Docker Compose basics for MCP self-hosting

Everything you need to know about the docker-compose.yml file the zip builder generates for you.

What’s in the generated docker-compose.yml

Your download includes a docker-compose.yml pre-filled with the core service and only the tools your entitlements cover, plus a matching .env with just the variables those tools need.

Environment variables

Each tool ships its own manifest listing required and optional env vars. Only the vars for tools you actually licensed show up in your .env file — nothing to configure for tools you don’t have.

Updating your installation

The main update path is docker compose pull && docker compose up -d. That pulls the latest image and restarts the stack with your existing configuration untouched.

Watchtower (optional)

An optional Watchtower service is included in the compose file, commented out by default. Enable it if you want the image checked and updated automatically instead of running the pull command yourself.

Wrapping up

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