podman-mcp-server — Claude Code MCP server for containers
Connect an AI agent to Podman and Docker containers. Ask it to inspect a container, list running ones, or read logs.
claude mcp add podman-mcp-server -- npx -y podman-mcp-serverWhat podman-mcp-server does
This MCP server gives an agent access to Podman and Docker. Its available tools include viewing a container’s details by name or ID, listing running containers, and retrieving logs. Use it to check container state or look for errors through an agent.
The server chooses a backend automatically. When a Podman socket is available, it uses the REST API; otherwise, it falls back to a CLI wrapper. You can select a backend with --podman-impl. The API backend requires a Podman socket. The CLI backend invokes podman or docker, so the selected executable must be available.
STDIO is the default transport. The --port option enables HTTP with /mcp and /sse endpoints; SSE-only mode is deprecated. Running the server through npx requires npm.
What it helps with
- inspect a container by name or ID
- list running Podman and Docker containers
- retrieve logs from a selected container
- check what configuration a container exposes
Example prompts for the agent
- Inspect the Podman container named
web. - List the running Docker containers.
- Read the logs for container
apiand find error messages.
How to install podman-mcp-server
Platform CLI
claude mcp add podman-mcp-server -- npx -y podman-mcp-serverPlatform CLI
codex mcp add podman-mcp-server -- npx -y podman-mcp-serverConfig file
{
"mcpServers": {
"podman-mcp-server": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"podman-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Config file
{
"servers": {
"podman-mcp-server": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"podman-mcp-server"
]
}
}
}Platform CLI
gemini mcp add podman-mcp-server npx -y podman-mcp-serverStep by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about podman-mcp-server
How do I install podman-mcp-server in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add podman-mcp-server -- npx -y podman-mcp-server. npm is needed to run it through npx.
What does podman-mcp-server do?
It connects an agent to Podman and Docker through MCP. Available tools include container inspection, listing running containers, and reading logs.
Does the server need a Podman socket?
The api backend requires a Podman socket to access the REST API. By default, the server uses that backend when the socket is available and otherwise falls back to the podman or docker CLI.
