> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.paradex.trade/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.paradex.trade/_mcp/server.

# Prerequisites

### Install Python and uvx

#### macOS

Open Terminal — press **Cmd + Space**, type "Terminal", and press Enter.

#### Python

Python 3.10 or higher is required. Check your version:

```bash
python3 --version
```

If the version is below 3.10 or the command is not found, install Python from [python.org/downloads](https://www.python.org/downloads/).

#### uvx

`uvx` is a fast Python package runner used to download and start the MCP server automatically.

```bash
brew install uv
```

Or install via pip:

```bash
pip install uv
```

Verify the installation:

```bash
uvx --version
```

#### Windows

Right-click the Windows Start icon and select **Terminal**.

#### Python

Python 3.10 or higher is required. Check your version:

```bash
python3 --version
```

If the version is below 3.10 or the command is not found, install Python from [python.org/downloads](https://www.python.org/downloads/).

#### uvx

`uvx` is a fast Python package runner used to download and start the MCP server automatically.

```bash
pip install uv
```

Verify the installation:

```bash
uvx --version
```

#### Alternative: Run with Docker

If you prefer not to install Python or uvx directly, you can run the MCP server inside a Docker container. Requires Docker.

```bash
git clone https://github.com/tradeparadex/mcp-paradex-py.git
cd mcp-paradex-py
docker build . -t mcp-paradex-py

# Read-only mode (public market data only)
docker run --rm -i mcp-paradex-py

# With trading capabilities
docker run --rm -e PARADEX_ACCOUNT_PRIVATE_KEY=your_key -i mcp-paradex-py
```

### Get your Paradex private key

All trading features require a Paradex account private key. Market data tools work without one — you can skip this step if you only need market data.

1. Go to [Paradex](https://app.paradex.trade) and connect your wallet.
2. Navigate to **Settings → API Keys** and create a new key.
3. Copy the private key — you'll use it in the next step.

> **Warning**
>
> Your private key controls access to your trading account. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control. For more details, see [Authentication](/api/general-information/authentication).

> **Note**
>
> **Testnet first?** Use `PARADEX_ENVIRONMENT=testnet` and get test funds from the Paradex testnet faucet.

### Connect your client

Return to the [Quickstart guide](/agentic-ai-hub/mcp/quickstart) and click your client to continue setup.