mcpo

Overview

mcpo is a lightweight, zero‑configuration bridge that turns any MCP (Model Context Protocol) tool into an OpenAPI‑compatible HTTP server. By exposing the tool’s capabilities over standard RESTful endpoints, mcpo removes the need for custom protocol handling or manual glue code. Developers can therefore integrate their MCP tools into existing LLM workflows, UI dashboards, or third‑party SDKs that expect conventional HTTP APIs without touching the tool’s internal implementation.

The core problem mcpo solves is the friction between MCP servers—typically speaking over raw stdin/stdout—and the broader ecosystem of web‑based AI assistants. Raw stdio is insecure, hard to secure with TLS or token auth, and lacks the self‑documenting, interactive UI that modern developers rely on. mcpo adds a secure HTTP layer with built‑in authentication, structured error handling, and automatic OpenAPI schema generation. This means a tool that was once only usable by a custom CLI can now be called from any OpenAPI‑compliant client, such as Open WebUI, LangChain, or custom web dashboards.

Key features include:

• Instant OpenAPI Exposure – A single command exposes the tool’s schema, endpoints, and interactive docs at .
• Security by Default – API key authentication protects the endpoint, while HTTPS can be added via a reverse proxy.
• Multiple Server Types – mcpo supports raw MCP, SSE‑based streams, and streamable HTTP servers through a simple flag.
• Config‑Driven Multi‑Tool Hosting – A JSON config file can launch dozens of MCP servers under one umbrella, with hot‑reload for rapid iteration.
• Root Path Flexibility – The option allows deployment behind reverse proxies or under subpaths, keeping URLs tidy.

Real‑world use cases are plentiful. A data science team can expose a custom memory tool to an internal web UI, letting analysts query conversational context without writing new endpoints. A SaaS provider can bundle multiple time‑zone or conversion tools behind a single API gateway, simplifying client integration. Developers building autonomous agents can hook mcpo into their orchestration layer, treating every MCP tool as a first‑class microservice.

In short, mcpo transforms the way AI assistants consume external capabilities: it takes any MCP tool and makes it instantly interoperable, secure, and well‑documented with zero hassle.