configuring-dbt-mcp-server

# Configure dbt MCP Server

## Overview

The dbt MCP server connects AI tools to dbt's CLI, Semantic Layer, Discovery API, and Admin API. This skill guides users through setup with the correct configuration for their use case.

## Decision Flow

```mermaid
flowchart TB
    start([User wants dbt MCP]) --> q1{Local or Remote?}
    q1 -->|dev workflows,<br>CLI access needed| local[Local Server<br>uvx dbt-mcp]
    q1 -->|consumption only,<br>no local install| remote[Remote Server<br>HTTP endpoint]
    local --> q2{Which client?}
    remote --> q2
    q2 --> claude_desktop[Claude Desktop]
    q2 --> claude_code[Claude Code]
    q2 --> cursor[Cursor]
    q2 --> vscode[VS Code]
    claude_desktop --> config[Generate config<br>+ test setup]
    claude_code --> config
    cursor --> config
    vscode --> config
```

## Questions to Ask

### 1. Server Type
**Ask:** "Do you want to use the **local** or **remote** dbt MCP server?"

| Local Server                                                                                                                                             | Remote Server                                               |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------- |
| Runs on your machine via `uvx`                                                                                                                           | Connects via HTTP to dbt platform                           |
| Required for development (authoring models, tests, docs) but can also connect to the dbt platform for consumption (querying metrics, exploring metadata) | Best for consumption (querying metrics, exploring metadata) |
| Supports dbt CLI commands (run, build, test, show)                                                                                                       | No CLI commands (run, build, test