CLI (Desktop Commander)

Desktop Commander MCP is an AI assistant tool that enables the Claude desktop application to execute terminal commands and manage the file system. It supports functions such as code search, editing, process management, and remote file reading.

Developer tools Operating system automation #Terminal control #File management #Code editing #AI assistant .TypeScript

rating : 5 points

downloads : 2.1K

update time : 2025-04-28

What is Desktop Commander MCP?

Desktop Commander MCP is an extension tool for the Claude desktop application. It enables the AI assistant Claude to directly operate your computer through the Model Context Protocol. It can execute terminal commands, search for and edit files, manage processes, and achieve real AI - assisted development and workflow automation.

How to use Desktop Commander MCP?

After a simple installation, you can directly use natural language in the Claude conversation to instruct the AI to perform various computer operations, such as running commands, modifying code, searching for files, etc. The AI will complete the tasks in a safe and controllable manner and return the results.

Applicable scenarios

It is especially suitable for developers for code maintenance, automated script execution, and project file management; it is also suitable for ordinary users to complete repetitive tasks such as file organization and batch processing.

Main features

Terminal command executionRun terminal commands directly in Claude and get real - time output. Support the management of long - running tasks.

Intelligent file editingSupport two editing modes: precise code block replacement and complete file rewriting. The AI can modify code like a human developer.

Advanced code searchUse the ripgrep engine to recursively search for code and text in the project and quickly locate the content to be modified.

Process managementView the list of running processes and terminate unnecessary processes.

URL content readingRead text or image content directly from a web page URL, which is convenient for the AI to analyze network resources.

Advantages and limitations

Advantages

No API fees - You only need a Claude desktop subscription, and there are no additional token fees.

Complete context - The AI can see the entire file, not just code snippets.

Precise editing - Support Git - like differential block editing to avoid full - file replacement.

Cross - platform - Support macOS, Windows, and Linux systems.

Automatic updates - It will automatically keep the latest version after installation.

Limitations

Requires a Claude Pro subscription ($20 per month).

Support for Windows and Linux is still being improved.

Some advanced functions such as SSH remote connection are still under development.

How to use

Installation preparation

Ensure that Node.js and the Claude desktop application are installed.

One - click installation

Run the installation command in the terminal.

Restart Claude

Restart the Claude desktop application after the installation is complete.

Start using

Try commands like 'List the contents of the Downloads folder' in the Claude conversation.

Usage examples

Code upgradeUpgrade an old codebase to a new version. The AI can analyze the differences and make step - by - step modifications.

Batch renamingRename a group of files quickly.

Error diagnosisDiagnose system problems through command output.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tool safe?

What is the difference between this and AI IDEs like Cursor/Windsurf?

Which image formats are supported?

What should I do if the installation fails?

Related resources

Official website

Get the latest information and documentation.

Video tutorial

Watch the installation and usage demonstration.

Discord community

Get real - time help and feedback.

GitHub repository

View the source code and contribute.

🚀 Desktop Commander Guide

Desktop Commander is an MCP tool designed to empower Claude Desktop with access to the file system and terminal, transforming it into an all - around assistant for tasks such as coding, automation, and codebase exploration.

🚀 Quick Start

Basic Commands

File Browsing
```
cdc ls /path/to/directory
```
Code Generation
```
cdc generate "Create a new component"
```
Automation Script
```
cdc automate run ./script.js
```

✨ Features

Operating System Integration: Interact directly with your computer's file system.
Multi - project Support: Handle multiple projects simultaneously.
One - time Execution: Complete changes in one go without multiple reviews.
Automated Tasks: Easily implement system - level automation operations.

📦 Installation

Installation Steps

Get the Tool

Install using the Node.js package manager:
```
npm install -g claude-desktop-commander
```
Install via Smithery:
```
smithery install desktop-commander
```

Start the Commander
- Start it by entering the following command in the terminal:
```
cdc start
```
Configuration Options (Optional)
- Use the --config option to specify the configuration file path:
```
cdc start --config ./config.json
```

📚 Documentation

Beginner Tutorial

Installation and Configuration: Follow the Installation Guide to complete the installation and basic setup of the tool.
Core Commands: Familiarize yourself with and master the operation methods of the Basic Commands.

Intermediate Tutorial

In - depth Integration: Explore how to seamlessly integrate Desktop Commander with your existing workflow.
Script Writing: Learn how to write custom scripts to extend the tool's functionality.

Advanced Tutorial

Plugin Development: Create custom plugins for the tool to enhance its capabilities.
Batch Processing: Master how to handle complex tasks for multiple projects at once.

🤝 Project Contribution

If you find this project helpful, please consider giving it a ⭐ star on GitHub. This will help more people discover the project and encourage further development.

We welcome contributions from the community! Whether you've found a bug, have a feature suggestion, or want to submit code, here's how you can help:

Found a bug? Open an issue at github.com/wonderwhy-er/ClaudeComputerCommander/issues.
Have an idea for a feature? Submit it to the Feature Request section.
Want to submit code? Fork the repository, create a branch, and submit a pull request.
Have questions or discussions? Start a new topic in the GitHub discussion area.

All contributions, big or small, are greatly welcome!

If you find this tool valuable for your workflow, please consider Supporting the Project.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Here are brief answers to some common questions. For more comprehensive information, please refer to our Detailed FAQ Document.

What is Desktop Commander?

It is an MCP tool that enables Claude Desktop to access the file system and terminal, turning Claude into an all - around assistant for tasks such as coding, automation, and codebase exploration.

How is it different from Cursor/Windsurf?

Unlike tools that focus on specific areas (e.g., Cursor for editing or Windsurf for browsing), Desktop Commander provides a unified interface to manage and control the entire development process. It integrates multiple functions, reduces the number of different tools needed, and offers a more efficient workflow.

How do I start using it?

After completing the installation following the Installation Guide, you can start using it with simple commands. For example:

npm install -g claude-desktop-commander
cdc start

📁 Project Structure

Source Code: Located in the src/ directory, including the implementation of the core tool.
Configuration Files: By default in config/, users can customize the settings.
Documentation: Detailed usage and development guides are provided in docs/.