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Delphix DCT MCP Server

The Delphix DCT MCP Server provides a robust Model Context Protocol (MCP) interface for interacting with the Delphix Data Control Tower (DCT) API. This service enables AI assistants and client applications to securely access test data management capabilities through a structured toolset.

Table of Contents

Features

  • Persona-Based Toolsets: Choose from 5 pre-configured toolsets tailored for different roles (Self-Service, Self-Service Provisioning, Continuous Data Admin, Platform Admin, Reporting & Insights).
  • Auto Mode: Dynamic toolset discovery with runtime switching - no server restart required.
  • Grouped Tools: Each tool handles multiple related actions via an action parameter, reducing tool count while maintaining full functionality.
  • Confirmation System: Built-in confirmation checks for destructive operations to prevent accidental data loss.
  • Comprehensive DCT integration: Access datasets, environments, engines, compliance, jobs, and reporting through specialized tools.
  • Security and reliability: API client includes retry logic, exponential backoff, and SSL configuration.
  • Flexible configuration: Environment-based setup with validation.
  • Cross-platform support: Startup scripts for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Structured logging: Application and session logging with telemetry tracking.
  • Telemetry (Optional): Usage analytics are disabled by default and require user consent.

Quick Start

Configure the MCP server within your AI client application (such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, or VS Code). This is the recommended method and does not require separate installation.

What you need:

  • Delphix DCT Instance: Running Delphix Data Control Tower instance
  • API Key: Valid DCT API key with the following READ permissions:
    • VDBs
    • VDB Groups
    • dSources
    • Environments
    • Bookmarks
    • Snapshots
    • Data Connections
    • Engines
    • Virtualization and Compliance Job Executions
    • All Virtualization Storage Insights
  • uv (recommended): Install using uv. This method provides access to the uvx command.
  • OR Python 3.11+: If not using uv/uvx

Next step: Proceed to MCP Client Configuration to complete setup.

Alternative: To run the server as a standalone command-line tool or contribute to development, see Advanced Installation.

Videos

Watch these videos to see the MCP Server in action:

Environment Variables

All configuration methods use these environment variables:

  • DCT_API_KEY - Your Delphix DCT API key (required).

    Do not prefix with apk. Use the key exactly as provided by DCT. Example: 2.123abc...

  • DCT_BASE_URL - Your DCT instance URL (required).

    Do not append with /dct. Example: https://dct-hostname.com

  • DCT_VERIFY_SSL - Enable SSL verification (true/false, default: false)

  • DCT_LOG_LEVEL - Logging level (DEBUG, INFO, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL)

  • DCT_TIMEOUT - Request timeout in seconds (default: 30)

  • DCT_MAX_RETRIES - Maximum retry attempts (default: 3)

  • DCT_TOOLSET - Toolset to load (see Toolsets section below)

    • self_service (default) - Basic VDB operations (7 tools)
    • auto - Dynamic discovery with 5 meta-tools for runtime switching
    • self_service_provision - Self-service + provisioning (14 tools)
    • continuous_data_admin - Full DBA operations (22 tools)
    • platform_admin - System administration (13 tools)
    • reporting_insights - Read-only reporting (13 tools)
  • IS_LOCAL_TELEMETRY_ENABLED - Enable telemetry (true/false, default: false)

MCP Client Configuration

Note: Use absolute paths for the command field in all configurations. Ensure environment variables are set for each client application.

Configuration examples for popular MCP clients are provided below. The structure may vary (some use mcpServers, others use servers).

Configuration Methods

All clients support three installation methods:

  • Using uvx (Recommended):

    Requires uv. Handles dependencies automatically.

  • Using Python directly:

    Point to the main.py file in your local repository clone.

  • Using shell/batch scripts

    Use provided startup scripts (_python.sh for Linux/macOS, _python.bat for Windows). The _uv.sh and _uv.bat scripts require uv.

See below for the full JSON configuration examples for each client.


Claude Desktop

Option 1: Using uvx (Recommended)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "git+https://github.com/delphix/dxi-mcp-server.git", "dct-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_LOG_LEVEL": "INFO",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}

Tip: Use "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service" (default) for basic VDB operations, or "auto" for dynamic toolset discovery, or "continuous_data_admin" for full DBA operations.

Option 2: Using Python directly

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/src/dct_mcp_server/main.py"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}

Option 3: Using shell/batch scripts

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/start_mcp_server_uv.sh",
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}
Cursor IDE & Windsurf

Option 1: Using uvx (Recommended)

{
  "mcpServers": [
    {
      "name": "delphix-dct", 
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "git+https://github.com/delphix/dxi-mcp-server.git", "dct-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_LOG_LEVEL": "INFO",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Option 2: Using Python directly

{
  "mcpServers": [
    {
      "name": "delphix-dct",
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/src/dct_mcp_server/main.py"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Option 3: Using shell scripts

{
  "mcpServers": [
    {
      "name": "delphix-dct",
      "command": "/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/start_mcp_server_uv.sh",
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  ]
}

Note: Windsurf uses the same configuration format as Cursor (mcpServers object).

VS Code, Eclipse, & IntelliJ IDEA

VS Code Copilot Note: For best experience, use a fixed toolset instead of auto mode, as VS Code Copilot doesn't refresh tools mid-session.

Option 1: Using uvx (Recommended)

{
  "servers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["--from", "git+https://github.com/delphix/dxi-mcp-server.git", "dct-mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_LOG_LEVEL": "INFO",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}

Option 2: Using Python directly

{
  "servers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "python",
      "args": ["/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/src/dct_mcp_server/main.py"],
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}

Option 3: Using shell scripts

{
  "servers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "command": "/absolute/path/to/dxi-mcp-server/start_mcp_server_uv.sh",
      "env": {
        "DCT_API_KEY": "your-api-key-here",
        "DCT_BASE_URL": "https://your-dct-host.company.com",
        "DCT_VERIFY_SSL": "true",
        "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
      }
    }
  }
}

Note: VS Code, Eclipse, and IntelliJ all use the same configuration format (servers object).

Advanced Installation

For running as a standalone command-line tool or contributing to development.

Most users should use the MCP Client Configuration above instead.

Setting Environment Variables

For standalone installation, set the environment variables in your shell before running the server.

Linux/macOS

Use the export command to set variables for your current shell session. For improved security, avoid adding secrets like the API key to your shell's profile file.

Production Example:

export DCT_API_KEY="your-production-key"
export DCT_BASE_URL="https://dct-prod.company.com"
export DCT_VERIFY_SSL="true"
export DCT_LOG_LEVEL="INFO"

Development Example:

export DCT_API_KEY="your-development-key"
export DCT_BASE_URL="https://dct-dev.company.com"
export DCT_VERIFY_SSL="false"
export DCT_LOG_LEVEL="DEBUG"
Windows

Use the set command in Command Prompt or $env: in PowerShell for the current session. For improved security, avoid setting secrets like the API key permanently.

Command Prompt:

set DCT_API_KEY="your-production-key"
set DCT_BASE_URL="https://dct-prod.company.com"
set DCT_VERIFY_SSL="true"

PowerShell:

$env:DCT_API_KEY="your-production-key"
$env:DCT_BASE_URL="https://dct-prod.company.com"
$env:DCT_VERIFY_SSL="true"

Quick Start (Command-Line Tool)

Recommended method for users who want to use the server without modifying its code.

Prerequisites:

  • Python 3.11+
  • pip and git installed on your system
  • Environment variables configured in your shell. See above examples.

Install the server directly from GitHub using pip:

pip install git+https://github.com/delphix/dxi-mcp-server.git

# Verify the installation
dct-mcp-server --help

This makes the dct-mcp-server command available globally in your environment.

Developer Setup

Method for developers who want to modify the code or run it from a local clone.

Prerequisites:

  • Python 3.11+
  • git installed on your system
  • Environment variables configured in your shell. See above examples.

Steps:

  1. Clone the repository:

    git clone https://github.com/delphix/dxi-mcp-server.git
    cd dxi-mcp-server
  2. Set up the environment and install dependencies:

    The included scripts handle environment setup automatically. We recommend using uv (which provides uvx) for the best performance:

    Linux/macOS:

    chmod +x start_mcp_server_uv.sh
    ./start_mcp_server_uv.sh

    Windows:

    start_mcp_server_windows_uv.bat

    Note: If you prefer not to use uv, scripts for standard Python with venv are also provided (start_mcp_server_python.sh and start_mcp_server_windows_python.bat).

Connecting a Client to a Running Server

Once the server is running (either via the command-line tool or from the source), it will print the port it is listening on to the console (e.g., INFO: Uvicorn running on http://127.0.0.1:6790 (Press CTRL+C to quit)).

To connect your client, you only need to specify this port number. You do not need to provide environment variables in the client configuration, as the server already has them from your terminal session.

Example for Claude Desktop:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "delphix-dct": {
      "port": 6790
    }
  }
}

Note: You can configure other MCP clients similarly by providing the port number. This method is ideal for development, as it allows you to restart the server without reconfiguring or restarting your client application. For troubleshooting, all log files can be found in the logs directory created in the project root.

Toolsets

The server organizes tools into persona-based toolsets designed for specific roles and use cases. Each toolset provides a curated set of grouped tools.

Available Toolsets

Toolset Tools Target Users Description
self_service 7 tools Developers, QA Basic VDB operations: search, refresh, rollback, start/stop, timeflows (default)
auto 5 meta-tools All users Dynamic discovery mode - start minimal, enable toolsets at runtime
self_service_provision 14 tools Dev leads Self-service + VDB provisioning, toolkits, templates, policies
continuous_data_admin 22 tools DBAs Full data management: VDBs, dSources, snapshots, policies, staging, toolkits, vaults, diagnostics
platform_admin 13 tools Admins System administration: engines, environments, IAM, toolkits, vaults, diagnostics, reporting
reporting_insights 13 tools Managers Read-only reporting and analytics

Auto Mode

When DCT_TOOLSET=auto, the server starts with 5 meta-tools for dynamic toolset discovery:

Meta-Tool Description
list_available_toolsets List all toolsets with descriptions and tool counts
get_toolset_tools Get detailed list of tools and actions in a toolset
enable_toolset Enable a toolset at runtime (no restart required)
disable_toolset Return to meta-tools only mode
check_operation_confirmation Check if an operation requires confirmation

Example workflow:

User: "What toolsets are available?"
AI: [calls list_available_toolsets] → Shows 5 toolsets

User: "I need to work with VDBs"
AI: [calls enable_toolset("self_service")] → 6 tools now available

User: "Show me all VDBs"
AI: [calls vdb_tool(action="search_vdbs")] → Returns VDB list

Fixed Toolset Mode

For environments where you always need the same toolset, set it directly:

{
  "env": {
    "DCT_TOOLSET": "self_service"
  }
}

This pre-registers all tools at startup (no runtime switching).

Agent Compatibility for Auto Mode

Not all MCP clients support dynamic tool registration mid-session:

Agent Dynamic Tools Notes
Claude Desktop ✅ Yes Fully supports tools/list_changed notifications
Cursor ✅ Yes Refreshes tool list dynamically
Continue.dev ✅ Yes Supports runtime tool changes
VS Code Copilot ⚠️ Limited Requires chat restart after enable_toolset

Recommendation: For VS Code Copilot, use a fixed toolset (DCT_TOOLSET=self_service) for the best experience.

Grouped Tools

Each tool in a toolset handles multiple related actions via an action parameter:

# Instead of calling separate tools:
search_vdbs(filter_expression="...")
get_vdb(vdbId="...")
refresh_vdb_by_timestamp(vdbId="...", timestamp="...")

# Call one grouped tool with different actions:
vdb_tool(action="search_vdbs", filter_expression="...")
vdb_tool(action="get_vdb", vdbId="...")
vdb_tool(action="refresh_vdb_by_timestamp", vdbId="...", timestamp="...")

This reduces tool count while maintaining full functionality.

Confirmation for Destructive Operations

Destructive operations (delete, disable, etc.) require explicit confirmation:

# First call returns confirmation requirement
vdb_tool(action="delete_vdb", vdbId="vdb-123")
# Response: {"status": "confirmation_required", "confirmation_level": "manual", ...}

# Confirm by setting confirmed=True
vdb_tool(action="delete_vdb", vdbId="vdb-123", confirmed=True)
# Response: {"status": "success", ...}

Available Tools

The tools available depend on the configured toolset. Below are the grouped tools for each toolset.

continuous_data_admin Toolset (22 Tools)

data_tool - VDB, VDB Group, and dSource operations (41 actions)
  • Actions: search_vdbs, get_vdb, provision_by_timestamp, provision_by_snapshot, provision_from_bookmark, refresh_vdb_by_timestamp, refresh_vdb_by_snapshot, rollback_vdb_by_timestamp, start_vdb, stop_vdb, enable_vdb, disable_vdb, delete_vdb, search_vdb_groups, get_vdb_group, create_vdb_group, refresh_vdb_group, rollback_vdb_group, search_dsources, get_dsource, list_dsource_snapshots, and more
  • Use cases: VDB lifecycle management, data provisioning, refresh/rollback operations
snapshot_bookmark_tool - Snapshot and Bookmark operations (18 actions)
  • Actions: search_snapshots, get_snapshot, delete_snapshot, update_snapshot, search_bookmarks, get_bookmark, create_bookmark, delete_bookmark, find_snapshot_by_timestamp, find_snapshot_by_location
  • Use cases: Point-in-time recovery, bookmark management, snapshot retention
environment_source_tool - Environment and Source operations (17 actions)
  • Actions: search_environments, get_environment, create_environment, enable_environment, disable_environment, refresh_environment, search_sources, get_source, update_source
  • Use cases: Environment management, source discovery, host configuration
instance_tool - CDB and vCDB operations (14 actions)
  • Actions: search_cdbs, get_cdb, search_vcdbs, get_vcdb, start_vcdb, stop_vcdb, enable_vcdb, disable_vcdb, delete_vcdb
  • Use cases: Oracle container database management
iam_tool - Identity and Access Management (21 actions)
  • Actions: search_accounts, get_account, create_account, enable_account, disable_account, reset_password, search_roles, create_role, search_access_groups, create_access_group
  • Use cases: User management, role-based access control, API client management
reporting_tool - Reporting and Analytics (16 actions)
  • Actions: get_storage_capacity_report, get_vdb_inventory_report, get_dsource_consumption_report, get_engine_performance_report, search_storage_savings_report, get_license, create_scheduled_report
  • Use cases: Capacity planning, usage reporting, compliance auditing
virtualization_policy_tool - Policy management (10 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, apply, unapply, search_targets
  • Use cases: Retention policies, refresh schedules, sync policies
job_tool - Job monitoring (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, abandon, get_result
  • Use cases: Job tracking, error analysis, operation monitoring
engine_tool - Engine management (5 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, update, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Engine monitoring, configuration management
replication_tool - Replication profiles (8 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, execute
  • Use cases: Data replication, disaster recovery
database_template_tool - VDB templates (7 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete
  • Use cases: Standardized VDB provisioning
hook_template_tool - Hook templates (7 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete
  • Use cases: Pre/post operation scripts
tag_tool - Tag management (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, delete, search_usages
  • Use cases: Resource tagging, organization
data_connection_tool - Data connections (5 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, update
  • Use cases: Connection management
toolkit_tool - AppData plugin toolkits
  • Actions: search, get, upload, update, delete
  • Use cases: AppData plugin schema discovery for dSource linking and VDB provisioning
staging_source_tool - Staging sources
  • Actions: search, get, enable, disable
  • Use cases: Staging source lifecycle
staging_cdb_tool - Staging CDBs
  • Actions: search, get, delete
  • Use cases: Oracle staging container database management
cdb_dsource_tool - Oracle CDB dSources
  • Actions: search, get, link_cdb, detach, attach
  • Use cases: Oracle multitenant CDB dSource operations
group_tool - Dataset groups
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete
  • Use cases: Dataset group organization
timeflow_tool - Timeflows
  • Actions: search, get, delete, get_ranges
  • Use cases: Timeline management and recovery points
vault_tool - HashiCorp vaults & Kerberos configs
  • Actions: search_vaults, get_vault, create_vault, delete_vault, search_kerberos, get_kerberos
  • Use cases: Credential vault and Kerberos authentication configuration
diagnostic_tool - Connectivity and diagnostic tests
  • Actions: network_test, connectivity_check, file_mapping
  • Use cases: Engine connectivity validation, network diagnostics, file mapping inspection

self_service Toolset (7 Tools)

vdb_tool - VDB operations (14 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, start, stop, enable, disable, refresh_by_timestamp, refresh_by_snapshot, refresh_from_bookmark, rollback_by_timestamp, rollback_by_snapshot, rollback_from_bookmark, list_snapshots, list_bookmarks
  • Use cases: VDB lifecycle management, refresh and rollback operations
vdb_group_tool - VDB Group operations (14 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, refresh, refresh_from_bookmark, refresh_by_snapshot, refresh_by_timestamp, rollback, lock, unlock, start, stop, enable, disable, list_bookmarks
  • Use cases: Coordinated VDB group operations, bulk refresh/rollback
dsource_tool - dSource operations (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, list_snapshots
  • Use cases: dSource discovery, snapshot listing
snapshot_tool - Snapshot operations (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, get_timeflow_range, get_runtime, find_by_location, find_by_timestamp
  • Use cases: Point-in-time recovery, snapshot discovery
bookmark_tool - Bookmark operations (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, get_vdb_groups
  • Use cases: Bookmark management, point-in-time markers
job_tool - Job operations (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, abandon
  • Use cases: Job monitoring, operation tracking
timeflow_tool - Timeflows (read-only)
  • Actions: search, get, get_ranges
  • Use cases: Timeline discovery, recovery point inspection

self_service_provision Toolset (14 Tools)

Inherits all tools from self_service with extended capabilities, plus additional tools.

vdb_tool - VDB operations with provisioning (28 actions)
  • Actions: All self_service actions plus: provision_by_timestamp, get_provision_by_timestamp_defaults, provision_by_snapshot, get_provision_by_snapshot_defaults, provision_from_bookmark, get_provision_from_bookmark_defaults, provision_by_location, get_provision_by_location_defaults, update, delete, switch_timeflow, undo_refresh, get_deletion_dependencies, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: VDB provisioning, lifecycle management, tagging
vdb_group_tool - VDB Group operations with CRUD (21 actions)
  • Actions: All self_service actions plus: create, update, delete, provision_from_bookmark, get_latest_snapshots, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: VDB group management, provisioning from bookmarks
dsource_tool - dSource operations (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, list_snapshots
  • Use cases: dSource discovery, snapshot listing
snapshot_tool - Snapshot operations (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, get_timeflow_range, get_runtime, find_by_location, find_by_timestamp
  • Use cases: Point-in-time recovery, snapshot discovery
bookmark_tool - Bookmark operations (6 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, get_vdb_groups
  • Use cases: Bookmark management, point-in-time markers
job_tool - Job operations (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, abandon
  • Use cases: Job monitoring, operation tracking
instance_tool - CDB/vCDB operations (4 actions)
  • Actions: search_cdbs, get_cdb, search_vcdbs, get_vcdb
  • Use cases: Oracle container database discovery
database_template_tool - VDB Templates (7 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Standardized VDB provisioning templates
hook_template_tool - Hook Templates (7 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Pre/post operation script management
virtualization_policy_tool - Policies (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, search_targets
  • Use cases: Policy discovery and target lookup
environment_tool - Environments (4 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, list_hosts, list_listeners
  • Use cases: Environment discovery and configuration
tag_tool - Tags (4 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, delete
  • Use cases: Resource tagging and organization
toolkit_tool - AppData plugin toolkits
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Schema discovery for AppData provisioning
timeflow_tool - Timeflows
  • Actions: search, get, get_ranges
  • Use cases: Timeline management, recovery point discovery

platform_admin Toolset (13 Tools)

job_tool - Job operations (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, abandon
  • Use cases: Job monitoring, operation management
engine_tool - CD Engine management (7 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, register, update, unregister, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Engine registration, configuration, monitoring
environment_tool - Environment management (12 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, enable, disable, refresh, list_hosts, list_listeners, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Full environment lifecycle management
source_tool - Source management (5 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, update, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Source configuration and tagging
replication_tool - Replication profiles (8 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, update, delete, execute, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Data replication, disaster recovery
reporting_tool - Reports and Analytics (17 actions)
  • Actions: search_storage_savings_report, get_storage_capacity_report, get_virtualization_storage_summary, get_vdb_inventory_report, search_vdb_inventory_report, get_dsource_consumption_report, get_engine_performance_report, get_dataset_performance_analytics, get_api_usage_report, get_audit_logs_summary_report, search_scheduled_reports, get_scheduled_report, create_scheduled_report, update_scheduled_report, delete_scheduled_report, get_license, change_license
  • Use cases: Capacity planning, usage reporting, license management
iam_tool - Identity and Access Management (21 actions)
  • Actions: search_accounts, get_account, create_account, update_account, delete_account, enable_account, disable_account, reset_password, search_roles, get_role, create_role, update_role, delete_role, search_access_groups, get_access_group, create_access_group, update_access_group, delete_access_group, list_api_clients, create_api_client, delete_api_client
  • Use cases: User management, RBAC, API client management
data_connection_tool - Data connections (5 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, update, add_tags, delete_tags
  • Use cases: Connection management and tagging
tag_tool - Tag management (5 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, create, delete, get_usages
  • Use cases: Resource tagging, usage tracking
admin_platform_tool - Platform administration (20 actions)
  • Actions: list_llm_models, get_llm_model, upload_llm_model, get_gateway_config, update_gateway_config, enable_ai, get_properties, update_properties, get_telemetry_config, update_telemetry_config, get_smtp_config, update_smtp_config, validate_smtp_config, get_ldap_config, update_ldap_config, validate_ldap_config, get_saml_config, update_saml_config, get_proxy_config, update_proxy_config
  • Use cases: AI services, SMTP, LDAP, SAML, proxy configuration
toolkit_tool - AppData plugin toolkits
  • Actions: search, get, upload, update, delete
  • Use cases: AppData plugin lifecycle management
vault_tool - HashiCorp vaults & Kerberos configs
  • Actions: search_vaults, get_vault, create_vault, delete_vault, search_kerberos, get_kerberos
  • Use cases: Credential vault and Kerberos authentication configuration
diagnostic_tool - Connectivity and diagnostic tests
  • Actions: network_test, connectivity_check, file_mapping
  • Use cases: Engine connectivity validation, network diagnostics

reporting_insights Toolset (13 Tools)

All tools in this toolset are read-only for monitoring and reporting.

data_tool - VDB/VDB Group/dSources read-only (9 actions)
  • Actions: search_vdbs, get_vdb, list_vdb_snapshots, search_vdb_groups, get_vdb_group, list_vdb_group_bookmarks, search_dsources, get_dsource, list_dsource_snapshots
  • Use cases: Data asset inventory and monitoring
snapshot_bookmark_tool - Snapshots and Bookmarks read-only (7 actions)
  • Actions: search_snapshots, get_snapshot, get_snapshot_capacity, get_snapshot_timeflow_range, search_bookmarks, get_bookmark, get_bookmark_vdb_groups
  • Use cases: Snapshot and bookmark reporting
instance_tool - CDB/vCDB read-only (4 actions)
  • Actions: search_cdbs, get_cdb, search_vcdbs, get_vcdb
  • Use cases: Oracle container database inventory
database_template_tool - VDB Templates read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Template inventory
hook_template_tool - Hook Templates read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Hook template inventory
virtualization_policy_tool - Policies read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Policy inventory
job_tool - Jobs read-only (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, get_result
  • Use cases: Job monitoring and result analysis
engine_tool - Engines read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Engine inventory and monitoring
environment_tool - Environments read-only (4 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, list_hosts, list_listeners
  • Use cases: Environment inventory
source_tool - Sources read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Source inventory
reporting_tool - Reports and Analytics (13 actions)
  • Actions: search_storage_savings_report, get_storage_capacity_report, get_virtualization_storage_summary, get_vdb_inventory_report, search_vdb_inventory_report, get_dsource_consumption_report, get_engine_performance_report, get_dataset_performance_analytics, get_api_usage_report, get_audit_logs_summary_report, search_scheduled_reports, get_scheduled_report, get_license
  • Use cases: Comprehensive reporting and analytics
data_connection_tool - Connections read-only (2 actions)
  • Actions: search, get
  • Use cases: Connection inventory
tag_tool - Tags read-only (3 actions)
  • Actions: search, get, get_usages
  • Use cases: Tag inventory and usage tracking

Legacy Tool Reference

The following documents the individual endpoint tools (used in older versions):

Dataset Management Tools

search_bookmarks - Search for bookmarks and point-in-time markers
  • Purpose: Find bookmarks across datasets for point-in-time operations
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Bookmark discovery, point-in-time recovery, timeline navigation
search_data_connections - Find and filter database connections
  • Purpose: Discover database connections by platform, status, and capabilities
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Connection discovery, status monitoring, platform inventory
search_dsources - Search for dSource objects (linked data sources)
  • Purpose: Find linked data sources with filtering and pagination
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Data source management, capacity planning, source discovery
search_snapshots - Locate specific snapshots across datasets
  • Purpose: Find snapshots with time-based filtering
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Point-in-time recovery, backup verification, timeline analysis
search_sources - Find source database objects and their configurations
  • Purpose: Discover source databases and their settings
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Source inventory, configuration review, compliance checking
search_timeflows - Search timeline flows for data history
  • Purpose: Find timeline flows and recovery points
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Data lineage, recovery planning, timeline management
search_vdb_groups - Locate virtual database groups
  • Purpose: Find VDB groups and their member databases
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Group management, resource organization, bulk operations
search_vdbs - Search virtual databases
  • Purpose: Find virtual databases with status and environment filtering
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: VDB inventory, environment management, status monitoring

Environment Management Tools

search_environments - Find database environments
  • Purpose: Discover environments by type, status, and configuration
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Environment discovery, capacity planning, status monitoring

Engine Administration Tools

search_engines - Locate Delphix engines
  • Purpose: Find engines and check their operational status
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Engine monitoring, capacity management, health checking

Compliance & Security Tools

search_connectors - Find compliance connectors
  • Purpose: Discover connectors for data governance workflows
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Compliance management, connector inventory, governance tracking
search_executions - Search compliance execution history
  • Purpose: Find compliance execution history and audit trails
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Audit trail analysis, compliance reporting, execution monitoring

Job Monitoring Tools

search_jobs - Search job execution history
  • Purpose: Find jobs with status filtering and error details
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Job monitoring, error analysis, performance tracking

Reporting & Analytics Tools

search_storage_capacity_data - Get storage capacity metrics
  • Purpose: Retrieve storage capacity and utilization data
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Capacity planning, storage optimization, usage reporting
search_storage_savings_summary_report - Generate storage efficiency reports
  • Purpose: Create storage efficiency and compression reports
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: Cost analysis, efficiency reporting, savings tracking
search_virtualization_storage_summary_report - Create virtualization impact reports
  • Purpose: Generate virtualization impact and savings reports
  • Parameters: filter_expression, limit, cursor, sort
  • Use cases: ROI analysis, virtualization benefits, impact assessment

Common Tool Features

All tools support:

  • Advanced Filtering: Complex filter expressions using comparison operators (EQ, NE, GT, LT, CONTAINS, IN) and logical operators (AND, OR, NOT)
  • Flexible Pagination: Control result sets with limit and cursor parameters
  • Smart Sorting: Sort results by any available field in ascending or descending order
  • Comprehensive Search: Use the SEARCH operator to find items across multiple attributes
  • Error Handling: Detailed error responses with actionable troubleshooting information

Filter Expression Examples

# Find active Oracle databases
"filter_expression": "platform EQ 'oracle' AND status EQ 'ACTIVE'"

# Search for large datasets (> 100GB)
"filter_expression": "size GT 107374182400"

# Find resources with specific tags
"filter_expression": "tags CONTAINS 'production'"

# Complex logical expressions
"filter_expression": "NOT (status EQ 'INACTIVE') AND (platform IN ['oracle', 'postgresql'])"

Privacy & Telemetry

When IS_LOCAL_TELEMETRY_ENABLED is set to true, the server collects anonymous usage analytics to improve functionality and user experience.

What Data is Collected

  • Tool execution details: Tool name, execution status (success or failure), and session duration
  • User identifier: Operating system username (via getpass.getuser()) for usage analysis
  • Error context: Anonymized error types and frequencies (no sensitive data)
  • Performance metrics: Execution times and resource usage

What is NOT Collected

  • Sensitive data: No API keys, database content, or business data
  • Personal information: No personally identifiable information beyond OS username
  • DCT data: No data returned from DCT API calls
  • Network details: No IP addresses or network configurations

Data Storage & Privacy

  • Local only: Telemetry data is stored in the logs/sessions/ directory
  • No remote transmission: Data never leaves your machine
  • User control: Disable telemetry by setting IS_LOCAL_TELEMETRY_ENABLED="false"
  • Readable format: Logs use human-readable JSON

Sample Telemetry Entry

{
  "session_id": "abc123",
  "timestamp": "2025-12-05T10:30:00Z",
  "user": "developer",
  "tool": "get_datasets",
  "status": "success",
  "duration_ms": 245,
  "args_count": 3
}

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Connection Errors

# Check DCT connectivity
curl -k -H "Authorization: Bearer $DCT_API_KEY" "$DCT_BASE_URL/v1/about"

# Verify SSL settings
export DCT_VERIFY_SSL="false"  # For self-signed certificates

Authentication Failures

# Verify API key is set
echo $DCT_API_KEY  # Should be your DCT API key (do NOT add 'apk' prefix)

# Check API key permissions in DCT admin console

Tool Generation Issues

# Enable debug logging
export DCT_LOG_LEVEL="DEBUG"

# Check DCT API accessibility
curl -k "$DCT_BASE_URL/v1/about"

MCP Client Connection Issues

# Test server startup
./start_mcp_server_python.sh

# Verify Python path
export PYTHONPATH=src
python -c "import dct_mcp_server; print('Import successful')"

Debug Mode

Enable comprehensive debugging:

export DCT_LOG_LEVEL="DEBUG"
export IS_LOCAL_TELEMETRY_ENABLED="true"
./start_mcp_server_python.sh 2>&1 | tee debug.log

Log Analysis

By default, all log files are generated in a logs directory. The location depends on how the server is started:

  • Local development: When you run the server from the cloned source code, the logs directory is created at the root of the project.
  • Client application: When an MCP client starts the server, the logs directory is typically created at the root of the workspace or project folder you have open in that client.

Check these logs for issues:

# Main application logs
tail -f logs/dct_mcp_server.log

# Session telemetry
ls -la logs/sessions/

# Startup logs
cat logs/mcp_server_setup_logfile.txt

"Server starting..." followed by "No such file or directory" or "command not found"

  • Cause: This happens when the command path in your MCP client's JSON configuration is incorrect. The client optimistically reports that it is "starting" the server, but then the operating system immediately fails because it cannot find the script at the specified location.
  • Solution: Ensure the command value is the absolute path to the correct startup script (e.g., start_mcp_server_uv.sh or start_mcp_server_python.sh). Verify that the file exists at that exact path and that it has execute permissions (chmod +x <script_name>).

Project Structure

dxi-mcp-server/
├── README.md                   # This file
├── LICENSE.md                  # MIT license
├── pyproject.toml              # Python project configuration
├── requirements.txt            # Dependencies (legacy format)
├── uv.lock                     # Locked dependencies (uv format)
├── start_mcp_server_*.{sh,bat} # Cross-platform startup scripts
├── logs/                       # Runtime logs and telemetry
│   ├── dct_mcp_server.log      # Main application logs
│   └── sessions/               # Telemetry session logs
└── src/
    └── dct_mcp_server/
        ├── main.py             # Application entry point
        ├── config/
        │   ├── config.py       # Configuration management
        │   ├── loader.py       # Toolset configuration loader
        │   ├── toolsets/       # Toolset definitions
        │   │   ├── self_service.txt          # Default toolset (6 tools)
        │   │   ├── self_service_provision.txt
        │   │   ├── continuous_data_admin.txt
        │   │   ├── platform_admin.txt
        │   │   └── reporting_insights.txt
        │   └── mappings/       # Confirmation rules
        │       └── manual_confirmation.txt
        ├── core/
        │   ├── decorators.py   # Logging and telemetry decorators
        │   ├── exceptions.py   # Custom exception classes
        │   ├── logging.py      # Logging configuration
        │   └── session.py      # Session and telemetry management
        ├── dct_client/
        │   └── client.py       # DCT API HTTP client
        ├── tools/
        │   ├── core/           # Tool generation framework
        │   │   ├── meta_tools.py   # Auto mode meta-tools
        │   │   └── tool_factory.py # Dynamic tool generator
        │   ├── dataset_endpoints_tool.py   # VDBs, VDB groups, dSources, snapshots, bookmarks
        │   ├── engine_endpoints_tool.py    # Engine management
        │   ├── environment_endpoints_tool.py  # Environments, sources, toolkits
        │   ├── iam_endpoints_tool.py       # Accounts, roles, access-groups, tags
        │   ├── job_endpoints_tool.py       # Job monitoring
        │   ├── misc_endpoints_tool.py      # Admin/platform, vaults, diagnostics
        │   ├── policy_endpoints_tool.py    # Replication and virtualization policies
        │   ├── reports_endpoints_tool.py   # Reporting and analytics
        │   └── template_endpoints_tool.py  # Database and hook templates
        ├── toolsgenerator/
        │   └── driver.py       # OpenAPI-driven tool code generator
        └── icons/
            └── logo-delphixmcp-reg.png

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE.md file for details.

Support & Contributing

Getting Help

  1. Check the logs: Review logs/dct_mcp_server.log for error details.
  2. Enable debug mode: Set DCT_LOG_LEVEL="DEBUG" for verbose output.
  3. Search existing issues: Check GitHub Issues for similar problems.
  4. Create a new issue: Provide DCT version, Python version, and error logs.

Community Resources

  • Issues: Report bugs and request features on GitHub Issues
  • Documentation: Full documentation available in the project wiki
  • Community support: Support - Community-driven support
  • Delphix DCT API documentation: Official API docs

Contributing

We welcome contributions! Please review our community documents:

When you are ready to submit a change, please use our Pull Request Template.


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