mcp-server-commands

MCP.Pizza Chef: g0t4

The mcp-server-commands is a Model Context Protocol server designed to allow large language models (LLMs) to run shell commands such as 'hostname', 'ls -al', or 'echo "hello world"'. It supports passing input via stdin to commands like bash, python, or shell interpreters, enabling dynamic script execution and file creation. The server returns both stdout and stderr as text, providing comprehensive command output. It is designed with security in mind, advising users to carefully approve commands and avoid running with elevated privileges. This server is compatible with models like Claude Sonnet 3.5, Groq Desktop with MCP, and llama4, facilitating intelligent command execution within AI workflows.

Use This MCP server To

Execute shell commands from LLMs for system inspection Run scripts dynamically via stdin input Capture command output for analysis or logging Create or modify files through command line Integrate command execution in AI-assisted workflows

README

Tools

Tools are for LLMs to request. Claude Sonnet 3.5 intelligently uses run_command. And, initial testing shows promising results with Groq Desktop with MCP and llama4 models.

Currently, just one command to rule them all!

  • run_command - run a command, i.e. hostname or ls -al or echo "hello world" etc
    • Returns STDOUT and STDERR as text
    • Optional stdin parameter means your LLM can
      • pass code in stdin to commands like fish, bash, zsh, python
      • create files with cat >> foo/bar.txt from the text in stdin

Warning

Be careful what you ask this server to run! In Claude Desktop app, use Approve Once (not Allow for This Chat) so you can review each command, use Deny if you don't trust the command. Permissions are dictated by the user that runs the server. DO NOT run with sudo.

Video walkthrough

YouTube Thumbnail

Prompts

Prompts are for users to include in chat history, i.e. via Zed's slash commands (in its AI Chat panel)

  • run_command - generate a prompt message with the command output

Development

Install dependencies:

npm install

Build the server:

npm run build

For development with auto-rebuild:

npm run watch

Installation

To use with Claude Desktop, add the server config:

On MacOS: ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json On Windows: %APPDATA%/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json

Groq Desktop (beta, macOS) uses ~/Library/Application Support/groq-desktop-app/settings.json

Use the published npm package

Published to npm as mcp-server-commands using this workflow

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-server-commands": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["mcp-server-commands"]
    }
  }
}

Use a local build (repo checkout)

Make sure to run npm run build

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "mcp-server-commands": {
      // works b/c of shebang in index.js
      "command": "/path/to/mcp-server-commands/build/index.js"
    }
  }
}

Logging

Claude Desktop app writes logs to ~/Library/Logs/Claude/mcp-server-mcp-server-commands.log

By default, only important messages are logged (i.e. errors). If you want to see more messages, add --verbose to the args when configuring the server.

By the way, logs are written to STDERR because that is what Claude Desktop routes to the log files. In the future, I expect well formatted log messages to be written over the STDIO transport to the MCP client (note: not Claude Desktop app).

Debugging

Since MCP servers communicate over stdio, debugging can be challenging. We recommend using the MCP Inspector, which is available as a package script:

npm run inspector

The Inspector will provide a URL to access debugging tools in your browser.

mcp-server-commands FAQ

How does mcp-server-commands handle command output?
It returns both STDOUT and STDERR as text, allowing LLMs to see full command results.
Can I pass input to commands using this server?
Yes, the optional stdin parameter lets you send input to commands like bash, python, or shell interpreters.
Is it safe to run any command with this server?
No, you should carefully review and approve commands before execution. Avoid running the server with sudo or elevated privileges.
Which LLMs are known to work well with mcp-server-commands?
Claude Sonnet 3.5, Groq Desktop with MCP, and llama4 have shown promising results.
How are permissions managed for command execution?
Permissions depend on the user account running the server; it inherits that user's system permissions.
Can this server create or modify files?
Yes, by passing commands with stdin input, you can create or modify files using shell commands.
What precautions should I take when using this server?
Use command approval features like 'Approve Once' in client apps, deny untrusted commands, and never run the server as root.
Does the server support running multiple commands?
Currently, it supports a single 'run_command' interface that can execute any shell command.