> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration.md).

# Configuration

Configure the MCP server using environment variables. All variables are passed through your AI client's MCP server configuration.

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Authentication</strong></mark></td><td>Generate API tokens and Object Storage credentials. Includes token scope guidance and security best practices.</td><td><a href="/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration/authentication.md">Authentication</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Environment Variables</strong></mark></td><td>Full reference for all supported environment variables and their accepted values.</td><td><a href="/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration/environment-variables.md">Environment Variables</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Write Operations</strong></mark></td><td>Enable opt-in write tools for Compute Engine and Managed Kubernetes. Covers tool scopes, the two-phase confirmation flow, and the risks.</td><td><a href="/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration/write-operations.md">Write Operations</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Transport</strong></mark></td><td>Serve the MCP protocol over stdio or over Streamable HTTP. Covers the flags, the listen address, and the security implications of a networked endpoint.</td><td><a href="/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration/transport.md">Transport</a></td></tr><tr><td><mark style="color:blue;"><strong>Selective Tool Loading</strong></mark></td><td>Control which tools load at startup. Essential for clients with tool-count limits.</td><td><a href="/cloud/ai/mcp-server/configuration/selective-tool-loading.md">Selective Tool Loading</a></td></tr></tbody></table>


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