Homebutler is a free MCP server tool by Higangssh, built in Go for homelab management. It connects to and manages homelab servers, interacting with Docker containers, system services, and network devices. This tool also deploys self-hosted applications like Uptime Kuma and Pi-hole. Designed as a layer in an AI ChatOps stack, it provides a structured interface for both human users and AI agents. Homebutler offers CLI-first operations and a web dashboard.

What does Homebutler connect to?

Homebutler connects to and manages homelab servers, interacting with Docker containers, system services, and network devices for monitoring and management. It also supports the deployment of various self-hosted applications, including Uptime Kuma, Jellyfin, Pi-hole, Gitea, and Portainer. The program functions as an MCP server, specifically designed for homelab management, and integrates as a tool layer within an AI ChatOps stack.

Core features and tools

Homebutler exposes a set of callable tools for server management. These include homebutler status for system status, homebutler doctor for health diagnosis, and homebutler config validate to check configurations. Users can list Docker containers with homebutler docker list, install applications using homebutler install <app>, and view alerts via homebutler alerts. It also offers a TUI dashboard with homebutler watch tui and a web dashboard through homebutler serve.

Who is it for?

Homebutler is designed for users with small homelabs and homelab enthusiasts seeking to manage their servers efficiently. It also serves engineers who manage servers from chat interfaces, providing a structured interface for both human interaction and AI agents. The tool aims to simplify server monitoring, application deployment, and system health reporting within a homelab environment. This is not the right fit if you require a solution that avoids SSH for remote server management.

How to get started

The server authenticates for remote server management primarily using SSH. Key-based authentication is strongly recommended over passwords.

Use cases

• Homelab Health Monitoring and Reporting: Users can run "homebutler report" to get a summary of their homelab's health, warnings, and changes.
• Application Deployment and Management: Users can deploy self-hosted applications with "homebutler install <app>" and manage Docker containers.
• Backup Verification: The "homebutler backup drill <app>" command allows users to verify that backups can be successfully restored.

Homebutler provides essential homelab management capabilities, from monitoring system health to deploying applications and verifying backups. Its CLI-first design and AI ChatOps integration make it a versatile tool for both direct human use and agent-driven operations. The program's focus on SSH key-based authentication promotes secure remote access.