Databases (read Only, switchable) vs MCP Datalink
A side-by-side look at the Databases (read Only, switchable) and MCP Datalink MCP servers: transport, auth, tools, quality signals, and the config to install either one in Claude, Cursor, Windsurf or VS Code.
Verdict: choose Databases (read Only, switchable) for databases work as a local process; choose MCP Datalink for databases as a local process. You can also run both side by side in one mcpServers block.
Which MCP server should you choose?
Choose Databases (read Only, switchable) when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- You want tools like
current_connection, list_connections, list_databases.
Choose MCP Datalink when
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
- You prefer a local stdio subprocess transport.
- Its auth model fits you: No auth required.
- You want tools like
list_databases, list_tables, describe_table.
Feature & specification comparison
Rows where the two servers differ are marked.
| Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
| Category | Databases | Databases |
| Quality signal | 61/100 · Good | 60/100 · Good |
| Install command | Confirmed | Confirmed |
| Transport | Local subprocess (stdio) | Local subprocess (stdio) |
| Auth | Not declared | No auth required |
| Pricing | Not declared | Free |
| Required env vars | None listed | None listed |
| Verified owner | Community listing | Community listing |
| GitHub stars | 0 | 5 |
| Directory activity | 1 views 0 installs 0 upvotes | 3 views 0 installs 0 upvotes |
| Tools | 18 | 6 |
| Full listing | View Databases (read Only, switchable) | View MCP Datalink |
Tools & capabilities
Databases (read Only, switchable) tools 18
current_connectionShow which database server, engine and database the read-only tools are currently pointed atlist_connectionsList the connection profiles available to switch to, with each one's engine, including any added during this sessionlist_databasesList databases on the currently connected server (schemas on MySQL, numbered databases on Redis)use_databaseSwitch the active database on the current server. Takes effect immediately, no restart neededuse_connectionSwitch to a named connection profile, on any engine. Takes effect immediately, no restart neededconnectConnect to a database at runtime with a connection URL (mysql, mariadb, postgres, sqlite, mssql, clickhouse, mongodb, redis, elasticsearch, opensearch). Not persisted to disk, but kept for the rest of the session under an aliaslist_tablesList the tables in the active database: collections on MongoDB, keys on Redis, indices on Elasticsearchdescribe_tableShow the structure of a table: columns on SQL engines, inferred fields for a MongoDB collection, the mapping of an Elasticsearch index, or the type and TTL of a Redis keyget_table_indexesShow indexes on a table or MongoDB collection, or the sorting key and skipping indices of a ClickHouse tableget_foreign_keysShow foreign key relationships for a table on MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite or SQL Serverget_table_sampleGet sample rows from a table, documents from a collection, hits from an index, or the first entries of a Redis keyrun_queryExecute a read-only SQL query (SELECT, WITH, and the engine's SHOW, DESCRIBE or EXPLAIN) on a MySQL, MariaDB, PostgreSQL, SQLite, SQL Server or ClickHouse connection- +6 more on the listing page
MCP Datalink tools 6
list_databasesList configured database connectionslist_tablesList tables with row countsdescribe_tableGet schema, indexes, foreign keysqueryRun SELECT queriesexecuteRun INSERT/UPDATE/DELETEexplainShow query execution plans
Ready-to-paste client configs
Paste either block (or both) into your client config, e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json. We only show a config when the install command is confirmed.
Databases (read Only, switchable)
{
"mcpServers": {
"databases-read-only-switchable": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@shibbirweb/mcp-db-read-only"
]
}
}
}
MCP Datalink
{
"mcpServers": {
"pilat-mcp-datalink": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@pilat/mcp-datalink"
]
}
}
}
Frequently asked questions
Databases (read Only, switchable) is categorized under Databases and uses a local stdio subprocess. MCP Datalink belongs to Databases and uses a local stdio subprocess. Pick Databases (read Only, switchable) for databases work and MCP Datalink for databases.
Copy the mcpServers block from the config section on this page into your client's config (for example claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json), then fully restart the client.
Databases (read Only, switchable) has no declared pricing — check the project's own site. MCP Datalink is listed as free. Auth: no auth required. If a server needs environment variables such as API keys, define them under the env key in your client's MCP config.
Yes. MCP clients support multiple servers: add databases-read-only-switchable and pilat-mcp-datalink as separate keys in the same mcpServers object, and your assistant will call tools from either one.
On AllMCPs, Databases (read Only, switchable) has a quality signal of 61/100 (Good) with 1 views, 0 installs and 0 GitHub stars. MCP Datalink has 60/100 (Good) with 3 views, 0 installs and 5 GitHub stars.