shoal plugin uses the hosted MCP server, not a separate local backend.
* The authenticated Shoal account must already have a valid API key with remaining quota.
* For terminal-only workflows, see [CLI + Skills](/integrations/cli-skills).