---
id: intro
title: Introduction
sidebar_label: Introduction
sidebar_position: 0
slug: /
description: MCPProxy - Smart MCP Proxy for AI Agents with intelligent tool discovery, security quarantine, and Docker isolation
keywords: [mcp, proxy, ai agents, tool discovery, security, docker]
---

# MCPProxy

**A smart proxy for AI agents using the Model Context Protocol (MCP)**

![MCPProxy Architecture](/img/mcpproxy-architecture.jpeg)

## What is MCPProxy?

MCPProxy is a Go-based application that acts as an intelligent proxy between AI clients (like Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code Copilot) and MCP servers. It runs locally on your machine or LAN and provides:

- **Intelligent Tool Discovery** - BM25 search indexes tools across all connected servers, reducing token usage and preventing context bloat
- **Security Quarantine** - Blocks Tool Poisoning Attacks (TPA) by quarantining new servers until manually approved
- **Containerized MCP Servers** - Run upstream servers in Docker isolation for enhanced security
- **Audit & Transparency** - Full logging of all tool calls for debugging and compliance
- **Sensitive Data Detection** - Automatic detection of API keys, credentials, PII, and other sensitive data in tool calls for compliance monitoring

## Key Features

### Intelligent Tool Discovery

Instead of loading all tools from all servers into your AI client's context, MCPProxy indexes tools using BM25 search. Your AI client queries for relevant tools and only receives what it needs, dramatically reducing token usage.

### Security Quarantine

New MCP servers are automatically quarantined until you review and approve them. This protects against Tool Poisoning Attacks where malicious servers might try to manipulate AI behavior through crafted tool descriptions.

### Docker Isolation

Run MCP servers inside Docker containers with automatic runtime detection (Python/Node.js), environment variable passing, and proper container lifecycle management.

### Multiple Control Interfaces

MCPProxy is controllable via:
- **CLI** - Full command-line interface for scripting and automation
- **Web UI** - Browser-based dashboard for visual management
- **Tray Menu** - System tray application for quick access (macOS/Windows/Linux)

## Architecture

MCPProxy consists of two components:

- **Core Server** (`mcpproxy`) - Headless HTTP API server with MCP proxy functionality
- **Tray Application** (`mcpproxy-tray`) - Optional GUI that manages the core server

The core server binds to `127.0.0.1:8080` by default (localhost-only for security) and can be configured for LAN access if needed.

## Getting Started

Ready to get started? Follow the [Installation Guide](/getting-started/installation) to install MCPProxy on your system, then proceed to the [Quick Start](/getting-started/quick-start) guide to configure your first MCP servers.

## Ecosystem

MCPProxy works with any MCP-compatible client and connects to 100+ MCP servers providing 1000+ tools. Popular integrations include:

**AI Clients:**
- Cursor
- Claude Desktop
- VS Code Copilot
- ChatGPT/Codex
- Goose
- Windsurf

**MCP Servers:**
- GitHub
- Playwright
- Context7
- Jira
- Filesystem
- Slack
- PostgreSQL
- And many more...

## Links

- [GitHub Repository](https://github.com/smart-mcp-proxy/mcpproxy-go)
- [Main Website](https://mcpproxy.app)
- [Release Notes](https://github.com/smart-mcp-proxy/mcpproxy-go/releases)
