Bring Data Catalog
to Cursor
Create your Vinkius account to connect Alation to Cursor and start using all 10 AI tools in minutes. Fully managed, enterprise secure, and ready to use without writing a single line of code. No hosting, no server setup — just connect and start using.
GDPR Free for SubscribersCompatible with every major AI agent and IDE
Gemini
What is the Alation MCP Server?
Connect your Alation instance to your AI agent to unlock enterprise-grade data intelligence and discovery. From searching for critical data assets across your catalog to auditing table schemas and retrieving saved SQL queries, your agent handles your data governance through natural conversation.
What you can do
- Catalog Discovery — Search for schemas, tables, and data sources using keywords and advanced filters
- Metadata Auditing — Retrieve detailed logical and physical metadata, including descriptions, stewards, and tags
- Lineage Analysis — Trace data lineage to understand the provenance and impact of your data assets
- Query Orchestration — List saved SQL queries and retrieve cached execution results from Alation Compose
- Custom Field Management — List and audit custom governance fields associated with your catalog objects
How it works
- Subscribe to this server
- Enter your Alation Instance URL and API Access Token
- Start discovering and managing your data assets through Claude, Cursor, or any MCP-compatible client
Who is this for?
- Data Analysts — quickly find relevant tables and schemas for reporting and analysis
- Data Governors — audit metadata completion and manage custom field values across the catalog
- Engineers — trace data lineage and inspect column definitions using simple commands
- Business Intelligence Leads — retrieve saved queries and monitor data asset endorsements
Built-in capabilities (10)
Trace data lineage
Get object details
Get cached query results
List columns in table
List governance fields
List catalog data sources
List saved SQL queries
List schemas in data source
List tables in schema
Search for data assets
Why Cursor?
Cursor's Agent mode turns Alation into an in-editor superpower. Ask Cursor to generate code using live data from Alation and it fetches, processes, and writes. all in a single agentic loop. 10 tools appear alongside file editing and terminal access, creating a unified development environment grounded in real-time information.
- —
Agent mode turns Cursor into an autonomous coding assistant that can read files, run commands, and call MCP tools without switching context
- —
Cursor's Composer feature can generate entire files using real-time data fetched through MCP. no copy-pasting from external dashboards
- —
MCP tools appear alongside built-in tools like file reading and terminal access, creating a unified agentic environment
- —
VS Code extension compatibility means your existing workflow, keybindings, and extensions all work alongside MCP tools
Alation in Cursor
Why run Alation with Vinkius?
The Alation connection runs on our fully managed, secure cloud infrastructure. We handle the hosting, maintenance, and security so you don't have to deal with servers or code. All 10 tools are ready to work instantly without any complex setup.
You stay in complete control of your data. Your AI only accesses the information you approve, keeping your sensitive passwords and private details completely safe. Plus, with automatic optimizations, your AI works faster and more efficiently.
* Every connection is hosted and maintained by Vinkius. We handle the security, updates, and infrastructure so you don't have to write code or manage servers. See our infrastructure
Over 4,000 integrations ready for AI agents
Explore a vast library of pre-built integrations, optimized and ready to deploy.
Connect securely in under 30 seconds
Generate tokens to authenticate and link external services in a single step.
Complete visibility into every agent action
Audit live requests, latency, success rates, and active security compliance policies.
Optimize spending and track token ROI
Analyze real-time token consumption and cost metrics detailed by connection.
Explore our live AI Agents Analytics dashboard to see it all working
This dashboard is included when you connect Alation using Vinkius. You will never be left in the dark about what your AI agents are doing with your tools.
Alation and 4,000+ other AI tools. No hosting, no code, ready to use.
Professionals who connect Alation to Cursor through Vinkius don't need to write code, manage servers, or worry about security. Everything is pre-configured, secure, and runs automatically in the background.
Raw MCP | Vinkius | |
|---|---|---|
| Ready-to-use MCPs | Find and configure each manually | 4,000+ MCPs ready to use |
| Connection Setup | Manual coding & server setup | 1-click instant connection |
| Server Hosting | You host it yourself (needs 24/7 uptime) | 100% hosted & managed by Vinkius |
| Security & Privacy | Stored in plaintext config files | Bank-grade encrypted vault |
| Activity Visibility | Blind execution (no logs or tracking) | Live dashboard with real-time logs |
| Cost Control | Runaway AI token spend risk | Automatic budget limits |
| Revoking Access | Must delete files or code to stop | 1-click disconnect button |
How Vinkius secures
Alation for Cursor
Every request between Cursor and Alation is protected by our secure gateway. We automatically keep your sensitive data private, prevent unauthorized access, and let you disconnect instantly at any time.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find my Alation API Access Token?
Log in to Alation, click on your user avatar, and go to Account Settings > Authentication. You can generate a Refresh Token there, which can then be used to obtain short-lived Access Tokens for the API.
Can I search for specific table types?
Yes! The search_catalog tool allows you to apply filters by object type (otype), such as table, schema, or attribute. This ensures your search results are highly relevant.
Does this support viewing data lineage?
Yes, the get_lineage tool retrieves technical metadata describing the relationships and data flow between different assets in your catalog.
What is Agent mode and why does it matter for MCP?
Agent mode is Cursor's autonomous execution mode where the AI can perform multi-step tasks: reading files, editing code, running terminal commands, and calling MCP tools. Without Agent mode, Cursor operates in a simpler ask-and-answer mode that doesn't support tool calling. Always ensure you're in Agent mode when working with MCP servers.
Where does Cursor store MCP configuration?
Cursor looks for MCP server configurations in a mcp.json file. You can configure servers at the project level (.cursor/mcp.json in your project root) or globally (~/.cursor/mcp.json). Project-level configs take precedence.
Can Cursor use MCP tools in inline edits?
No. MCP tools are only available in Agent mode through the chat panel. Inline completions and Tab suggestions do not trigger MCP tool calls. This is by design. tool calls require user visibility and approval.
How do I verify MCP tools are loaded?
Open Settings → Features → MCP and look for your server name. A green indicator means the server is connected. You can also check Agent mode's available tools by clicking the tools dropdown in the chat panel.
Tools not appearing in Cursor
Ensure you are in Agent mode (not Ask mode). MCP tools only work in Agent mode.
Server shows as disconnected
Check Settings → Features → MCP and verify the server status. Try clicking the refresh button.
Explore More MCP Servers
View all →
Cloudmersive
12 toolsValidate data, scan files for viruses, and process documents with a suite of utility APIs for security and compliance.
Front
12 toolsManage shared inboxes across email, SMS, and social with team collaboration tools that keep customer conversations organized.
EIA Full Access — U.S. Energy Intelligence
34 toolsThe ultimate U.S. energy data Mega-Server: 34 tools covering petroleum, electricity, natural gas, coal, energy forecasts, state data, and international comparisons — every watt, barrel, and BTU from the federal government's energy agency.
Reddit Ads
10 toolsManage your Reddit Ads campaigns — audit accounts, ad groups, and reports via AI.