Docker MCP Toolkit
VerifiedControl and use an MCP Toolkit running in Docker. Use when setting up Docker MCP Toolkit (docker compose up/down), checking status/logs, configuring environm...
$ Add to .claude/skills/ About This Skill
# Docker MCP Toolkit
Run, manage, and invoke Docker Desktop’s MCP Toolkit using the `docker mcp` CLI.
Install + preflight (Docker Desktop)
1) Install/upgrade Docker Desktop (MCP Toolkit is in Docker Desktop 4.62+ per docs).
- 2) Enable MCP Toolkit:
- Docker Desktop → Settings → Beta features → Enable Docker MCP Toolkit → Apply.
3) Preflight:
```bash ./scripts/preflight.sh ```
Quick start
List enabled servers/tools:
```bash ./scripts/servers.sh ./scripts/tools.sh ```
Core operations
- List/enable/disable servers:
- - `./scripts/servers.sh`
- - `./scripts/server-enable.sh <server-name>`
- - `./scripts/server-disable.sh <server-name>`
- List tools:
- - `./scripts/tools.sh`
- Invoke a tool (via Docker’s gateway/tool runner):
```bash ./scripts/call-tool.sh --tool "mcp-find" --json '{"query":"postgres","limit":5}' ```
- Notes:
- `call-tool.sh` requires `jq`.
- `docker mcp tools call` uses `key=value` tokens.
- Non-string values use `:=` (example: `limit:=5`, `activate:=true`).
- This skill currently supports only primitive JSON values (string/number/bool/null). Nested objects/arrays are rejected.
- For tools requiring object arguments (e.g. `mcp-config-set`), call `docker mcp tools inspect <tool> --format json` then run `docker mcp tools call ...` directly until this skill adds a tested encoder.
How invocation works (important)
Docker MCP Toolkit runs an MCP Gateway and exposes tools through it. This skill intentionally uses the `docker mcp tools …` commands so OpenClaw can invoke tools without needing native MCP client support.
If you need a true MCP client connection (stdio/SSE), pair this skill with the `mcporter` skill.
Secrets and safety
- Prefer Docker Desktop’s secrets/keychain integration when possible.
- Do not expose gateway ports publicly.
- Use least-privilege credentials (separate Neon role with only required grants).
For hardening guidance, read: `references/security.md`.
Troubleshooting
- If commands say “Docker Desktop is not running”: start Docker Desktop.
- If MCP Toolkit isn’t visible: confirm it’s enabled in Beta features.
- If a tool call fails: run `docker mcp tools --verbose inspect <tool>` and check Docker Desktop MCP Toolkit UI for server configuration.
Use Cases
- Manage Docker containers and images through an MCP server interface
- Build container management workflows that integrate with AI agent pipelines
- Execute Docker operations programmatically from within MCP-compatible clients
- Monitor and control Docker environments through standardized MCP tool calls
- Combine Docker operations with other MCP tools for end-to-end deployment workflows
Pros & Cons
Pros
- +MCP interface standardizes Docker operations for AI agent consumption
- +Integrates Docker management with the broader MCP tool ecosystem
- +Programmatic access enables automated container orchestration workflows
Cons
- -MCP overhead adds complexity compared to direct Docker CLI usage
- -Only available on claude-code and openclaw platforms
- -Requires MCP server setup and configuration before Docker operations
FAQ
What does Docker MCP Toolkit do?
What platforms support Docker MCP Toolkit?
What are the use cases for Docker MCP Toolkit?
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