mcp-api-gateway
Allows interacting with the GitHub API, enabling operations such as managing repositories, creating issues, and user management via automatically generated tools from GitHub's Swagger specification.
Click on "Install Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@mcp-api-gatewaylist all pets from the Petstore API"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
api-gateway
A universal MCP (Model Context Protocol) server to integrate any API with Claude Desktop using only Docker configurations. Point it at any Swagger/OpenAPI spec and it automatically generates tools that Claude can use.
Available on the Docker MCP Toolkit.
Quick Installation
Using Docker MCP Toolkit (Recommended)
The easiest way to get started is through the Docker MCP Toolkit, which provides one-click setup with Docker Desktop.
Using Docker Hub
Add to your claude_desktop_config.json:
{
"mcpServers": {
"my-api": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i", "--pull", "always",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=my-api",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.example.com/swagger.json",
"-e", "API_1_BASE_URL=https://api.example.com/v1",
"-e", "API_1_HEADER_AUTHORIZATION=Bearer YOUR_TOKEN",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Using npx
API_1_NAME=my-api \
API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.example.com/swagger.json \
API_1_BASE_URL=https://api.example.com/v1 \
npx mcp-api-gatewayLocal Build
git clone https://github.com/rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway
cd mcp-api-gateway
docker build -t mcp-api-gateway .
docker run --rm -it \
-e API_1_NAME=test \
-e API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://petstore.swagger.io/v2/swagger.json \
-e API_1_BASE_URL=https://petstore.swagger.io/v2 \
mcp-api-gatewayRelated MCP server: OpenAPI MCP Server
Configuration
Core Variables
Variable | Description | Required | Default |
| Unique API name | Yes | — |
| Swagger/OpenAPI spec URL | Yes | — |
| API base URL (overrides spec) | No | From spec |
| Custom headers (e.g., | No | — |
| JSON object with multiple headers | No | — |
Performance Tuning
For large APIs with hundreds of endpoints, these variables reduce the tool list payload sent to Claude:
Variable | Description | Default |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Comma-separated path prefixes to include (e.g., | All paths |
| Comma-separated OpenAPI tags to include (e.g., | All tags |
| Comma-separated parameter names to strip from schemas (e.g., | None |
Reliability
Variable | Description | Default |
| Request timeout in milliseconds |
|
| Max retry attempts for 429/5xx errors (exponential backoff) |
|
| Max response size in bytes before truncation |
|
Performance Results
Tested with a 925-endpoint enterprise API:
Configuration | Tools | Payload | Reduction |
No optimization | 1093 | 2,269 KB | — |
| 1093 | 633 KB | 72% |
| 53 | 184 KB | 92% |
| 94 | 50 KB | 98% |
Recommendation: Use API_N_TOOL_MODE=grouped for any API with more than 50 endpoints.
Examples
Simple API with Authentication
{
"mcpServers": {
"github-api": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=github",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.github.com/swagger.json",
"-e", "API_1_HEADER_AUTHORIZATION=token ghp_xxxxxxxxxxxx",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Large API with Grouped Tools
{
"mcpServers": {
"enterprise-api": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=myapi",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.company.com/v3/api-docs",
"-e", "API_1_BASE_URL=https://api.company.com",
"-e", "API_1_TOOL_MODE=grouped",
"-e", "API_1_SCHEMA_MODE=compact",
"-e", "API_1_HEADER_AUTHORIZATION=Bearer your_token",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Multiple APIs
Configure multiple APIs by incrementing the index (API_1_*, API_2_*, API_3_*):
{
"mcpServers": {
"company-apis": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=users",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.company.com/users/swagger.json",
"-e", "API_1_HEADER_X_API_KEY=users_key_123",
"-e", "API_2_NAME=products",
"-e", "API_2_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.company.com/products/openapi.yaml",
"-e", "API_2_HEADER_AUTHORIZATION=Bearer products_token",
"-e", "API_3_NAME=orders",
"-e", "API_3_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.company.com/orders/spec.json",
"-e", "API_3_HEADERS={\"Authorization\":\"Bearer token\",\"X-Tenant\":\"company123\"}",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Filtered Endpoints
Only load specific parts of a large API:
{
"mcpServers": {
"filtered-api": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=myapi",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=https://api.company.com/swagger.json",
"-e", "API_1_PATH_PREFIX=/api/v3/users,/api/v3/orders",
"-e", "API_1_SCHEMA_MODE=compact",
"-e", "API_1_EXCLUDE_PARAMS=_clientRegion,_platform",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Local Swagger File
Mount a local Swagger file into the container:
{
"mcpServers": {
"local-api": {
"command": "docker",
"args": [
"run", "--rm", "-i",
"-v", "/path/to/swagger.yaml:/swagger.yaml",
"-e", "API_1_NAME=local-api",
"-e", "API_1_SWAGGER_URL=file:///swagger.yaml",
"-e", "API_1_BASE_URL=http://host.docker.internal:3000",
"rflpazini/mcp-api-gateway:latest"
]
}
}
}Features
Cookie-Based Authentication
The server automatically persists cookies across requests. When an API returns Set-Cookie headers (e.g., after a login call), those cookies are stored and replayed on subsequent requests to the same API. No configuration needed.
Grouped Tools
When API_N_TOOL_MODE=grouped is set, endpoints are automatically grouped into resource tools:
Tagged APIs: Groups by OpenAPI tag (e.g., all
/usersendpoints become onemyapi_Userstool)Untagged APIs: Infers groups from path structure (e.g.,
/pets,/store)Each grouped tool lists available operations in its description, and the LLM selects which one to call via an
operationparameter
Health Check
A built-in check_api_health tool lets Claude verify API connectivity. It pings each configured API's base URL and reports reachability, HTTP status, and response time.
Retry with Backoff
Failed requests (429, 500, 502, 503, 504) are automatically retried with exponential backoff. The server honors Retry-After headers from rate-limited APIs.
Using in Claude
Available Commands
View available APIs: "What APIs are configured?"
Explore endpoints: "How do I create a user?" / "What parameters do I need?"
Execute operations: "Create a user named John with email john@email.com"
Check health: "Is the API reachable?"
Security
Best Practices
Never commit tokens: Use environment variables or secrets
Use limited scope tokens: Only necessary permissions
Rotate tokens regularly: Update your tokens periodically
Always use HTTPS: Ensure your APIs use HTTPS
Docker Image Security
The production image uses Google Distroless as the runtime base:
No shell, no package manager, no OS utilities
Runs as non-root user
0 known vulnerabilities
Node.js 24 LTS (supported until April 2028)
Troubleshooting
API not showing up
Check if the Swagger URL is accessible from the container
Confirm environment variables are correct (especially
API_N_SWAGGER_URL)Check logs:
docker logs <container_id>
Authentication error
Verify token is correct
Confirm header format (Bearer, Basic, etc)
For cookie-based auth: ensure the login endpoint is called first
Too many tools / slow startup
Use
API_N_TOOL_MODE=groupedto reduce tool countUse
API_N_PATH_PREFIXorAPI_N_TAGSto filter endpointsUse
API_N_SCHEMA_MODE=compactto reduce schema size
Request timeouts
Increase timeout:
API_N_TIMEOUT=60000Check API latency directly
Contributing
PRs are welcome! Some ideas:
OAuth authentication support
Smart response caching
WebSocket support
Web configuration interface
Metrics and observability
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
Available Tools
3 toolscheck_api_healthB
Check connectivity and health of configured APIs
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| api_name | No | Name of the API to check (optional, checks all if not provided) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description bears full responsibility for behavioral transparency. It states the tool 'checks connectivity and health,' which implies a read operation, but it does not clarify whether this makes network calls (which could be slow or fail), whether it modifies state, or what happens if an API is unreachable. Given the absence of safety hints, more transparency is needed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single sentence that directly states the tool's purpose. It is concise and front-loaded, with no unnecessary words. However, it could benefit from additional clarity on what 'health' entails or usage context. Still, it earns a 4 for efficiency.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The tool has minimal complexity (1 optional parameter, no output schema, no nested objects). The description covers its primary use case. However, it does not specify what the tool returns (e.g., a boolean, status codes, or detailed health info) or any error conditions. For a tool with no output schema, slightly more context about expected output would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides a clear description for the sole parameter (api_name), indicating it is optional and checks all APIs if omitted. The tool description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, so parameter semantics are adequately covered by the schema. Score of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('check') and clearly identifies the resource ('connectivity and health of configured APIs'). It distinguishes from siblings: get_api_info likely retrieves configuration details, and execute_api runs operations, while this tool assesses health.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool over its siblings. It does not specify prerequisites, exclusions, or context. For example, it doesn't mention that this tool is for connectivity checks only, while get_api_info might provide more detailed API metadata. This lack of context reduces clarity.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
execute_apiC
Execute any API endpoint with custom parameters
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| data | No | Request body data | |
| path | Yes | API endpoint path | |
| method | Yes | ||
| params | No | Query parameters | |
| headers | No | Additional headers | |
| api_name | Yes | Name of the API |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, the description carries full burden. It only says 'execute any API endpoint' without disclosing authentication, rate limits, error handling, side effects, or response format. Not enough for a generic execution tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The one-sentence description is too brief for a tool with 6 parameters and no annotations. It lacks structure, missing key information like usage context and return behavior.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no output schema, no annotations, and 6 parameters (3 required), the description is insufficient. It fails to explain overall behavior, authentication, error handling, or response, leaving agents underinformed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 83%, so most parameters are documented. The description adds 'custom parameters' but no details beyond what's in the schema. Adequate but not enhanced.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool executes API endpoints with custom parameters. The verb 'execute' and resource 'API endpoint' are specific, but no differentiation from sibling tools like get_api_info or check_api_health is provided.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention prerequisites, scenarios, or distinguish from get_api_info or check_api_health.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_api_infoA
Get information about available APIs and their endpoints
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| api_name | No | Name of the API (optional, shows all if not provided) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations present; description implies a read operation but does not disclose potential limitations or side effects. Adequate but minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence, highly concise, and front-loaded with the core purpose.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity, the description is sufficient. However, no output schema or extra context about response format is provided.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100% with a clear parameter description. The tool description does not add further semantic detail beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool retrieves information about APIs and endpoints. It distinguishes from sibling tools that perform health checks or execute APIs.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use versus alternatives, but the optional api_name parameter implies usage for querying specific or all APIs. Sibling names provide context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
TDQS
Each tool has a clear, distinct purpose: get_api_info retrieves metadata, check_api_health tests connectivity, and execute_api performs API calls. No overlap or ambiguity.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern (get_api_info, check_api_health, execute_api) using snake_case. The naming is uniform and predictable.
Three tools is an appropriate scope for an API gateway server, covering information retrieval, health checking, and execution without being excessive or insufficient.
The tools cover the core functions of an API gateway: discovery, health, and execution. Minor gaps like authentication management or rate limiting are missing but not critical for basic use.
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