Neon MCP Server

What is Neon MCP Server?

Neon MCP Server acts as a middleware that translates natural language requests into precise operations on Neon Postgres databases through the standardized Model Context Protocol (MCP). This allows LLM-powered applications and agent workflows to perform tasks such as project management, schema migrations, and query execution without direct SQL or API interactions. By exposing rich, discoverable "tools," Neon MCP Server empowers AI clients to securely and efficiently manage Postgres resources programmatically or conversationally.

How to Configure Neon MCP Server

There are two main setup options depending on your preference for local control or cloud convenience:

Option 1: Remote MCP Server (Preview)

No local installation required; uses OAuth authentication.

Add the following configuration to your MCP client (e.g., mcp.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "Neon": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "mcp-remote", "https://mcp.neon.tech/sse"]
    }
  }
}

Restart your MCP client and follow the browser prompts to complete OAuth authorization.

Option 2: Local MCP Server

Requires Node.js (>=v18.0.0), npm, and your Neon API key.
Install and configure via Smithery CLI:
```
npx -y @smithery/cli@latest install neon --client <client_name>
```
(Replace <client_name> with your MCP client’s name.)

Alternatively, add server details to your MCP config:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "neon": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@neondatabase/mcp-server-neon",
        "start",
        "<YOUR_NEON_API_KEY>"
      ]
    }
  }
}

For Windows, use the appropriate shell or subsystem (e.g., cmd, wsl) and adjust the config accordingly.

How to Use Neon MCP Server

Set up the Neon MCP Server (locally or remotely) following the appropriate configuration guide.
Launch your preferred MCP client (Claude Desktop, Cursor, VSCode, etc.) with the configured Neon MCP Server.
Use natural language to request actions, such as:
- "Create a new Postgres database called 'my-database' and add a table for users."
- "Run a schema migration to add a column to the users table."
- "List all my Neon projects and their data summaries."
Review and authorize suggested actions when prompted by the MCP client before execution.
Manage and monitor Neon projects, branches, queries, migrations, and performance directly through conversational or programmatic MCP commands.

Note: Always review LLM-driven actions before approving to ensure data and access security.

Key Features

Natural Language Database Management
Create, modify, or delete Postgres resources using intuitive, conversational commands.
Extensive Tool Support
Exposes a wide range of tools via MCP, covering project, branch, query, and migration operations.
Safe Schema Migrations
Supports "Prepare" and "Commit" migration pattern to safely test schema changes via temporary branches before applying them.
Performance Insights & Query Tuning
Analyze slow queries, get execution plans, and optimize performance using dedicated tools.
Security & Authentication
Supports OAuth and Neon API keys, ensuring only authorized users/applications manage database resources.
Flexibility in Deployment
Choose between remote cloud-hosted setup or local server installation for full control.
Non-developer Friendly
Enables less technical users to manage databases without deep SQL or API knowledge.

Use Cases

Effortlessly creating and managing Postgres databases and tables via chat-based agents.
Performing safe and automated database migrations guided by LLMs, with roll-back and test support.
Rapidly prototyping and managing branches for development, staging, or testing.
Automating reporting or data inspection tasks, such as summarizing project contents.
Tuning slow or inefficient queries on production data with LLM-generated recommendations.
Simplifying onboarding and database operations for non-developers or business users.

FAQ

Q: Can I use Neon MCP Server without an MCP client?
A: No, Neon MCP Server is designed to be interacted with via an MCP client such as Claude Desktop, Cursor, or compatible tools that speak the Model Context Protocol.

Q: Is it safe to let LLMs manage my database?
A: The Neon MCP Server is powerful and allows sensitive database operations. Always review LLM-generated actions before approval, and ensure only authorized users and services have access to your server and Neon API keys.

Q: Can I deploy the Neon MCP Server in my own infrastructure?
A: Yes, you can run it locally anywhere Node.js is available, giving you full control over connectivity and credentials.

Q: What if the Neon MCP Server doesn’t show up in my client?
A: Double-check your MCP server configuration file or installation method, and ensure your client is restarted after changes.

Q: Do I need to write SQL or know Neon API structure to use it?
A: No, the server abstracts away SQL and API details, allowing natural language commands and direct tool invocation.

Tool Name	Description
list_projects	Retrieve a list and basic summary of your Neon projects (limit configurable, default 10).
describe_project	Return detailed information about a specific Neon project, including branches and databases.
create_project	Create a new Neon project to organize databases, branches, and resources.
delete_project	Delete an existing Neon project and all its associated resources.
create_branch	Create a new branch (clone) within a Neon project for development, testing, or schema changes.
delete_branch	Remove an existing branch from a Neon project.
describe_branch	Retrieve metadata about a specific branch, such as its parent, endpoints, etc.
list_branch_computes	List available compute endpoints for a project or branch, including details on size, autoscaling, etc.
get_connection_string	Fetch the connection string for a specific database or branch.
run_sql	Execute a single SQL query (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE, etc.) on a Neon database.
run_sql_transaction	Run multiple SQL queries in a single transaction for atomic read/write operations.
get_database_tables	List all tables in a specified database.
describe_table_schema	Return the schema (columns, types, constraints) of a specified table.
list_slow_queries	Identify and retrieve slow-running queries for performance analysis (requires pg_stat_statements).
prepare_database_migration	Begin a schema migration in a temporary branch, allowing safe testing before applying to production.
complete_database_migration	Finalize a database migration by merging changes from the migration branch into the main branch.
explain_sql_statement	Provide detailed execution plan information for a SQL query to aid understanding and optimization.
prepare_query_tuning	Detect performance issues in a given SQL statement and set up a branch for optimization.
complete_query_tuning	Finalize query optimizations by merging improvements from the tuning branch.
provision_neon_auth	Provision Neon Auth (using Stack Auth) to enable authentication infrastructure for a Neon project.