Generic MCP clients

local-shell-mcp can be used by ChatGPT and by other MCP clients. The client decides whether it connects over HTTP or launches the server through stdio.

HTTP MCP clients

Use HTTP mode when the server is already running:

LOCAL_SHELL_MCP_WORKSPACE_ROOT=/path/to/workspace local-shell-mcp --mode mcp

Local endpoint:

http://127.0.0.1:8765/mcp

Network endpoint:

https://your-public-host.example.com/mcp

Use OAuth for any endpoint that is reachable beyond trusted localhost.

Stdio MCP clients

Use stdio mode when the client starts the server process itself:

LOCAL_SHELL_MCP_WORKSPACE_ROOT=/path/to/workspace local-shell-mcp --mode stdio

Typical client configuration shape:

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "local-shell-mcp": {
      "command": "local-shell-mcp",
      "args": ["--mode", "stdio"],
      "env": {
        "LOCAL_SHELL_MCP_WORKSPACE_ROOT": "/path/to/workspace"
      }
    }
  }
}

Client schemas vary. Some call this section mcpServers; others use a different name.

First safe check

For a newly connected client, start with:

Call environment_get, then file_tree on the workspace root. Do not modify files yet.

Then run a bounded task with explicit edit, test, and Git rules.