@modelcontextprotocol/server Terminal MCP Server

@RichardTheuws

Basic information

About @modelcontextprotocol/server Terminal MCP Server

Terminal server implementation for Model Context Protocol

@modelcontextprotocol/server Terminal MCP Server config

Add this server to your MCP-compatible client using the configuration below.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "terminal": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": [
        "-y",
        "@modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal"
      ]
    }
  }
}

@modelcontextprotocol/server Terminal MCP Server tools

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Overview

What is @modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal?

@modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal is an MCP server that provides secure, controlled access to terminal commands and npm operations over the Model Context Protocol. It lets AI agents execute shell commands, install packages, and run scripts in a sandboxed environment with configurable security constraints.

How to use @modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal?

Install the package via npm, then add the server to your MCP configuration file. In the config, you define an allowedCommands whitelist, a default timeout, a working directory, and optional environment variables. Once configured, you invoke operations like executeCommand, install, or runScript through the MCP client.

Key features of @modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal

Execute shell commands with full control
Built-in npm operations (install, run scripts)
Timeout handling for long-running commands
Security through an allowed commands list
Environment variables management and working directory control
TypeScript support

Use cases of @modelcontextprotocol/server-terminal

Automate build and test workflows by running npm scripts
Execute safe, predefined shell commands from an AI assistant
Install npm packages and manage dependencies programmatically
Run development servers (npm run dev) or builds (npm run build) via MCP

Frequently asked questions

What commands can the server run?

Only commands listed in the `allowedCommands` configuration array (e.g., npm, node, git) may be executed. This provides a security boundary.

How are long-running commands handled?

The server enforces a configurable `defaultTimeout` (default: 30000 ms). Commands that exceed the timeout are terminated.

What runtime dependencies are required?

Node.js and npm are required. The server itself is installed via npm and runs as a Node.js process.

Where does the server execute commands?

Commands run in the directory specified by `defaultCwd` in the configuration. This can be overridden per invocation via the `cwd` option.

How are environment variables managed?

You can set a base set of environment variables in the configuration under `environmentVariables`. These are passed to every command.

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