About MySQL MCP Server
MySQL MCP Server lets MCP clients query and modify a configured MySQL database through tools. It is for developers connecting database access to AI assistants; write operations are disabled by default and can be enabled with an environment variable.
Key features
- 01Connects to a configured MySQL database
- 02Runs SELECT, SHOW, and DESCRIBE queries
- 03Provides separate tools for write operations
- 04Controls write access with an environment variable
- 05Communicates over stdio
Use cases
- 01Letting an AI assistant query MySQL data
- 02Inserting or updating records with write access enabled
- 03Inspecting database structure through an MCP client
MCP support
The MCP server exposes SQL query and write tools to clients over stdio. INSERT, UPDATE, and DELETE are enabled only when MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPS=true.
Configuration
Local server config is the same for every client. Copy it into your client’s MCP config file.
We haven’t collected a package or remote endpoint for this server. Follow the instructions in the project README.
Tools
Local servers expose tools only once running on your machine, and the maintainer has not provided a tool list.
Details
From the project READMEMySQL MCP Server
Version: 0.1.0
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for interacting with a MySQL database. This server allows MCP clients (like AI assistants) to query and modify data in a configured MySQL database.
Features
- Connects to a MySQL database using standard connection parameters.
- Provides MCP tools for executing SQL queries and statements.
- Supports read-only queries (
SELECT,SHOW,DESCRIBE). - Supports write operations (
INSERT,UPDATE,DELETE) via separate tools, gated by an environment variable (MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPS). - Communicates over standard input/output (stdio).
Installation
# Install as a project dependency (recommended for use within another project)
npm install
# Or, if intended as a standalone global tool:
# 1. Build the project:
# npm run build
# 2. Link it globally:
# npm link
# (or use `npm install -g .` if publishing)
Configuration
This server requires the following environment variables to be set for database connection:
MYSQL_HOST: The hostname or IP address of your MySQL server.MYSQL_USER: The username for connecting to the database.MYSQL_PASSWORD: The password for the specified user.MYSQL_DATABASE: The name of the database to connect to.MYSQL_PORT: (Optional) The port number for the MySQL server (defaults to 3306).MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPS: (Optional) Set totrueto enable theinsert,update, anddeletetools. Defaults tofalse(write operations disabled). Warning: Enabling write operations allows the MCP client to modify your database. Use with caution.
These variables need to be available in the environment where the server process is launched. How you set them depends on your operating system and how you run the server (e.g., .env file, system environment variables, shell export).
Usage
Once configured and built (npm run build), you can run the server:
# If linked globally
mysql-server
# Or run directly using node
node build/index.js
The server will start and print MySQL MCP server running on stdio to stderr, then listen for MCP requests on standard input/output. You would typically configure your MCP client (e.g., an AI assistant integration) to connect to this server process.
Available Tools
The server exposes the following tools for use by MCP clients:
1. query
- Description: Executes a read-only SQL query (SELECT, SHOW, DESCRIBE) against the configured database.
- Input Schema:
{ "type": "object", "properties": { "sql": { "type": "string", "description": "The read-only SQL query (SELECT, SHOW, DESCRIBE) to execute." } }, "required": ["sql"] } - Output: Returns the query results as a JSON string within the MCP response
content. Returns an error if the query is not read-only or if there's a database error.
2. insert
- Description: Executes an INSERT SQL statement. Requires
MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPSto be set totrue. - Input Schema:
{ "type": "object", "properties": { "sql": { "type": "string", "description": "The INSERT SQL statement to execute." } }, "required": ["sql"] } - Output: Returns a success message including affected rows and insert ID (if applicable), or an error message if the operation fails or write operations are disabled.
3. update
- Description: Executes an UPDATE SQL statement. Requires
MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPSto be set totrue. - Input Schema:
{ "type": "object", "properties": { "sql": { "type": "string", "description": "The UPDATE SQL statement to execute." } }, "required": ["sql"] } - Output: Returns a success message including affected rows, or an error message if the operation fails or write operations are disabled.
4. delete
- Description: Executes a DELETE SQL statement. Requires
MYSQL_ALLOW_WRITE_OPSto be set totrue. - Input Schema:
{ "type": "object", "properties": { "sql": { "type": "string", "description": "The DELETE SQL statement to execute." } }, "required": ["sql"] } - Output: Returns a success message including affected rows, or an error message if the operation fails or write operations are disabled.
Development
To work on the server code:
- Clone the repository: (If applicable)
# git clone <repository-url> # cd mysql-server - Install dependencies:
npm install - Build the code: (Compiles TypeScript to JavaScript in
build/)npm run build - Watch for changes: (Automatically recompiles on changes)
npm run watch - Run the MCP Inspector: (For testing/debugging the server locally)
# Make sure you have built the code first npm run inspector
Comments
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From what the protocol is to installing your first server, these answers cover most first questions.
An open protocol that defines how AI applications connect to external tools and data in a uniform way. Clients talk to the model; MCP servers provide tools, resources and prompt templates. They exchange standard messages, so one server can be reused by many clients.