# ShipDapp > ShipDapp is a decentralized app hosting platform. Deploy any Dockerized app to Akash Network with Solana community-funded vaults and AI agent deployment via Model Context Protocol (MCP). ## What is ShipDapp? ShipDapp lets developers deploy Dockerized web applications to the Akash Network (decentralized cloud) with Solana-based community funding. AI coding assistants connect via MCP to scaffold, build, deploy, and monitor apps without leaving the editor. ## Key facts - **Platform**: https://shipdapp.com - **API / MCP**: https://api.shipdapp.com - **GitHub**: https://github.com/yash1ts/shipdapp - **Hosting network**: Akash Network (devnet for MCP deploys) - **Payments / vaults**: Solana - **MCP version**: 0.2.0 ## Who should use ShipDapp? - Developers who want censorship-resistant, community-funded hosting - AI agent builders using Cursor, Claude Code, or Windsurf with MCP - Teams deploying Dockerized apps without centralized cloud lock-in - Farcaster builders shipping mini-apps via https://shipdapp.com/apps ## Documentation - [Full MCP reference](https://api.shipdapp.com/llm-full.txt): Every tool, parameter, workflow, guardrail, and config snippet - [API keys](https://shipdapp.com/account/keys): Generate `shipdapp_sk_*` keys for Cursor, Claude, and other MCP clients - [Example agent](https://github.com/yash1ts/shipdapp/tree/main/examples/x-agency-agent): Reference local-first deploy agent - [App Store](https://shipdapp.com/store): Browse and fund community deployments - [Vibe Terminal](https://shipdapp.com/terminal): Browser-based AI coding environment ## Connect MCP - MCP SSE URL: `https://api.shipdapp.com/api/mcp/sse` - Auth: `Authorization: Bearer shipdapp_sk_...` in MCP client **headers** (never in chat or tool arguments) - Alternative auth: `get_auth_challenge` + `authenticate` (Sign-In With Solana, local wallet) ## Recommended workflow Source deployment: 1. `list_templates` with `includeFiles=true` → write scaffold to disk 2. Develop and test locally (`npm run dev`, `npm run build`) 3. `deploy_app` with `templateId` + local `files` map (optional `listOnStore=true`; default unlisted) 4. Poll `get_build_status(buildId, deploymentId)` until SUCCESS (starts Akash deploy) 5. Poll `get_app_status(deploymentId)` until ACTIVE → share `proxyUri` 6. Optional: `set_app_listing` to list on the App Store later Prebuilt image deployment: 1. Build and push a public Docker/OCI image yourself 2. `deploy_image` with `appName`, `dockerImage`, and `port` (optional `listOnStore=true`) 3. Poll `get_app_status(deploymentId)` until ACTIVE → share `proxyUri` ## Tools (summary) | Tool | When to use | |------|-------------| | `get_auth_challenge` | SIWS wallet auth (skip if using API key in headers) | | `authenticate` | Complete SIWS after signing challenge locally | | `get_usage_limits` | After guardrail block or before planning multiple deploys | | `list_templates` | Bootstrap new app or get `templateId` for deploy | | `deploy_app` | Source upload — Cloud Build + registered BUILDING deployment | | `deploy_image` | Prebuilt image deploy — no source upload, no Cloud Build | | `build_image` | Build only, no deployment (verify build before deploy) | | `get_build_status` | Poll after `deploy_app`/`update_app` rebuild or `build_image` | | `update_app` | Push new code to an existing deployment | | `get_app_status` | Check health and get live `proxyUri` | | `list_apps` | List deployments and find `deploymentId` | | `set_app_listing` | List or unlist an app on the public App Store | | `get_logs` | Debug build failures or runtime crashes | | `close_app` | Permanently tear down a deployment | ## FAQ **What is ShipDapp?** ShipDapp is a decentralized application hosting platform. Deploy Dockerized apps to Akash Network and manage them with Solana community-funded vaults. **How does MCP integration work?** Add the MCP endpoint to your AI editor config, authenticate with an API key or Solana wallet, and your agent can scaffold, build, deploy, and monitor apps on Akash devnet. **Do I need a Solana wallet?** Not for Vibe Terminal coding. A wallet is required for deploying apps, funding vaults, or SIWS agent auth. **Where are apps hosted?** Apps run as Docker containers on Akash Network — a global P2P decentralized cloud with censorship resistance and lower cost than centralized providers. ## Optional REST (no MCP auth) - `GET https://api.shipdapp.com/api/templates` — list templates - `GET https://api.shipdapp.com/api/templates/:id?includeFiles=true&appName=my-app` — download scaffold ## Rules for agents - Never paste API keys into chat, tool arguments, or user-visible output - Do not call `deploy_app` until local `npm run build` succeeds - Use `deploy_image` when you already have a public container image URI - Do not retry the same blocked action in a loop — call `get_usage_limits` first - Use `update_app` for changes to existing apps, not `deploy_app` - Use `close_app` only when permanently shutting down an app