Frequently Asked Questions about MySQL MCP Server

Q: What is an MCP Server, and why should I use it instead of a regular API?

A: MCP (Model Context Protocol) is a protocol developed by Anthropic specifically for AI assistants to access external tools. It offers a standardized format for tool descriptions, enhanced AI integration, automated permission management, and built-in security features, making it superior to regular APIs for AI interactions.

Q: What are the advantages of using stdio mode over HTTP API?

A: Stdio mode offers enhanced security (no open network port required), simplicity (no need for network and authentication configuration), efficiency (direct process communication), and isolation (each client has an independent process).

Q: Can I connect to a remote MySQL database?

A: Yes, you can. Simply specify the remote host address when connecting to the database. For example:

Please connect to the remote database:

• Host: 192.168.1.100
• Port: 3306
• Username: remote_user
• Password: remote_password
• Database: remote_db

Q: Does the server support other databases besides MySQL?

A: Currently, only MySQL is supported. However, the architecture is designed to be extensible, with plans to support PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server, and Oracle in the future.

Q: How can I back up and restore my configuration?

A: To back up your configuration, use the following command:

bash cp ~/.vscode/mcp-settings.json ~/mcp-backup.json

To restore your configuration, use:

bash cp ~/mcp-backup.json ~/.vscode/mcp-settings.json

Q: Does the server support write operations (e.g., INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE)?

A: For security reasons, only read operations (SELECT) are supported by default. If you need write operations, you can modify the security restrictions in src/database.ts and rebuild the project. However, this increases the risk to your data, so proceed with caution.

Q: How can I monitor the status of the MCP server?

A: To check the status of the MCP server, you can use the following commands:

• Check the process: ps aux | grep "mysql-mcp"
• Check the port (HTTP mode): netstat -an | grep 3100
• View the logs: tail -f ~/.vscode/logs/mcp-mysql.log