zopen-mcp-server

zopen-mcp-server is a Go-based Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides AI assistants with access to zopen and zopen-generate command-line tools for managing z/OS packages and porting open-source software to z/OS.

Features

• Remote Execution: Run zopen commands on a remote z/OS system via SSH
• Local Execution: Run zopen and zopen-generate commands on your local machine
• MCP Integration: Exposes functionality as a set of tools that can be used by any MCP-compatible client
• Project Generation: Create zopen-compatible projects with customizable parameters
• Metadata Discovery: Query valid licenses, categories, and build systems
• Build Support: Build zopen projects with detailed output

Security Model

By default, zopen-mcp-server communicates over stdio (standard input/output). When launched by a parent application, this creates a direct and isolated communication channel. This method is inherently secure because the server is not exposed to a network port, preventing any unauthorized external connections.

When running in remote mode, the server uses SSH to execute commands on the target z/OS system. All actions are performed with the permissions of the SSH user provided. It is crucial to use an SSH key with the appropriate level of authority for the tasks you intend to perform.

Installation

Option 1: Install with go install (Recommended)

go install github.com/zopencommunity/zopen-mcp-server@latest

This will install the zopen-mcp-server binary to your $GOPATH/bin directory (typically ~/go/bin).

Option 2: Build from Source

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/zopencommunity/zopen-mcp-server.git
cd zopen-mcp-server

# Build using make
make build

# Or build directly with go
go build -o zopen-mcp-server zopen-server.go

Prerequisites

• Go 1.23 or later
• An environment with zopen installed (either locally or on a remote z/OS system)
• For zopen-generate functionality: An environment with zopen-generate installed and accessible in the PATH

Configuration

Local Mode (Default)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zopen": {
      "command": "zopen-mcp-server",
      "args": []
    }
  }
}

If you installed with go install, make sure ~/go/bin is in your PATH. Alternatively, use the full path:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zopen": {
      "command": "/Users/yourname/go/bin/zopen-mcp-server",
      "args": []
    }
  }
}

Remote Mode (z/OS via SSH)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zopen": {
      "command": "zopen-mcp-server",
      "args": [
        "--remote",
        "--host", "your-zos-hostname",
        "--user", "your-username",
        "--key", "/path/to/your/ssh/key"
      ]
    }
  }
}

With Debug Logging

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zopen": {
      "command": "zopen-mcp-server",
      "args": [],
      "env": {
        "DEBUG": "1"
      }
    }
  }
}

After updating the configuration, restart the AI agent Desktop for the changes to take effect.

Including AGENTS.md Context

To provide the AI agent with detailed instructions on z/OS porting workflows, add the AGENTS.md file to the context in your settings:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zopen": {
      "command": "/home/itodoro/go/bin/zopen-mcp-server",
      "args": []
    }
  },
  "context": {
    "fileName": ["AGENTS.md"]
  }
}

The AGENTS.md file contains comprehensive guidance for AI agents on how to port software to z/OS, including common issues, best practices, and workflow steps.

Usage

Once configured, the AI agent will have access to all zopen tools. You can ask it to:

• Port open-source software to z/OS
• Generate zopen project structures
• Build zopen projects
• Query package information
• Manage z/OS packages

Example Prompts

Here are some example requests you can make to the AI agent:

• "Can you port curl to z/OS?" - The agent will generate

... View full README on GitHub