---
title: Deployment Overview
description: "Choose the right GitLab MCP Server deployment for your needs. Compare local stdio, Docker standalone, Docker with PostgreSQL, and Docker Compose options for single-user to team setups."
head:
- - meta
- name: keywords
content: gitlab mcp deployment, docker deployment, stdio transport, docker compose, postgresql, oauth, mcp server setup
---
# GitLab MCP Deployment Options
Choose a deployment model based on your team size, infrastructure, and requirements.
## Comparison
| Option | Users | Persistence | OAuth | Best For |
|--------|-------|-------------|-------|----------|
| [Local stdio](/deployment/local-stdio) | Single | None | No | Personal IDE use |
| [Docker standalone](/deployment/docker-standalone) | Single/Team | None | Optional | Development, testing |
| [Docker + PostgreSQL](/deployment/docker-postgres) | Team | Yes | Yes | Production with OAuth |
| [Docker Compose](/deployment/docker-compose) | Team | Yes | Yes | All-in-one production |
## Quick Decision Guide
**Personal use with AI IDE?**
:arrow_right: [Local stdio](/deployment/local-stdio)
**Team access without OAuth?**
:arrow_right: [Docker standalone](/deployment/docker-standalone)
**Team access with OAuth and persistent sessions?**
:arrow_right: [Docker + PostgreSQL](/deployment/docker-postgres)
**Production with everything bundled?**
:arrow_right: [Docker Compose](/deployment/docker-compose)
## Transport Modes
| Mode | Protocol | Port | Endpoints | Use Case |
|------|----------|------|-----------|----------|
| stdio | Standard I/O | None | N/A | Local IDE clients |
| HTTP | StreamableHTTP + SSE | Required | `/mcp`, `/sse` | Remote/shared access |
The transport mode is determined by the `PORT` environment variable:
- **`PORT` set** — HTTP mode with dual endpoints
- **`PORT` not set** — stdio mode
- **`stdio` argument** — Force stdio mode regardless
## Setup
Use the setup wizard for guided deployment configuration:
```bash
# Interactive (choose deployment type)
npx @structured-world/gitlab-mcp setup --mode=server
# Or via docker subcommand
npx @structured-world/gitlab-mcp docker init
```
## See Also
- [Transport Modes](/guide/transport)
- [Docker CLI commands](/cli/docker)
- [TLS/HTTPS Configuration](/advanced/tls)
- [OAuth Authentication](/security/oauth)
