Shell

You can run the Shell MCP Server locally to execute shell commands from an MCP client in a controlled way. It lets you safely send a command and receive the combined stdout and stderr output along with the exit code, enabling powerful command-driven capabilities within your MCP workflows.

How to use

You use the Shell MCP Server by configuring your MCP client to connect via a local process or a remote server entry. Once connected, you request a command to run and receive its output and status. Practical usage patterns include listing directory contents, checking system information, or running small scripts and returning the results to the client for further decision making.

How to install

Prerequisites: have Python available if you choose the Python pathway, or have a runtime that provides uvx if you prefer the uvx pathway.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shell": {
      "command": "uvx",
      "args": ["mcp-server-shell"]
    }
  }
}

Install the server using pip if you prefer the Python route.

pip install mcp-server-shell

Run the server as a script after installation.

python -m mcp_server_shell

Configure the server to run via uvx if you prefer an uvx-based setup.

"mcpServers": {
  "shell": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": ["mcp-server-shell"]
  }
}

Or configure the uvx-based path for the Zed or Claude clients using the uvx entry shown here.

"mcpServers": {
  "shell": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": ["mcp-server-shell"]
  }
}

Additional configuration blocks for specific clients

Configure for Claude.app to connect via uvx or via Python depending on your installation.

"mcpServers": {
  "shell": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": ["mcp-server-shell"]
  }
}

Configure for Zed

Set up the context server name and path similarly to Claude.app, choosing uvx or Python for execution.

"context_servers": {
  "mcp-server-shell": {
    "command": "uvx",
    "args": ["mcp-server-shell"]
  }
},

Available tools

execute_command

Executes a shell command and returns its output and return code, enabling command execution as an MCP capability.