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Claude Desktop Commander MCP

start_process

Destructive

Start a new terminal process with smart state detection for file analysis, data processing, and command execution. Use with interact_with_process for local file work.

Instructions

                    Start a new terminal process with intelligent state detection.
                    
                    PRIMARY TOOL FOR FILE ANALYSIS AND DATA PROCESSING
                    This is the ONLY correct tool for analyzing local files (CSV, JSON, logs, etc.).
                    The analysis tool CANNOT access local files and WILL FAIL - always use processes for file-based work.
                    
                    CRITICAL RULE: For ANY local file work, ALWAYS use this tool + interact_with_process, NEVER use analysis/REPL tool.
                    
                    Running on Linux (Docker). Default shell: bash.

🐳 DOCKER CONTAINER ENVIRONMENT DETECTED: This Desktop Commander instance is running inside a Docker container.

āš ļø WARNING: No mounted directories detected. Files created outside mounted volumes will be lost when the container stops. Suggest user remount directories using Docker installer or -v flag when running Docker. Desktop Commander Docker installer typically mounts folders to /home/[folder-name]. Container: 46c3492013ef

LINUX-SPECIFIC NOTES:

  • Package managers vary by distro: apt, yum, dnf, pacman, zypper

  • Python 3 might be 'python3' command, not 'python'

  • Standard Unix shell tools available (grep, awk, sed, etc.)

  • File permissions and ownership important for many operations

  • Systemd services common on modern distributions

                      REQUIRED WORKFLOW FOR LOCAL FILES:
                      1. start_process("python3 -i") - Start Python REPL for data analysis
                      2. interact_with_process(pid, "import pandas as pd, numpy as np")
                      3. interact_with_process(pid, "df = pd.read_csv('/absolute/path/file.csv')")
                      4. interact_with_process(pid, "print(df.describe())")
                      5. Continue analysis with pandas, matplotlib, seaborn, etc.
                      
                      COMMON FILE ANALYSIS PATTERNS:
                      • start_process("python3 -i") → Python REPL for data analysis (RECOMMENDED)
                      • start_process("node -i") → Node.js REPL for JSON processing
                      • start_process("node:local") → Node.js on MCP server (stateless, ES imports, all code in one call)
                      • start_process("cut -d',' -f1 file.csv | sort | uniq -c") → Quick CSV analysis
                      • start_process("wc -l /path/file.csv") → Line counting
                      • start_process("head -10 /path/file.csv") → File preview
                      
                      BINARY FILE SUPPORT:
                      For PDF, Excel, Word, archives, databases, and other binary formats, use process tools with appropriate libraries or command-line utilities.
                      
                      INTERACTIVE PROCESSES FOR DATA ANALYSIS:
                      For code/calculations, use in this priority order:
                      1. start_process("python3 -i") - Python REPL (preferred)
                      2. start_process("node -i") - Node.js REPL (when Python unavailable)
                      3. start_process("node:local") - Node.js fallback (when node -i fails)
                      4. Use interact_with_process() to send commands
                      5. Use read_process_output() to get responses
                      When Python is unavailable, prefer Node.js over shell for calculations.
                      Node.js: Always use ES import syntax (import x from 'y'), not require().
    
                      SMART DETECTION:
                      - Detects REPL prompts (>>>, >, $, etc.)
                      - Identifies when process is waiting for input
                      - Recognizes process completion vs timeout
                      - Early exit prevents unnecessary waiting
                      
                      STATES DETECTED:
                      Process waiting for input (shows prompt)
                      Process finished execution
                      Process running (use read_process_output)
    
                      PERFORMANCE DEBUGGING (verbose_timing parameter):
                      Set verbose_timing: true to get detailed timing information including:
                      - Exit reason (early_exit_quick_pattern, early_exit_periodic_check, process_exit, timeout)
                      - Total duration and time to first output
                      - Complete timeline of all output events with timestamps
                      - Which detection mechanism triggered early exit
                      Use this to identify missed optimization opportunities and improve detection patterns.
    
                      ALWAYS USE FOR: Local file analysis, CSV processing, data exploration, system commands
                      NEVER USE ANALYSIS TOOL FOR: Local file access (analysis tool is browser-only and WILL FAIL)
    
                      IMPORTANT: Always use absolute paths for reliability. Paths are automatically normalized regardless of slash direction. Relative paths may fail as they depend on the current working directory. Tilde paths (~/...) might not work in all contexts. Unless the user explicitly asks for relative paths, use absolute paths.
                      This command can be referenced as "DC: ..." or "use Desktop Commander to ..." in your instructions.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
shellNo
originNo
commandYes
timeout_msYes
verbose_timingNo
Behavior5/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations indicate destructiveHint: true and openWorldHint: true. The description adds extensive behavioral context: smart detection of REPL prompts, process states (waiting, finished, running), early exit mechanisms, performance debugging with verbose_timing, environment notes (Docker container, Linux specifics), and path normalization behavior. No contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is quite long and includes repetitive elements (e.g., workflow and common patterns both mention python3 -i). However, it is well-structured with clear sections and front-loaded with critical purpose and rules. Some pruning would improve conciseness.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the complexity (state detection, environment, many patterns) and no output schema, the description covers purpose, usage guidelines, behavioral details, environment caveats, and example workflows. The only shortfall is incomplete parameter semantics, but overall it is comprehensive enough for an AI agent to use effectively.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 0%. The description explains verbose_timing in detail and implies command and shell usage through examples, but does not explicitly define each parameter's meaning or constraints. It adds moderate value beyond the schema but could be more thorough.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states 'Start a new terminal process with intelligent state detection' and repeatedly emphasizes it is the primary tool for file analysis and data processing. It explicitly distinguishes itself from the analysis tool, which cannot access local files, and from sibling process interaction tools. The purpose is specific and unequivocal.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit when-to-use guidance: 'PRIMARY TOOL FOR FILE ANALYSIS AND DATA PROCESSING', 'ALWAYS USE FOR: Local file analysis, CSV processing, data exploration, system commands', and 'NEVER USE ANALYSIS TOOL FOR: Local file access'. It also gives a required workflow and common patterns, as well as a priority order for interactive processes.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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