1Panel + GitHub Copilot (VS Code): Complete MCP Integration

1Panel is a MCP server that MCP server implementation that provides 1Panel interaction.

When integrated with GitHub Copilot (VS Code), you can:

• Monitor system status and dashboard information
• Create and manage websites on 1Panel
• Handle SSL certificates and HTTPS configuration

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to set up 1Panel in GitHub Copilot (VS Code), including configuration, examples, and troubleshooting.

What You'll Achieve

After completing this setup:

• 1Panel will be fully integrated and operational
• You can use 1Panel tools directly in GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
• All 1Panel capabilities will be available for your workflows
• Access to 5 different tools

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

• 1Panel access token for authentication
• 1Panel server address
• GitHub Copilot (VS Code) installed and configured
• Compatible operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux)

Installation

Step 1: Install 1Panel

Configuration

Step 2: Configure GitHub Copilot (VS Code)

1. Locate your configuration file:

   • Windows: .vscode\\mcp.json in your project directory
   • macOS: .vscode/mcp.json in your project directory
   • Linux: .vscode/mcp.json in your project directory

2. Add server configuration:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "1panel": {
      "command": "1panel",
      "args": ["your-access-token", "http://localhost:8080"],
      "env": {
        "PANEL_ACCESS_TOKEN": "your-1panel-access-token-here",
        "PANEL_HOST": "http://localhost:8080"
      }
    }
  }
}

3. Restart GitHub Copilot (VS Code)

Completely quit and restart GitHub Copilot (VS Code) to load the new configuration.

Examples

Once configured, you can use 1Panel in GitHub Copilot (VS Code):

Get System Overview

Check 1Panel server status and system information

Ask GitHub Copilot (VS Code): "Show me the dashboard information and system status"

Expected Result: Dashboard data including CPU, memory, disk usage, and running services

Create New Website

Set up a new website with domain configuration

Ask GitHub Copilot (VS Code): "Create a website for domain example.com with PHP support"

Expected Result: Website created with virtual host configuration and PHP environment

Install Database Server

Install and configure MySQL server

Ask GitHub Copilot (VS Code): "Install MySQL and create a database called myapp_db"

Expected Result: MySQL installed, database created, and connection details provided

SSL Certificate Setup

Generate and configure SSL certificate for website

Ask GitHub Copilot (VS Code): "Create an SSL certificate for my website example.com"

Expected Result: SSL certificate generated and configured for HTTPS access

Testing Your Setup

1. Start a new conversation in GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
2. Ask GitHub Copilot (VS Code) to list available tools
3. Try using 1Panel functionality

Test prompts:

• "What MCP tools are available?"
• "Use 1Panel to help with my code"
• "Show me what 1Panel can do"

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Authentication Failed

Symptoms: Access denied errors, Invalid token messages, Connection refused

Cause: Invalid or missing PANEL_ACCESS_TOKEN

Solution:

• Verify PANEL_ACCESS_TOKEN is set correctly
• Check token validity in 1Panel admin interface
• Ensure token has sufficient permissions

Connection to 1Panel Failed

Symptoms: Connection timeout, Server unreachable, Network errors

Cause: Invalid PANEL_HOST or 1Panel server not running

Solution:

• Verify PANEL_HOST URL is correct
• Check 1Panel server is running on specified port
• Test network connectivity to 1Panel server
• Ensure firewall allows connections

SSE Mode Not Working

Symptoms: SSE endpoint not responding, Transport errors

Cause: Incorrect SSE configuration or port conflicts

Solution:

• Verify -addr parameter is accessible
• Check port is not in use by another service
• Ensure SSE transport is specified correctly
• Test SSE endpoint with curl

Binary Not Found

Symptoms: Command not found, mcp-1panel: command not found

Cause: Binary not in PATH or not properly installed

Solution:

• Verify binary is in /usr/local/bin or system PATH
• Check file permissions (executable bit)
• Re-download and reinstall binary
• Use full path to binary if needed

MCP Configuration Not Loaded

Symptoms: MCP tools not appearing, Copilot does not recognize MCP server

Cause: Configuration file not in correct location or invalid JSON

Solution:

• Verify .vscode/mcp.json exists in project root directory
• Check JSON syntax is valid (no trailing commas, proper quotes)
• Reload VS Code window after making configuration changes
• Check VS Code Developer Tools (Help > Toggle Developer Tools) for errors

MCP Server Not Starting

Symptoms: Tools listed but not responding, Server connection errors

Cause: Server command path incorrect or dependencies missing

Solution:

• Test the MCP server command independently in terminal
• Verify all server prerequisites are installed
• Check that command path is correct (use absolute paths if needed)
• Ensure required environment variables are set in mcp.json
• Review VS Code Output panel for MCP server error messages

GitHub Copilot Subscription Required

Symptoms: Copilot features grayed out, Unable to access Copilot Chat

Cause: No active GitHub Copilot subscription

Solution:

• Sign up for GitHub Copilot subscription (Individual, Business, or Enterprise)
• Verify subscription is active in GitHub account settings
• Re-authenticate GitHub Copilot in VS Code
• Check that VS Code is using correct GitHub account

VS Code Version Too Old

Symptoms: MCP configuration ignored, No mcp.json recognition

Cause: VS Code version below 1.99 does not have native MCP support

Solution:

• Update VS Code to version 1.99 or later
• Check current version: Help > About
• Download latest version from code.visualstudio.com
• After updating, reload window and verify MCP support

{server_name} Tools Not Working

Symptoms: Server connected but tools fail, Error messages when invoking tools

Cause: Server-specific configuration or authentication issues

Solution:

• Verify all required environment variables for {server_name} are set
• Check {server_name} documentation for specific prerequisites
• Test {server_name} with another MCP client to isolate issue
• Review error messages in VS Code Output panel for specific failures

1Panel not appearing in GitHub Copilot (VS Code)

Symptoms: Server not listed, Tools not available

Cause: Configuration or installation issue

Solution:

• Verify configuration syntax
• Check 1Panel installation
• Restart GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
• Check logs for error messages

Next Steps

Now that 1Panel is integrated with GitHub Copilot (VS Code):

• Explore all 1Panel capabilities through GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
• Check out other MCP servers that work with GitHub Copilot (VS Code)
• Join the MCP community for tips and support
• Consider contributing to 1Panel development

Need Help?

• Search for 1Panel documentation
• Check the GitHub Copilot (VS Code) MCP guide
• Join the MCP community discussions