Arrakis MCP Server

The Arrakis MCP Server bridges the gap between large language models and isolated execution environments by exposing the powerful VM sandboxing capabilities of Arrakis through the Model Context Protocol. For developers building AI assistants that need to run code, manipulate files, or test software in a safe, reproducible environment, this server eliminates the friction of manually managing virtual machines. By turning Arrakis’ VM lifecycle commands into MCP resources and tools, an LLM can declaratively request the creation of a fresh sandbox, execute arbitrary commands, and retrieve results—all without leaving its native context.

At its core, the server offers a set of resources that provide visibility into the current VM landscape. A simple query lists every active sandbox, while returns detailed metadata about a chosen instance. These resources give an LLM the contextual knowledge it needs to decide which VM to target or whether a new sandbox is required. The accompanying tools translate high‑level intents into concrete actions: spawns a new VM, executes shell instructions, and file‑transfer tools (, ) enable data exchange. Snapshot utilities (, ) allow the model to preserve or revert state, facilitating iterative experimentation and rollback. Cleanup is handled with and , ensuring resources do not linger unintentionally.

The practical value lies in the seamless integration into AI workflows. A conversational assistant can, for example, ask a user to test a Python script; the model invokes , uploads the script, runs it with , and streams back the output. In continuous integration pipelines, an LLM can automatically spin up isolated environments for each test run, capture logs, and report failures—all orchestrated through MCP calls. Because the server abstracts away the underlying Arrakis command line, developers can focus on high‑level logic while trusting that sandboxing guarantees isolation and reproducibility.

Unique advantages of the Arrakis MCP Server include its snapshot management—allowing quick state resets without full teardown—and the ability to pause or stop VMs on demand via . These features support long‑running experiments where intermediate states must be preserved. Additionally, the server’s design adheres to the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0, encouraging community contributions and ensuring that any enhancements remain open source.

In summary, the Arrakis MCP Server equips AI assistants with a robust, programmable interface to secure VM sandboxes. By exposing Arrakis’ full lifecycle as MCP resources and tools, it streamlines code execution, data handling, and environment management for developers who need reliable isolation within AI‑driven applications.