Docker MCP Catalog and Toolkit Overview

--- title: Docker MCP Catalog and Toolkit linkTitle: MCP Catalog and Toolkit params: sidebar: group: AI badge: color: blue text: Beta weight: 30 description: Learn about Docker's MCP catalog on Docker Hub keywords: Docker, ai, mcp servers, ai agents, extension, docker desktop, llm, docker hub grid: - title: MCP Catalog description: Learn about the benefits of the MCP Catalog, how you can use it, and how you can contribute icon: hub link: /ai/mcp-catalog-and-toolkit/catalog/ - title: MCP Toolkit description: Learn about the MCP toolkit to manage MCP servers and clients icon: /icons/toolkit.svg link: /ai/mcp-catalog-and-toolkit/toolkit/ --- The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is a modern standard that transforms AI agents from passive responders into action-oriented systems. By standardizing how tools are described, discovered, and invoked, MCP enables agents to securely query APIs, access data, and execute services across diverse environments. As agents move into production, MCP solves common integration challenges — interoperability, reliability, and security — by providing a consistent, decoupled, and scalable interface between agents and tools. Just as containers redefined software deployment, MCP is reshaping how AI systems interact with the world. > **Example** > > In simple terms, an MCP server is a way for an LLM to interact with an external system. > > For example: > If you ask a model to create a meeting, it needs to communicate with your calendar app to do that. > An MCP server for your calendar app provides _tools_ that perform atomic actions, such as: > "getting the details of a meeting" or "creating a new meeting". ## What is Docker MCP Catalog and Toolkit? Docker MCP Catalog and Toolkit is a comprehensive solution for securely building, sharing, and running MCP tools. It simplifies the developer experience across these key areas: - Discovery: A central catalog with verified, versioned tools - Credential Management: OAuth-based and secure by default - Execution: Tools run in isolated, containerized environments - Portability: Use MCP tools across Claude, Cursor, VS Code, and more — no code changes needed With Docker Hub and the MCP Toolkit, you can: - Launch MCP servers in seconds - Add tools via CLI or GUI - Rely on Docker's pull-based infrastructure for trusted delivery {{< grid >}}

This document introduces Docker's MCP (Model Context Protocol) Catalog and Toolkit, a solution designed to streamline the development, sharing, and deployment of MCP tools for AI agents. MCP standardizes how AI agents interact with external systems, promoting interoperability, reliability, and security. The Docker MCP Catalog and Toolkit provide a centralized catalog, secure credential management, isolated execution environments, and portability across various platforms. It enables users to easily launch MCP servers, add tools, and leverage Docker's infrastructure for trusted delivery.