# Host Terminal MCP
Run terminal commands on your computer through Claude.
**Why?** Claude Cowork runs inside a sandboxed VM and can't access your host machine's terminal. This MCP plugin bridges that gap, letting Claude run commands directly on your computer (with permission controls).
## Install
```bash
# Clone
git clone https://github.com/ankitag-in/host-terminal-mcp.git
cd host-terminal-mcp
# Install
uv tool install .
```
## Configure Claude Desktop
Add to `~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json` (Mac) or `~/.config/claude/claude_desktop_config.json` (Linux):
```json
{
"mcpServers": {
"host-terminal": {
"command": "host-terminal-mcp"
}
}
}
```
Restart Claude Desktop.
## Use
Ask Claude:
- "List files in my home directory"
- "Show git status"
- "What's running on port 3000?"
## Permission Modes
| Mode | Description |
|------|-------------|
| `allowlist` | Only pre-approved commands (default, safest) |
| `ask` | Prompts for unknown commands |
| `allow_all` | Allows everything (dangerous!) |
Common read commands are pre-approved: `ls`, `cat`, `grep`, `git status`, `ps`, etc.
Dangerous commands are always blocked: `sudo`, `rm -rf /`, etc.
## Commands
```bash
# Create config file
host-terminal-mcp --init-config
# Run in ask mode (approve commands on the fly)
host-terminal-mcp --mode ask
# Show help
host-terminal-mcp --help
```
## Config
Edit `~/.config/host-terminal-mcp/config.yaml` to customize allowed commands.
## License
Apache-2.0
