cdata-jdbc-mcp-server (read-only)

Our generic Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for CData JDBC Drivers (read-only)

❗Note: This project builds a read-only MCP server. For full read, write, update, delete, and action capabilities and a simplified setup, check out our free CData MCP Servers (beta).

Purpose

We created this read-only MCP Server to allow LLMs (like Claude Desktop) to query live data from any of over 300+ sources (listed below) supported by CData JDBC Drivers.

CData JDBC Drivers connect to SaaS apps, NoSQL stores, and APIs by exposing them as relational SQL models.

This server wraps those drivers and makes their data available through a simple MCP interface, so LLMs can retrieve live information by asking natural language questions — no SQL required.

Setup Guide

In the guide below, {data source} refers to the back-end data source (e.g. Salesforce). For code snippets and commands, Salesforce is used as an example, but the patterns apply to any of our JDBC Drivers.

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/cdatasoftware/cdata-jdbc-mcp-server.git
   cd cdata-jdbc-mcp-server
   

2. Build the server:

   mvn clean install
   

   This creates the JAR file: CDataMCP-jar-with-dependencies.jar
3. Download and install a CData JDBC Driver: https://www.cdata.com/jdbc
4. License the CData JDBC Driver (Salesforce as an example):
   • Navigate to the lib folder in the installation directory, typically:
     • (Windows) C:\Program Files\CData\CData JDBC Driver for {data source}\
     • (Mac/Linux) /Applications/CData JDBC Driver for {data source}/
   • Run the command java -jar cdata.jdbc.salesforce.jar --license
   • Enter your name, email, and "TRIAL" (or your license key).
5. Configure your connection to the data source (Salesforce as an example):

   • Run the command java -jar cdata.jdbc.salesforce.jar to open the Connection String utility.

     

   • Configure the connection string and click "Test Connection"

     Note: If the data sources uses OAuth, you will need to authenticate in your browser.

   • Once successful, copy the connection string for use later.

6. Create a .prp file for your JDBC connection (e.g. Salesforce.prp) using the following properties and format:
   • Prefix - a prefix to be used for the tools exposed
   • ServerName - a name for your server
   • ServerVersion - a version for your server
   • DriverPath - the full path to the JAR file for your JDBC driver
   • DriverClass - the name of the JDBC Driver Class (e.g. cdata.jdbc.salesforce.SalesforceDriver)
   • JdbcUrl - the JDBC connection string to use with the CData JDBC Driver to connect to your data (copied from above)
   • Tables - leave blank to access all data, otherwise you can explicitly declare the tables you wish to create access for

     Prefix=salesforce
     ServerName=CDataSalesforce
     ServerVersion=1.0
     DriverPath=PATH\TO\cdata.jdbc.salesforce.jar
     DriverClass=cdata.jdbc.salesforce.SalesforceDriver
     JdbcUrl=jdbc:salesforce:InitiateOAuth=GETANDREFRESH;
     Tables=
     

Using the Server with Claude Desktop

1. Create the config file for Claude Desktop ( claude_desktop_config.json) to add the new MCP server, using the format below. If the file already exists, add the entry to the mcpServers in the config file.

   Windows

   {
     "mcpServers": {
       "salesforce": {
         "command": "PATH\\TO\\java.exe",
         "args": [
           "-jar",
           "PATH\\TO\\CDataMCP-jar-with-dependencies.
   

... View full README on GitHub