Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison
Dbx vs Gaffer
In-depth architectural comparison of the Dbx and Gaffer MCP servers. Compare execution transports, security boundaries, tool capabilities, quality scores, and ready-to-paste client installation snippets for Claude, Cursor, Windsurf, and VS Code.
At a Glance & Executive Verdict
Dbx
Developer Tools · Local stdio
Quality: 47/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required
Gaffer
Developer Tools · Local stdio
Quality: 39/100 (Fair) | Auth: No auth required
Verdict Summary: Choose Dbx if you need specialized Developer Tools tools running via a local process. Choose Gaffer if your workspace requires Developer Tools integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's
mcpServers manifest.Which MCP Server Should You Choose?
D
Choose Dbx when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
G
Choose Gaffer when:
- You need dedicated capabilities in the Developer Tools domain.
- You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
- Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).
Feature & Specification Comparison
Tools & Capabilities Breakdown
Dbx Tools (0)
No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.
Gaffer Tools (0)
No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.
Ready-to-Paste Client Configurations
Paste either (or both) of these JSON server blocks into your client config file (e.g. claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json).
Dbx Configuration
Gaffer Configuration