What is the key difference between Spark SQL and Monitor?

Spark SQL belongs to the Databases category with local stdio execution, while Monitor belongs to the Databases category with local stdio execution.

How do I install Spark SQL or Monitor in Claude Desktop or Cursor?

Copy the mcpServers JSON configuration snippet provided on this page into your claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json file and restart your AI client.

Are Spark SQL and Monitor free or paid?

Spark SQL operates under a Free / Open Source model (No auth required). Monitor operates under a Freemium model (No auth required).

Which MCP server has more tools and community activity?

Spark SQL lists 0 tools with 1 views and 0 GitHub stars. Monitor lists 6 tools with 4 views and 1,233 GitHub stars.

Can I use both Spark SQL and Monitor together in the same MCP host?

Yes! MCP hosts like Claude Desktop, Cursor, Windsurf, Cline, and VS Code support configuring multiple servers under the mcpServers object simultaneously.

How do I install Spark SQL or Monitor in Claude Desktop, Cursor, or Windsurf?

Both servers follow the standard Model Context Protocol configuration format. Simply copy the JSON block from the configuration section above and paste it into your AI client's mcpServers configuration object (for instance in claude_desktop_config.json or ~/.cursor/mcp.json ), then completely restart or refresh the application.

Are Spark SQL and Monitor free to use, or do they require API keys?

Spark SQL is listed under a Free / Open Source model with No auth required . Monitor operates under a Freemium model with No auth required . If environment variables are required (such as API keys), be sure to define them under the env key in your MCP client's configuration file.

Can I run both Spark SQL and Monitor at the same time in my AI client?

Yes! MCP clients support multi-server orchestration. You can include both spark-sql and betterdb-inc-monitor as distinct keys inside the single mcpServers object in your configuration file. Your AI assistant will automatically select and call the appropriate tool from either server during chat sessions.

Which MCP server has higher directory engagement and quality ratings?

On AllMCPs, Spark SQL has a Quality Score of 27 /100 ( Emerging ) with 1 views, 0 installs, and 0 GitHub stars. Monitor holds a Quality Score of 64 /100 ( Good ) with 4 views, 0 installs, and 1,233 GitHub stars.

Side-by-Side Model Context Protocol Comparison

Spark SQL vs Monitor

In-depth architectural comparison of the Spark SQL and Monitor 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

Spark SQL

Databases · Local stdio

Quality: 27/100 (Emerging) | Auth: No auth required

Monitor

Databases · Local stdio

Quality: 64/100 (Good) | Auth: No auth required

Verdict Summary: Choose Spark SQL if you need specialized Databases tools running via a local process. Choose Monitor if your workspace requires Databases integration with local subprocess execution. Both servers can be configured concurrently in your client's mcpServers manifest.

Which MCP Server Should You Choose?

Choose Spark SQL when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Free / Open Source).

Explore Spark SQL Details

Choose Monitor when:

You need dedicated capabilities in the Databases domain.
You prefer local stdio subprocess transport architecture.
Your security boundary fits: No auth required (Freemium).
You have access to required keys: DB_HOST, DB_PORT, DB_PASSWORD, AI_ENABLED.
Primary tools included: Persistent storage of slowlogs, client activity, and anomaly signals, Native support for Valkey COMMANDLOG and cluster SLOT-STATS, Per-thread CPU and I/O metrics visibility.

Explore Monitor Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	S Spark SQL Databases	Monitor BetterDB-inc Databases
Summary	Query Spark SQL clusters via Thrift/HiveServer2. Works with Spark, EMR, Hive, Impala.	Valkey-first observability with Redis compatibility. Query real-time metrics, analyze slow commands, detect hot keys, and investigate performance issues directly from AI coding assistants.
Category & Scope	Databases	Databases

Tools & Capabilities Breakdown

Spark SQL Tools (0)

No explicit tool names declared in metadata yet. Check project README on main listing page.

Monitor Tools (6)

Persistent storage of slowlogs, client activity, and anomaly signals

Native support for Valkey COMMANDLOG and cluster SLOT-STATS

Per-thread CPU and I/O metrics visibility

Live MONITOR capture sessions with filtering and export

Anomaly detection with automatic baseline learning

Prometheus and OpenTelemetry metrics endpoints

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).

Spark SQL Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

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

Monitor Configuration

mcpServers (Claude Desktop / Cursor)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "betterdb-inc-monitor": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@betterdb/monitor"
      ],
      "env": {
        "DB_HOST": "YOUR_DB_HOST_HERE",
        "DB_PORT": "YOUR_DB_PORT_HERE",
        "DB_PASSWORD": "YOUR_DB_PASSWORD_HERE",
        "AI_ENABLED": "YOUR_AI_ENABLED_HERE"
      }
    }
  }
}

Frequently Asked Questions

Spark SQL is categorized under Databases and uses a local stdio subprocess. In contrast, Monitor belongs to Databases using local stdio subprocess. Select Spark SQL when you need capabilities focused on databases and Monitor when you require tools for databases.

More alternatives to Spark SQL More alternatives to Monitor Databases category hub Canonical compare URL