Why connectors
Pasting data into a chat goes stale the moment you do it. A connector lets Claude read live data and take real actions, with your approval.
Point-and-click connectors
- Email and calendar
- Chat tools like Slack
- Drives and documents
- Project tools like Asana or Jira
Then Claude can prep your meetings, summarize threads and update your trackers.
Three ways Claude reaches your tools
| Way | What it is |
|---|---|
| Connectors | Point-and-click integrations |
| MCP servers | The open standard, for databases and internal tools |
| Plugins | Bundles of connectors and skills (next lesson) |
Stay safe
- Check what each connector can read.
- Start with read-only access where you can.
- Approve anything that sends, posts or deletes.
Recap
Connectors give Claude live data and real actions, and you decide what it can reach.
Your mission: connect your calendar and ask Claude to prep tomorrow's meetings.
Next lesson: plugins, a ready-made toolkit for your role.