Installation

Varity Team Core Contributors Updated May 2026

Install the Varity tools that fit how you work. The MCP server is the primary path for most developers using Claude Code or Cursor.

System Requirements

Node.js 20.0 or later
Python 3.8 or later (for the CLI)
npm, pnpm, or yarn
A modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Option 1: MCP Server (recommended for Claude Code and Cursor)

The MCP server connects Varity to your AI coding tool. It gives you a full set of tools for deploying, monitoring, and managing apps using plain English. You do not need to add any code to your project.

claude mcp add varity -- npx -y @varity-labs/mcp@beta

Restart Claude Code after running this command. You will see Varity tools available in your session.

Add the following to your Cursor MCP config file (~/.cursor/mcp.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "varity": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "@varity-labs/mcp@beta"]
    }
  }
}

Restart Cursor after saving the file.

For any MCP-compatible AI tool, use:

{
  "command": "npx",
  "args": ["-y", "@varity-labs/mcp@beta"]
}

Refer to your AI tool’s documentation for how to add MCP servers.

Verify MCP installation

Inside Claude Code or Cursor, ask:

varity_doctor

You should see a confirmation that your environment is ready.

Option 2: CLI (command line)

The CLI is a Python package called varitykit. If you are a JavaScript developer, do not let that put you off. Python is only needed to run the CLI itself, not your app. You install it once and never think about it again.

Install the CLI

The recommended way is with pipx, which installs CLI tools in their own isolated environment:
Terminal window
```
pipx install varitykit
```
If you do not have pipx, you can install it first:
Terminal window
```
pip install pipx
```
Then run:
Terminal window
```
pipx ensurepath
```
Or use plain pip if you prefer:
Terminal window
```
pipx install varitykit
```
Verify installation
Terminal window
```
varitykit doctor
```
You should see all checks passing.
Log in
Terminal window
```
varitykit login
```
This opens the developer portal in your browser. Copy your deploy key and paste it back into the terminal when prompted.

No framework changes required

You do not need to wrap your app in any provider component or change your existing code to deploy. Varity detects your framework and deploys it as-is. Databases, caches, and other backend services are configured automatically when Varity detects that your app needs them.

Next Steps

Quick Start - Deploy your first app
How Varity Works - Understand the deploy flow
CLI Reference - All CLI commands

Troubleshooting

CLI not found after installation

If varitykit is not recognized after pip install, try:

python -m varitykit doctor

Or reinstall with pipx:

pipx install varitykit

Node.js version errors

Varity requires Node.js 20 or later. Check your version:

node --version

If you need to upgrade, use nvm or download from nodejs.org.

For more help, see Troubleshooting or join our Discord.