MCP Integration Reference Pattern

This is a template skill. It shows how to structure a skill that wraps an MCP server. Replace sentry with your MCP server name and adapt the reference file at references/sentry-mcp.md.

What This Pattern Solves

When a skill calls an MCP server without prior context, Claude guesses at the query syntax. This works for simple calls but breaks on anything with non-obvious behavior: pagination quirks, required parameter combinations, rate limits, or subtle format restrictions.

The fix: a references/<mcp-name>.md file that captures all the gotchas. The skill reads this file before making any MCP call. Zero guessing.

Three types of content go in the reference file:

1. Parameter semantics that differ from what the tool name implies
2. Known error patterns and their root causes
3. Working query examples (copy-paste, no thinking required)

Step 1: Read the MCP Reference File