MCP Manifest

An MCP Manifest (often named mcp-config.json or manifest.json) is a declarative file used by hosts to manage and launch MCP servers.

Contents

• Server Definitions: The command and arguments needed to start each server.
• Permissions: A list of restricted roots or resources the server is allowed to access.
• Authentication: Details on how the client should authenticate with remote servers (e.g., OAuth config).
• Environment: Key-value pairs of environment variables.

Standardization

While various hosts have slightly different manifest formats, there is a growing trend toward a unified standard to ensure that a single manifest can be used to deploy a server across different AI applications.

Questions & Answers

What is an "MCP Manifest," and why is it used?

An MCP Manifest is a declarative configuration file (often mcp-config.json) used by host applications to manage, configure, and launch MCP servers. It provides a structured way to define how a server should be executed and what it is allowed to do.

What are the key components typically found in a manifest file?

A manifest typically contains server definitions (start commands and arguments), required permissions (such as restricted file system roots), environment variables, and authentication details for remote services.

How does the standardization of manifests benefit developers?

Unified standards ensure portability, allowing developers to create a single configuration that works across multiple AI IDEs and host applications without needing to rewrite the setup for each platform.