Docker Tui by Eviltik is an MCP server tool designed for managing Docker containers. Built with the Go programming language, it functions both as a Text User Interface (TUI) for direct interaction and as an interface for AI assistants. Its distribution includes go install, pre-compiled .tar.gz archives for Linux and macOS, and platform-specific .deb and .rpm packages for Linux amd64, all accessible from GitHub releases. This tool offers versatile control over Docker environments for developers and advanced users.

What does Docker Tui connect to?

This tool connects directly to the Docker daemon to manage Docker containers. It operates as an MCP (Model Context Protocol) server, specifically crafted to expose Docker container management abilities to AI assistants. Simultaneously, Docker Tui provides a functional Text User Interface (TUI) for users who prefer direct terminal interaction with their Docker environment. Its design allows for both automated and manual control of container operations.

Core features and tools

The MCP server within Docker Tui exposes several callable tools for container management. These include list_containers, get_logs, get_stats, start_container, stop_container, and restart_container. The tool communicates using JSON-RPC 2.0 over HTTP, with added support for Server-Sent Events (SSE). It has been confirmed compatible with AI clients such as Claude Code, enabling AI-driven control of Docker operations.

Who is it for?

Docker Tui is intended for developers and users who actively manage Docker containers. It is particularly valuable for those seeking to integrate AI assistants for programmatic control over their containerized applications. This includes individuals who need to manage containers interactively via a terminal or enable AI to automate tasks. Skip this if your environment requires explicit authentication mechanisms like API keys or OAuth for its MCP server.

How to get started

No credentials are required. The transport protocol is JSON-RPC 2.0 over HTTP with SSE.

Use cases

• Interactive management of Docker containers through a terminal user interface, allowing users to list, start, stop, restart containers, and view real-time logs and statistics.
• Enabling AI assistants to programmatically control Docker containers, such as starting or stopping multiple containers based on natural language commands.
• Real-time log streaming and advanced filtering of container logs for debugging and monitoring purposes.

Docker Tui offers a dual approach to Docker container management, combining a TUI with MCP server capabilities for AI integration. Its ability to expose core Docker operations to AI assistants like Claude Code makes it a valuable asset for automating container workflows. The tool supports essential tasks from listing to restarting containers, along with real-time logging. Try configuring Claude Code to start a container using a natural language command.