Model Context Protocol server for terminal operations and file editing

Execute terminal commands, manage processes, and perform advanced file operations through Claude Desktop via MCP.

Desktop Commander brings terminal access and file system operations directly into Claude Desktop through the Model Context Protocol.

• 🖥️ Terminal Control: Execute commands and manage long-running processes
• 📁 File Operations: Read, write, search, and edit files with precision
• 🔍 Code Search: Advanced search capabilities using ripgrep
• 🔄 Process Management: Handle SSH sessions, development servers, and background tasks

• 🖥️ Enhanced Terminal Control: Interactive process management with session support
• 🐍 Code Execution: Run Python, Node.js, R code in memory without saving files
• 📊 Instant Data Analysis: Analyze CSV/JSON files directly in chat
• 🔍 Advanced File Search: Fuzzy search across your entire codebase
• ✏️ Surgical Code Editing: Precise file modifications with diff previews
• 🔄 Process Management: Handle SSH, databases, development servers seamlessly

npx @chriscoletech/desktop-commander-mcp@latest setup

Add to your Claude Desktop config file (claude_desktop_config.json):

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "desktop-commander": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@chriscoletech/desktop-commander-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

After installation, restart Claude Desktop to activate the MCP server.

Desktop Commander provides these tools through the Model Context Protocol:

• read_file - Read file contents with optional offset/length parameters
• read_multiple_files - Read multiple files simultaneously
• write_file - Write or append to files
• create_directory - Create directories or ensure they exist
• list_directory - Get detailed directory listings
• move_file - Move or rename files and directories
• get_file_info - Get detailed file/directory metadata

• search_files - Find files by name (substring matching)
• search_code - Search text/code patterns in files using ripgrep
• edit_block - Apply surgical text replacements to files

• start_process - Start terminal processes with intelligent state detection
• read_process_output - Read output from running processes
• interact_with_process - Send input to processes and get responses
• list_sessions - List all active terminal sessions
• force_terminate - Force terminate terminal sessions
• list_processes - List all running system processes
• kill_process - Terminate processes by PID

• execute_command - Execute terminal commands (legacy)
• read_output - Read command output (legacy)

• get_config - Get complete server configuration as JSON
• set_config_value - Set specific configuration values
• get_usage_stats - Get usage statistics for debugging
• give_feedback_to_desktop_commander - Open feedback form in browser

📖 Full Documentation - Comprehensive guide with detailed examples, production deployment, troubleshooting, and advanced configuration.

See also:

• FAQ - Common questions and solutions
• Privacy Policy - Data handling and privacy information
• Release Process - Development and release workflow

MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.

⭐ Star this repository if you find it useful!
🐛 Report issues or suggest features at GitHub Issues

Get started today - npx @chriscoletech/desktop-commander-mcp@latest setup and bring terminal access into Claude Desktop!