---
title: Initialize GitLab MCP Configuration
description: "Use gitlab-mcp init to quickly set up local stdio configuration. Interactive wizard guides through GitLab authentication, tool selection, and MCP client installation."
head:
- - meta
- name: keywords
content: gitlab mcp init, mcp initialization, gitlab mcp local setup, stdio mode, mcp client config, gitlab mcp quickstart
---
# Initialize GitLab MCP Configuration
Alias for `gitlab-mcp setup --mode=local`. Runs the setup wizard in local (stdio) mode, skipping mode selection.
## Usage
```bash
gitlab-mcp init
```
## Behavior
Equivalent to:
```bash
gitlab-mcp setup --mode=local
```
The wizard runs through:
1. **GitLab instance** — gitlab.com or self-hosted URL
2. **Authentication** — Token entry with optional browser launch
3. **Connection test** — Verify API access
4. **Tool configuration** — Preset, manual, or advanced
5. **Client detection** — Find installed MCP clients
6. **Installation** — Write config to selected clients
## When to Use
Use `init` when you:
- Want a local stdio setup for AI IDE clients
- Don't need Docker/server deployment
- Want to skip the mode selection prompt
## Examples
```bash
# Via npx
npx @structured-world/gitlab-mcp init
# If installed globally
gitlab-mcp init
```
## See Also
- [`gitlab-mcp setup`](/cli/setup) — full wizard with mode selection
- [`gitlab-mcp install`](/cli/install) — install to specific clients only
- [Local stdio deployment](/deployment/local-stdio)
