Using the ToolHive CLI
Introduction
The ToolHive CLI (thv) is a command-line tool that allows you to deploy and
manage MCP servers on your local machine or in development environments. It
provides quick deployment of MCP servers and supports advanced features like
custom permissions, network access filtering, and telemetry.
It's designed for developers who prefer working in a terminal or need to integrate MCP server management into scripts or automation workflows.
ToolHive UI includes and manages the CLI automatically. You don't need to install the CLI separately. See CLI conflict resolution if you have both installed.
Where to start
- New to ToolHive CLI? Follow the Quickstart to install
thvand run your first MCP server in minutes. - Already installed? Jump to Run MCP servers to start managing servers from the command line.
- Managing agent skills? See Manage agent skills to install and publish reusable skills.
- Building or automating? See advanced workflows for auth, CI/CD, container builds, and more.
Contents
📄️ Quickstart
Install the ToolHive CLI and run your first MCP server in minutes.
📄️ Install ToolHive
Install, upgrade, and manage the ToolHive CLI on macOS, Linux, and Windows.
📄️ Explore the registry
Search the built-in registry to find, inspect, and run MCP servers with one command.
🗃️ Run MCP servers
How to run MCP servers with the ToolHive CLI
📄️ Client configuration
Configure AI clients like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to connect to ToolHive MCP servers.
📄️ Agent skills
How to install, distribute, and manage agent skills with the ToolHive CLI.
🗃️ Permissions and security
How to configure filesystem and network access for MCP servers
🗃️ Advanced workflows
Build, test, secure, and automate
🗃️ Command reference
Detailed reference for ToolHive CLI commands