Docker MCP vs Shovels

In-depth architectural comparison of the Docker MCP and Shovels 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.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Docker MCP 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).
• Primary tools included: Create standalone containers, Deploy Docker Compose stacks, Retrieve container logs.

Explore Docker MCP Details

S

Choose Shovels 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).

Explore Shovels Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Docker MCP QuantGeekDev Developer Tools	S Shovels Developer Tools
Summary	Docker container management and operations through MCP	Shovels MCP — wraps the Shovels.ai API (shovels.ai)
Category & Scope	Developer Tools	Developer Tools
Quality signal

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

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).

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "quantgeekdev-docker-mcp": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "docker-mcp"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shovels": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "shovels"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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