How can I set up a model context protocol server for PostgreSQL?

# Setting Up a Model Context Protocol Server for PostgreSQL Setting up a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for PostgreSQL involves several steps, including installing the necessary software, configuring your server, and ensuring that your database is accessible. Below, I outline the process step-by-step. ## Prerequisites Before starting, ensure you have the following: - **PostgreSQL** database installed and running. - Either **Docker** or **Node.js** installed on your machine. - A valid **database connection URL**. ## Installation Steps You can set up the MCP server for PostgreSQL using either Docker or Node.js (via NPX). Here’s how to do it: ### 1. Using Docker If you prefer using Docker, follow these steps: 1. **Build the Docker Image**: ```bash docker build -t mcp/postgres -f src/postgres/Dockerfile . ``` 2. **Run the Docker Container**: ```bash docker run -i --rm mcp/postgres postgresql://host:port/db-name ``` Replace `host`, `port`, and `db-name` with your PostgreSQL server details. ### 2. Using NPX If you opt for using Node.js, follow these instructions: 1. **Run the Server with NPX**: ```bash npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres postgresql://localhost/mydb ``` Again, replace `localhost` and `mydb` with your actual database host and name. ## Configuration Once you have the server set up, you need to configure the MCP settings in your application. Here’s how to do that: ### Configuration JSON Example You will need to modify your MCP settings file to include your PostgreSQL server configuration. Here’s an example configuration for both Docker and NPX setups: #### For Docker: ```json { "mcpServers": { "postgres": { "command": "docker", "args": [ "run", "-i", "--rm", "mcp/postgres", "postgresql://host.docker.internal:5432/mydb" ] } } } ``` #### For NPX: ```json { "mcpServers": { "postgres": { "command": "npx", "args": [ "-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-postgres", "postgresql://localhost/mydb" ] } } } ``` Make sure to replace the placeholders with your actual connection details. This configuration allows the MCP server to connect to your PostgreSQL database and serve requests accordingly. ## Final Steps After setting up your server and configuring the settings file, you should be able to start your MCP server and connect it to your applications. Here’s a quick recap: - Ensure you have a running PostgreSQL instance. - Choose between Docker or NPX for installation. - Modify your MCP settings to include your PostgreSQL server configuration. By following these steps, you should have a functional Model Context Protocol server integrated with your PostgreSQL database, ready to handle queries and operations as defined by the MCP architecture. For more details, you can refer to the sources used in this guide: - [Model Context Protocol (MCP) Servers - the first look - DEV Community](https://dev.to/thangchung/visual-studio-code-model-context-protocol-mcp-servers-the-first-look-18nb)[^1] - [GitHub - stuzero/pg-mcp](https://github.com/stuzero/pg-mcp)[^2] - [For Server Developers - Model Context Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/quickstart/server)[^3] - [PostgreSQL MCP Server](https://mcp.so/server/postgresql-mcp-server)[^5] - [PostgreSQL MCP - Model Context Protocol Integration for Cursor IDE](https://mcpcursor.com/server/postgresql)[^6] These resources provide additional insights and troubleshooting tips for setting up your MCP server effectively.