How do I install the docker mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `DOCKER_MCP_AUTO_DISCOVER`, `DOCKER_MCP_MASK_SECRETS`, `DOCKER_MCP_PROFILES_FILE` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Docker MCP Server

Universal Docker MCP server for AI assistants (Cursor, Claude Desktop)

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Docker MCP Server?

Universal Docker MCP server for AI assistants (Cursor, Claude Desktop)

What the server does

Universal Docker MCP server for AI assistants (Cursor, Claude Desktop). Manage Docker containers, execute commands, query databases, and handle environment configurations — all through natural language.

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

Tool	What it does
docker_container_list	List all containers (grouped by project)
docker_container_start	Start a container
docker_container_stop	Stop a container
docker_container_restart	Restart a container
docker_container_logs	View container logs
docker_container_stats	Get container resource usage
docker_compose_up	Start entire stack
docker_compose_down	Stop entire stack
docker_resource_list	List Docker images, volumes, or networks
docker_db_query	Execute SQL query or database command
docker_db_backup	Create database backup
docker_db_restore	Restore from backup
docker_db_status	Show database status
docker_env_list	List environment variables (with secret masking)

How to install the Docker MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "docker-1": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@hypnosis/docker-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DOCKER_MCP_AUTO_DISCOVER": "your-value",
        "DOCKER_MCP_MASK_SECRETS": "your-value",
        "DOCKER_MCP_PROFILES_FILE": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Add to claude_desktop_config.json, then restart Claude Desktop.

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
DOCKER_MCP_AUTO_DISCOVER	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
DOCKER_MCP_MASK_SECRETS	Credential the server authenticates with.	Yes
DOCKER_MCP_PROFILES_FILE	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional

Example prompts to try

“Use Docker to docker container list.”
“Use Docker to docker container start.”
“Use Docker to docker container stop.”

Frequently asked questions

Universal Docker MCP server for AI assistants (Cursor, Claude Desktop) Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.