--- title: "MCP FAQ | DreamFactory Docs" source: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/AI/mcp-faq" canonical_url: "https://docs.dreamfactory.com/AI/mcp-faq" converted_at: "2026-10-04T05:17:05.500Z" format: "markdown" converted_by: "html-to-md-ai" --- ## What is the Model Context Protocol?[​](#what-is-the-model-context-protocol) The Model Context Protocol (MCP) is an open standard that allows AI assistants (like Claude, ChatGPT, and Cursor) to connect to external tools and data sources through a consistent interface. Instead of each AI tool needing a custom integration, MCP provides a single protocol that any compatible client can use. In DreamFactory, MCP means you can connect an AI assistant directly to all your databases and file storage through a single endpoint — the AI can then query tables, read files, and manipulate data using natural language. ## What is DreamFactory's MCP Server service?[​](#what-is-dreamfactorys-mcp-server-service) DreamFactory's MCP Server service is a built-in feature that exposes your DreamFactory APIs as MCP-compatible tools. When an AI client connects, it can interact with the database and file storage services that MCP service [exposes](/AI/mcp-exposed-services) using the MCP protocol over Streamable HTTP (JSON-RPC). Key facts: - **One MCP service can cover all your APIs** — you select which databases and file services it exposes; no need to create one per database - **Authentication** uses OAuth 2.0 with auto-generated Client ID and Client Secret (with an optional per-service [API key mode](/AI/mcp-api-key-auth)) - **Transport** is Streamable HTTP with Server-Sent Events (SSE) for streaming - **Created in the admin UI** under the AI tab ## What tools does the MCP server provide?[​](#what-tools-does-the-mcp-server-provide) Tools are automatically generated for every database and file service the MCP service [exposes](/AI/mcp-exposed-services). All tool names are prefixed with the API name (e.g., `mysql_get_tables`, `s3_list_files`). ### Discovery tools[​](#discovery-tools) - `list_apis` — list all available APIs accessible through this MCP server - `list_tools` — list all available MCP tools for the current session - `{prefix}_get_data_model` — get full schema overview (tables, columns, foreign keys, row counts) - `{prefix}_get_api_spec` — retrieve the OpenAPI spec with query syntax hints ### Database tools[​](#database-tools) - `{prefix}_get_tables` — list all tables - `{prefix}_get_table_schema` — get schema for a specific table - `{prefix}_get_table_data` — query data with filtering, pagination, sorting - `{prefix}_get_table_fields` — get field definitions including types and constraints - `{prefix}_get_table_relationships` — get foreign key relationships - `{prefix}_aggregate_data` — SUM, COUNT, AVG, MIN, MAX aggregations - `{prefix}_create_records` — insert new records - `{prefix}_update_records` — update existing records - `{prefix}_delete_records` — delete records - `{prefix}_get_stored_procedures` — list stored procedures - `{prefix}_call_stored_procedure` — execute a stored procedure - `{prefix}_get_stored_functions` — list stored functions - `{prefix}_call_stored_function` — execute a stored function ### File storage tools[​](#file-storage-tools) - `{prefix}_list_files` — list files and folders - `{prefix}_get_file_content` — read a file - `{prefix}_create_folder` — create a folder - `{prefix}_delete_file` — delete a file or folder ## How do I create an MCP Server service?[​](#how-do-i-create-an-mcp-server-service) 1. Log in as admin → click the **AI** tab 2. Click the purple **+** button → select **MCP Server Service** 3. Fill in **API namespace** (lowercase alphanumeric), **label**, and **description** 4. Save — DreamFactory auto-generates OAuth Client ID and Client Secret 5. Give the Client ID and Secret to your AI client (ChatGPT, Claude, Cursor, etc.) See [Creating an MCP Server Service](/AI/mcp-service-creation) for the full walkthrough. ## How does an AI client connect to the MCP server?[​](#how-does-an-ai-client-connect-to-the-mcp-server) The client sends an initialization request to `POST /mcp/{service-name}`: ``` curl -i -X POST https://your-dreamfactory-host/mcp/{service-name} \ -H "Content-Type: application/json" \ -d '{ "jsonrpc": "2.0", "id": 1, "method": "initialize", "params": { "protocolVersion": "2025-03-26", "clientInfo": {"name": "my-client", "version": "1.0.0"} } }' ``` The response includes an `MCP-Session-Id` header — include this in all subsequent requests. ## What AI clients are supported?[​](#what-ai-clients-are-supported) Any MCP-compatible client: **ChatGPT**, **Claude Desktop**, **Cursor**, or any custom client implementing the MCP protocol. ## Can I use a custom login page for MCP OAuth?[​](#can-i-use-a-custom-login-page-for-mcp-oauth) Yes. Set the **Custom Login URL** field in the MCP service's Advanced Options. See [Custom Login Page for MCP](/AI/mcp-custom-login-page). ## Why doesn't my MCP server show any database or file tools?[​](#why-doesnt-my-mcp-server-show-any-database-or-file-tools) From DreamFactory 7.7.1, each MCP service only advertises the backends selected under **Exposed Services** in its Advanced Options — and an empty selection deliberately means none. New MCP services (and services imported from a pre-7.7.1 export) start with nothing selected. Open the service, check the databases and file services it should expose, save, and reconnect your client (the tool list is fixed for the life of a session). See [Scoping Tools with Exposed Services](/AI/mcp-exposed-services). ## Can a client authenticate with an API key instead of OAuth?[​](#can-a-client-authenticate-with-an-api-key-instead-of-oauth) Yes, from DreamFactory 7.7.1 — as a per-service opt-in. Enable **Allow API Key Authentication** in the MCP service's Advanced Options, then send a DreamFactory app API key in the `X-DreamFactory-API-Key` header. The key's app must be active and have a role assigned; that role scopes every tool call. OAuth Bearer tokens always take precedence when both are sent. See [API Key Authentication for MCP](/AI/mcp-api-key-auth).