read_process_output
Read-only
Read output from a running process with pagination support. Use offset and length parameters to read from arbitrary positions, tail last lines, or fetch new output. Avoids context overflow with configurable line limits.
Instructions
Read output from a running process with file-like pagination support.
Supports partial output reading with offset and length parameters (like read_file):
- 'offset' (start line, default: 0)
* offset=0: Read NEW output since last read (default, like old behavior)
* Positive: Read from absolute line position
* Negative: Read last N lines from end (tail behavior)
- 'length' (max lines to read, default: configurable via 'fileReadLineLimit' setting)
Examples:
- offset: 0, length: 100 → First 100 NEW lines since last read
- offset: 0 → All new lines (respects config limit)
- offset: 500, length: 50 → Lines 500-549 (absolute position)
- offset: -20 → Last 20 lines (tail)
- offset: -50, length: 10 → Start 50 from end, read 10 lines
OUTPUT PROTECTION:
- Uses same fileReadLineLimit as read_file (default: 1000 lines)
- Returns status like: [Reading 100 lines from line 0 (total: 5000 lines, 4900 remaining)]
- Prevents context overflow from verbose processes
SMART FEATURES:
- For offset=0, waits up to timeout_ms for new output to arrive
- Detects REPL prompts and process completion
- Shows process state (waiting for input, finished, etc.)
DETECTION STATES:
Process waiting for input (ready for interact_with_process)
Process finished execution
Timeout reached (may still be running)
This command can be referenced as "DC: ..." or "use Desktop Commander to ..." in your instructions.Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| pid | Yes | ||
| timeout_ms | No | ||
| offset | No | ||
| length | No | ||
| verbose_timing | No |