Spark SQL vs MCP Datalink

In-depth architectural comparison of the Spark SQL and MCP Datalink 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 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).
• Primary tools included: list_databases, list_tables, describe_table.

Explore Spark SQL Details

Choose MCP Datalink 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).
• Primary tools included: list_databases, list_tables, describe_table.

Explore MCP Datalink Details

Feature & Specification Comparison

Specification	Spark SQL Databases	MCP Datalink pilat Databases
Summary	Query Spark SQL clusters via Thrift/HiveServer2. Works with Spark, EMR, Hive, Impala.	MCP server for secure database access (PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite) with parameterized queries and schema inspection
Category & Scope	Databases	Databases

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": {
    "spark-sql": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": [
        "spark-sql-mcp-server"
      ]
    }
  }
}

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "pilat-mcp-datalink": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@pilat/mcp-datalink"
      ]
    }
  }
}

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