> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.prestd.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.prestd.com/readme.md).

# pREST

**pREST** is open-source software that gives you instant [REST (Representational State Transfer)](/api-reference.md) and [Model Context Protocol (MCP)](/get-started/mcp-over-http.md) APIs for SQL databases. Point it at a database and get production-ready HTTP APIs — CRUD, custom SQL routes, auth, ACL, and (from v2.1.0) a read-only MCP endpoint — without hand-writing a backend.

**PostgreSQL is the first native adapter.** Postgres-compatible engines can be certified on that adapter. MySQL, SQLite, and SQL Server are on the [roadmap](/databases/roadmap.md).

*Last updated: July 11, 2026*

***

## What you get

| Capability     | Detail                                                                            |
| -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Instant REST   | Auto CRUD from schema: `GET/POST/PUT/PATCH/DELETE /{db}/{schema}/{table}`         |
| MCP over HTTP  | Read-only `/_mcp` for AI agents and IDEs ([guide](/get-started/mcp-over-http.md)) |
| Auth & ACL     | JWT/auth stack and table-level permissions                                        |
| Multi-database | Alias registry across clusters ([guide](/get-started/multi-database.md))          |
| Custom SQL     | Templated `/_QUERIES` scripts                                                     |
| Plugins        | Middleware and endpoint extensions                                                |

***

## Which databases work today?

| Status                      | Engines                                                                                              |
| --------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Native**                  | [PostgreSQL](/databases/postgresql.md)                                                               |
| **Hosted PostgreSQL**       | [Aurora PostgreSQL](/databases/aurora-postgresql.md), Neon, Supabase, AlloyDB                        |
| **Certified / certifying**  | [CockroachDB](/databases/cockroachdb.md), [YugabyteDB](/databases/yugabytedb.md)                     |
| **Compatible with caveats** | [TimescaleDB](/databases/timescaledb.md), [Amazon Redshift](/databases/amazon-redshift.md)           |
| **Roadmap**                 | [MySQL](/databases/mysql.md), [SQLite](/databases/sqlite.md), [SQL Server](/databases/sql-server.md) |

Full matrix and labels: [Databases](/databases.md). Phases: [Database roadmap](/databases/roadmap.md).

***

## Latest release

[**v2.1.0**](/releases/v2.1.0.md) — native MCP over HTTP (`/_mcp`), schema-aware read-only tools, auth/ACL inheritance.

* Docker: `prest/prest:v2.1.0`
* Go: `go install github.com/prest/prest/v2/cmd/prestd@v2.1.0`

See [Releases](/releases.md) and [Upgrading to v2](/get-started/upgrading-to-v2.md).

***

## Get started

1. [Get pREST](/get-prest.md) — Docker, Homebrew, or Go
2. [Configuring pREST](/get-started/configuring-prest.md)
3. [API Reference](/api-reference.md)
4. Optional: [MCP over HTTP](/get-started/mcp-over-http.md) for AI clients
5. Optional: [AI and MCP](/ai.md) — Cursor, Claude Desktop, stdio adapter

***

## FAQ

### What is pREST?

pREST is open-source software for instant REST and MCP APIs on SQL databases. It turns HTTP requests into safe, parameterized database operations using your existing schema.

### Is pREST only for PostgreSQL?

PostgreSQL is the **native** adapter today. Engines that speak the PostgreSQL wire protocol (for example YugabyteDB, CockroachDB, Aurora PostgreSQL) can use that adapter with documented support levels. Other SQL families are planned — see the [roadmap](/databases/roadmap.md).

### Does pREST provide a REST API?

**REST (Representational State Transfer)** is an architectural style for building APIs over HTTP. pREST exposes your SQL tables as REST resources at `/{database}/{schema}/{table}`, mapping standard verbs to CRUD on the same server as MCP.

Yes. Full reference: [API Reference](/api-reference.md).

### Does pREST support MCP for AI agents?

**MCP (Model Context Protocol)** is an open standard for connecting AI apps and agents to tools and data. pREST exposes a read-only MCP endpoint at `/_mcp` so clients can discover schemas and query tables through the same server as the REST API.

Yes, from **v2.1.0**. Stdio clients use the [pREST MCP Adapter](/ai/install-prest-mcp.md) (`brew install prest/tap/prest-mcp`). Full guide: [MCP over HTTP](/get-started/mcp-over-http.md) · [AI and MCP](/ai.md).

### How does pREST work with AI?

**Artificial intelligence (AI)** here means applications and agents that use models to reason and act on tools and data. pREST connects them to your SQL catalog through read-only [MCP](/get-started/mcp-over-http.md) at `/_mcp` and the same auth/ACL as the REST API.

Client setup (adapters, IDE config): [AI and MCP](/ai.md) · [docs.prestd.com/ai](https://docs.prestd.com/ai).

### How do I start quickly?

Use Docker or Homebrew from [Get pREST](/get-prest.md), set `PREST_PG_URL` (or `pg.*` / `DATABASE_URL`), and call `http://localhost:3000/{database}/{schema}/{table}`.

***

## Related documentation

* [Key features](/readme/prestd-key-features.md)
* [Acronyms](/readme/acronyms.md) ([REST](/readme/acronyms.md#rest), [MCP](/readme/acronyms.md#mcp), [AI](/readme/acronyms.md#ai))
* [Databases](/databases.md)
* [Database roadmap](/databases/roadmap.md)
* [AI and MCP](/ai.md)
* [Who uses pREST](/readme/who-uses-prest.md)
* [Contributing](/readme/contributing-to-prestd.md)

Questions? [GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/prest/prest/discussions) or [Discord](https://discord.gg/aB8mwvVEhC).