Docker MCP Server
Manage Docker containers, images, and compose stacks. Container orchestration, debugging, and deployment.
- Maintained by
- Community (ckreiling)
- Hosting
- Runs locally on your machine
- Authentication
- None beyond local access
- Last checked
How to connect the Docker MCP server
Pick your AI client and paste the snippet. New to this? Our guide to how MCP clients and servers fit together explains what each piece does.
Claude Code
claude mcp add --transport stdio docker \
-- uvx mcp-server-dockerClaude Desktop
{
"mcpServers": {
"docker": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"mcp-server-docker"
]
}
}
}Fully quit and reopen Claude Desktop after saving.
Full Claude Desktop setup guide →Cursor
{
"mcpServers": {
"docker": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"mcp-server-docker"
]
}
}
}VS Code
{
"servers": {
"docker": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"mcp-server-docker"
]
}
}
}Frequently asked questions
What is the Docker MCP server?
It is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server — a small piece of software that gives AI assistants like Claude a secure, governed connection to Docker. Manage Docker containers, images, and compose stacks. Container orchestration, debugging, and deployment.
Is there an official Docker MCP server?
Not from Docker itself. This one is community-maintained (ckreiling). It is widely used, but review the repository and pin a version before relying on it in production.
Is the Docker MCP server hosted, or do I run it myself?
It runs locally. Your AI client starts it on your own machine with uvx, and it talks to the client over standard input and output rather than the network.
Do I need an API key for the Docker MCP server?
No. It runs on your machine with your own permissions, so there is no key to create.
What can an AI assistant actually do with Docker?
Through this server an assistant can work with containers, images, compose, volumes — reading from and acting on Docker directly instead of you copy-pasting between windows. What you allow it to do is controlled by the permissions you grant.
How do I set this up for my business?
The setup section above has copy-paste config for Claude Code, Claude Desktop, Cursor and VS Code. If you want it rolled out across a team with permissions, governance and support handled, that is what Crox's Build engagement covers.
New to MCP? Start with our plain-English guide to the Model Context Protocol or see how to connect AI to your business tools without writing code .
Want this connected to your business — with governance handled?
Crox maps your processes, connects AI to the tools you already use, and keeps it working as models change. Start with a readiness assessment or talk to us about a build.