# IBM Code Engine MCP server

> Allows AI clients to build, push, and deploy containers to IBM Cloud Code Engine using natural language.

- Repository: https://github.com/markusvankempen/code-engine-mcp-server
- Page: https://hostedmcp.org/servers/markusvankempen/code-engine-mcp-server
- Transport: stdio
- Stars: 0
- License: Apache-2.0
- Latest version: 1.4.2

## Install

### Claude Code

```sh
claude mcp add --env 'IBMCLOUD_API_KEY=<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>' code-engine-mcp-server -- npx -y code-engine-mcp-server
```

### Cursor (`~/.cursor/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "code-engine-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "code-engine-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "IBMCLOUD_API_KEY": "<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code (`.vscode/mcp.json`)

```json
{
  "servers": {
    "code-engine-mcp-server": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "code-engine-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "IBMCLOUD_API_KEY": "<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### VS Code CLI

```sh
code --add-mcp '{"name":"code-engine-mcp-server","type":"stdio","command":"npx","args":["-y","code-engine-mcp-server"],"env":{"IBMCLOUD_API_KEY":"<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"}}'
```

### Claude Desktop (`claude_desktop_config.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "code-engine-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "code-engine-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "IBMCLOUD_API_KEY": "<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

### Codex

```sh
codex mcp add code-engine-mcp-server --env 'IBMCLOUD_API_KEY=<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>' -- npx -y code-engine-mcp-server
```

### Codex config.toml (`~/.codex/config.toml`)

```toml
[mcp_servers.code-engine-mcp-server]
command = "npx"
args = ["-y", "code-engine-mcp-server"]

[mcp_servers.code-engine-mcp-server.env]
IBMCLOUD_API_KEY = "<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"
```

### Gemini CLI

```sh
gemini mcp add -s user -e 'IBMCLOUD_API_KEY=<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>' code-engine-mcp-server npx -- -y code-engine-mcp-server
```

### Gemini settings.json (`~/.gemini/settings.json`)

```json
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "code-engine-mcp-server": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "code-engine-mcp-server"
      ],
      "env": {
        "IBMCLOUD_API_KEY": "<YOUR_IBMCLOUD_API_KEY>"
      }
    }
  }
}
```

## Environment variables

| Name | Required | Secret | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| `IBMCLOUD_API_KEY` | yes | yes | IBM Cloud API key used to authenticate and call Code Engine APIs |
| `ADMIN_PASSWORD` | no | no |  |
| `CODE_ENGINE_MCP_API_KEY` | no | no |  |
| `CONTAINER_RUNTIME` | no | no | Optional container runtime override: docker or podman |
| `IBMCLOUD_REGION` | no | no | Default IBM Cloud region (for example: us-south) |
| `MCP_ACTIVITY_CHAT_LABEL` | no | no |  |
| `MCP_ACTIVITY_ENABLED` | no | no |  |
| `MCP_ACTIVITY_EVENTS_PATH` | no | no |  |
| `MCP_ACTIVITY_SESSION_ID` | no | no |  |

## FAQ

### Do I need to know Docker or Code Engine commands?

No, the AI assistant can discover the environment, run the pipeline, and fix issues autonomously without you needing to know specific commands.

### Can I monitor the deployment process?

Yes, you can use the MCP Activity Dashboard to see tool calls, session timelines, and deployment outcomes in real time.