---
title: GitLab MCP Installation Overview
description: "Choose the best installation method for GitLab MCP Server. Compare setup wizard, npm/npx, Docker, Claude Desktop MCPB extension, VS Code, Codex, and manual configuration options."
head:
- - meta
- name: keywords
content: gitlab mcp installation, install gitlab mcp, npm, docker, claude desktop, vs code, setup wizard, mcp client
---
# GitLab MCP Installation
Choose the installation method that best fits your workflow.
## Recommended: Setup Wizard
The fastest way to get started. The interactive wizard auto-detects your environment and configures everything:
```bash
npx @structured-world/gitlab-mcp setup
```
See [Setup Wizard](/guide/installation/wizard) for a detailed walkthrough.
## Installation Methods
| Method | Best For | Guide |
|--------|----------|-------|
| [Setup Wizard](/guide/installation/wizard) | First-time setup, auto-configuration | Interactive, detects clients |
| [npm / npx](/guide/installation/npm) | Quick start, CI/CD | Minimal config, no install |
| [Docker](/guide/installation/docker) | Teams, server deployments | Isolated, scalable |
| [Claude Desktop](/guide/installation/claude-desktop) | Claude Desktop users | One-click .mcpb extension |
| [VS Code](/guide/installation/vscode) | VS Code + GitHub Copilot users | One-click install |
| [Codex](/guide/installation/codex) | OpenAI Codex CLI users | Direct integration |
| [Manual](/guide/installation/manual) | Custom setups, advanced users | Full control |
## Prerequisites
- **Node.js >= 24.0.0** (for npm/npx methods)
- **[GitLab Personal Access Token](/guide/authentication#pat)** with `api` and `read_user` scopes
- One or more [supported MCP clients](/clients/)
## Next Steps
- [Client-specific setup guides](/clients/)
- [Deployment options](/deployment/)
- [Configuration reference](/guide/configuration)
