describe_table
Show table structure
LABSCO SUMMARY
The read path has its own ceilings, so exploring a database is a bounded operation.
mysql_query takes SELECT only and enforces 4096 characters, 1000 rows and 30 seconds, which puts a limit on what an exploratory question can cost; anything that changes data goes through mysql_execute, with params passed separately and the affected row count and insert ID coming back. list_tables and describe_table mean the model can read the schema instead of guessing column names, and the split between the two query tools is visible to whoever grants access.
What it is
A four-tool MySQL server that separates reading from writing and exposes enough schema to build a query against.
What you get
- Read-only SELECT execution with a maximum query length of 4096 characters, a maximum of 1000 result rows and a 30 second query timeout
- INSERT, UPDATE and DELETE through a separate tool that supports parameterised queries, handles the transaction, and returns the affected row count and insert ID
- The tables in the current database, and the structure of any one of them
Requirements
A reachable MySQL database and five environment variables: MYSQL_HOST, MYSQL_PORT, MYSQL_USER, MYSQL_PASS and MYSQL_DB.
Setup effort
One command plus credentials — npx -y @kevinwatt/mysql-mcp, then supply credentials
USE CASES
01
Answering a data question without standing up a BI tool
Read the table list, get the structure of the ones that matter so the column names are right, then run the SELECT under the server's own length, row and time ceilings.
02
Applying a correction somebody asked for in chat
Confirm the column layout first, then run the INSERT, UPDATE or DELETE as a parameterised statement and read back the affected row count.
4 tools
Counted once with only startup setup. Other versions, modes or optional credentials may expose a different list.
list_tables
List all tables in current database
mysql_execute
Execute data modification queries (INSERT/UPDATE/DELETE).
- Returns affected rows count and insert ID
- Supports parameterized queries
- Automatic transaction handling
mysql_query
Execute read-only SELECT queries against the MySQL database.
- Maximum query length: 4096 characters
- Maximum result rows: 1000
- Query timeout: 30 seconds
BEFORE YOU INSTALL
What to know first
Tools you get
4 tools when we connected. mysql_query is SELECT-only and capped at 4096 characters, 1000 rows and 30 seconds; every write goes through mysql_execute.
Requires
- npx on PATH
- Node.js 18+
- MYSQL_USER in your environment
- MYSQL_PASS in your environment
Where it runs
The documented client runs the server on your machine.
CONTEXT COST
Light Standing cost
Rated by the size of the 4 tool definitions that ride along on every turn, not by how many there are
INSTALLATION
Connect your client
Server setup
TERMINAL
npx -y @kevinwatt/mysql-mcpMCP Clients
Dive Desktop
DIVE DESKTOP · JSON
{
"mcpServers": {
"mysql": {
"command": "npx",
"args": [
"-y",
"@kevinwatt/mysql-mcp"
],
"env": {
"MYSQL_HOST": "127.0.0.1",
"MYSQL_PORT": "3306",
"MYSQL_USER": "root",
"MYSQL_PASS": "",
"MYSQL_DB": "<YOUR_MYSQL_DB>"
}
}
}
}
