MySQL MCP Server
The MySQL MCP Server lets your AI connect directly to a MySQL database: inspect schemas, run SELECTs, and analyse data — no exporting to CSV and pasting it into the chat.
The everyday uses are "what does this table look like and what indexes does it have?" and ad-hoc data exploration. You stop switching to a DB client just to confirm a column name while writing code.
Install / Connect
# No npm package — install from source.
# See the repo's README for the exact command:
# https://github.com/benborla/mcp-server-mysqlFollow the official README; env and args vary per server.
Why use it
Good for: backend engineers and analysts who query often but don't want to open a client every time.
Before connecting: **use a read-only account for production**. This server supports read-only mode — turn it on. A wrong SQL statement against production isn't reversible.
Similar / alternative servers
chroma-mcp
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server implementation that provides database capa
capital.hove/read-only-local-mysql-mcp-server
MCP server for read-only MySQL database queries in Claude Desktop
mysql_mcp_server
A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that enables secure interaction with MySQL
capital.hove/read-only-local-postgres-mcp-server
MCP server for read-only PostgreSQL database queries in Claude Desktop
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock it to read-only?
Yes. The server has a read-only setting, and you should also use a read-only database account — two layers.
How does it differ from the PostgreSQL server?
Different protocol and dialect, same purpose. Both are listed on this site; pick whichever matches your database.