Docker
๐ ๐ - Docker operations โ manage containers, images, volumes, networks, and compose s
What is Docker?
Docker is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to ๐ ๐ - docker operations โ manage containers, images, volumes, networks, and compose s
๐ ๐ - Docker operations โ manage containers, images, volumes, networks, and compose s
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- MCP protocol support
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
NPM
npx -y mcp-docker-serverManual Installation
npx -y mcp-docker-serverConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Docker
The Docker MCP server exposes Docker container management as MCP tools, letting AI assistants create containers, deploy Docker Compose stacks, retrieve logs, and list running containersโall through natural-language prompts. It bridges the gap between conversational AI and container orchestration, making it possible for developers to manage local Docker environments without switching to a terminal. Teams use it to rapidly prototype containerized applications, debug deployments, and automate Docker operations directly from Claude Desktop or other MCP-compatible clients.
Prerequisites
- Docker Engine installed and running on your machine (Docker Desktop is recommended for macOS/Windows)
- Python 3.10+ and uv installed (the server uses uvx for execution)
- An MCP-compatible client such as Claude Desktop
- No API keys are required
Ensure Docker is running
Start Docker Desktop or verify the Docker daemon is active. The MCP server communicates with Docker through the local socket and requires it to be running before connecting.
docker infoInstall via Smithery (easiest)
Use the Smithery CLI to install and register docker-mcp with Claude Desktop automatically. This handles all configuration steps for you.
npx @smithery/cli install docker-mcp --client claudeOr configure Claude Desktop manually
Add the docker-mcp server to your Claude Desktop configuration file. The server runs via uvx with no additional arguments needed.
Restart Claude Desktop
After updating the configuration file, restart Claude Desktop to load the new MCP server. You should see the Docker tools available in the tools panel.
Verify the connection
Ask Claude to list your running containers to confirm the MCP server is connected and Docker access is working correctly.
Docker Examples
Client configuration
Manual Claude Desktop configuration for the docker-mcp server using uvx. Place this in ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json on macOS.
{
"mcpServers": {
"docker-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["docker-mcp"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Use these prompts with Claude Desktop to manage Docker through natural language after connecting the MCP server.
- "List all my running Docker containers"
- "Create a new nginx container named webserver on port 8080"
- "Deploy this docker-compose.yml file and start all services"
- "Show me the last 50 lines of logs from the webserver container"
- "Stop and remove the container named old-api"Troubleshooting Docker
Server fails with 'Cannot connect to Docker daemon'
Ensure Docker Desktop is running before starting the MCP server. On Linux, verify the docker daemon is active with `sudo systemctl status docker` and that your user is in the docker group.
Claude Desktop does not show Docker tools after configuration
Check that uvx is installed and available in your PATH (`which uvx`). Restart Claude Desktop fully (not just reload) after saving the config file.
Container creation fails with image pull errors
Verify you are logged into Docker Hub if pulling private images (`docker login`). For public images, check your internet connection and that the image name and tag are spelled correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Docker
What is Docker?
Docker is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that ๐ ๐ - docker operations โ manage containers, images, volumes, networks, and compose s It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Docker?
Install via npm with the command: npx -y mcp-docker-server. Then add the server configuration to your AI client's JSON config file (e.g., claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json).
Which AI clients work with Docker?
Docker works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Docker free to use?
Yes, Docker is open source and available under the MIT License license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up Docker in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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