> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://developer.watson-orchestrate.ibm.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing the watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server

The watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server is a [Model Context Protocol](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/docs/getting-started/intro) server that provides tools for performing actions available in the Orchestrate ADK, such as agent, tool, and knowledge base creation.

MCP is a standard adopted by most leading AI platforms, including watsonx Orchestrate, GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Claude Desktop, and [many more](https://modelcontextprotocol.io/clients).

With the watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server, you enable these platforms to utilise the Orchestrate ADK to manage Orchestrate agents, tools, and other resources in your Orchestrate environment. This can be a great way to improve your efficiency and get started quickly with building in the watsonx Orchestrate platform.

There are two general approaches you can use to install the watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server. The first and recommended way uses tools like [pipx](https://github.com/pypa/pipx) or [uvx](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/guides/tools/), which automatically install the package in an isolated environment and run it for you. The second approach involves installing and running the package manually.

## Before you begin

### Required software

The watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server requires the use of the watsonx Orchestrate ADK. Make sure you have all the [necessary dependencies](/getting_started/installing#before-you-begin).

## Package Runner Approach

You can run the watsonx Orchestrate ADK MCP Server using either pipx or uvx. This method combines file installation and server startup into a single command.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="uvx">
    **uv** is a new Python package and environment manager written in Rust. It replaces many common tools such as **pip**, **pip-tools**, **pipx**, **poetry**, **pyenv**, **twine**, and **virtualenv** in a single tool. For more information, see [Install uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/).

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    uvx ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="pipx">
    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    pipx run ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Local Installation Approach

You can install the package locally. For this approach, use a virtual environment to avoid package conflicts.

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="System installation">
    1. Install the MCP Server package on your system:

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    pip install  --upgrade ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```

    2. Start the MCP Server:

    ```bash BASH theme={null}
    ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
    ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Virtual environments">
    1. Create your virtual environment:

       ```bash BASH theme={null}
       python -m venv .venv
       ```

    2. Activate your virtual environment:

           <CodeGroup>
             ```bash macOS & Linux theme={null}
             source ./.venv/bin/activate
             ```

             ```powershell Windows theme={null}
             .\venv\Scripts\activate.ps1
             ```
           </CodeGroup>

    3. Install the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       pip install ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```

    4. Start the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="uv">
    **uv** is a new Python package and environment manager written in Rust. It replaces many common tools such as **pip**, **pip-tools**, **pipx**, **poetry**, **pyenv**, **twine**, and **virtualenv** in a single tool.

    1. After you [install uv](https://docs.astral.sh/uv/getting-started/installation/#standalone-installer), initialize your project:

       ```bash theme={null}
       uv init
       ```

    2. Add the MCP Server to your list of dependencies:

       ```bash theme={null}
       uv add ibm-watsonx-orchestrate
       ```

    3. Activate your virtual environment:

           <CodeGroup>
             ```bash macOS & Linux theme={null}
             source ./.venv/bin/activate
             ```

             ```powershell Windows theme={null}
             .\venv\Scripts\activate.ps1
             ```
           </CodeGroup>

    4. Start the MCP Server:

       ```bash theme={null}
       ibm-watsonx-orchestrate-mcp-server
       ```
  </Tab>
</Tabs>