---
icon: lucide/server
---

# Running The Server

Personal MCP can run as an HTTP service or as a local stdio process.

## Local HTTP Server

Build the website before starting the application:

```bash
uv sync
uv run zensical build
uv run personal-mcp --host 127.0.0.1 --port 8765
```

The server then provides:

- `http://127.0.0.1:8765/docs/` for the website
- `http://127.0.0.1:8765/mcp` for MCP clients

The host, port, log level, debug mode, and reload behavior can be set with command-line options or `PERSONAL_MCP_` environment variables.

## Local Stdio Server

For clients that manage the server process themselves:

```bash
uv run mcp-stdio
```

This mode provides MCP only; it does not host the website.

## Docker

The included Compose configuration builds the website into the image and publishes the service on port `8765`:

```bash
docker compose up --build
```

For a remote deployment, place the service behind a reverse proxy and review the [security guidance](./securing.md).