aws-mcp-setup_skill

Overview

This skill configures an AWS MCP server so an AI agent can query up-to-date AWS documentation, call AWS APIs, and follow AWS best practices. It supports two modes: a full AWS MCP server that executes API calls (requires uvx and AWS credentials) and a documentation-only MCP that provides read-only knowledge without authentication. The skill focuses on practical configuration snippets, credential options, and verification steps.

How this skill works

The skill registers an MCP server in the agent configuration (mcpServers) so the agent discovers AWS tools automatically. In full mode it launches a local uvx proxy (mcp-proxy-for-aws) that forwards requests to AWS APIs and the AWS knowledge endpoint using provided credentials. In docs-only mode it registers a simple HTTP MCP endpoint that supports documentation search without AWS auth.

When to use it

• You need the agent to run read/write AWS API calls and have credentials available.
• You only need the agent to search and read AWS documentation without API access.
• You want centralized team-level MCP configuration in a project file.
• You must run the MCP on a host with Python 3.10+ and the uvx tool.
• You prefer a minimal setup on machines without AWS credentials or Python.

Best practices

• Prefer the AWS profile option for development and avoid embedding long-term keys in config.
• Grant least-privilege IAM permissions: only aws-mcp actions required for the agent.
• Use the documentation-only MCP for environments where no AWS credentials are allowed.
• Keep MCP entries in project-level .mcp.json for team consistency and user-level for personal use.
• Verify availability with the /mcp command and restart the agent after changes.

Example use cases

• Enable an agent to fetch latest service docs and recommended patterns during architecture reviews.
• Allow an agent to run read-only AWS inspections and return current API reference snippets.
• Provide CI systems a doc-only MCP so automated checks can reference AWS guidance without credentials.
• Set up a development laptop with uvx and a profile so the agent can execute example API calls safely.