If MCP server desktop-commander is available, use this tool for file system and terminal operations.
When to Use
Use desktop-commander for:
- File system operations: Create, edit, read directories and files
- Process management: Start, stop, and manage terminal processes
- Search operations: Search files and content efficiently
- Workspace exploration: Navigate and understand workspace structure
- Terminal interaction: Execute shell commands and scripts
Key Capabilities
File Operations
# List directory contents
list_directory(path, depth=2)
# Read files
read_file(path, offset=0, length=100)
# Write files
write_file(path, content, mode="rewrite" | "append")
# Create directories
create_directory(path)
Process Operations
# Start process
start_process(command, timeout_ms=120000, shell="powershell")
# Read process output
read_process_output(pid, offset=0, length=100)
# Send input to process
interact_with_process(pid, input="command", timeout_ms=8000)
# Terminate process
force_terminate(pid)
Search Operations
# Start file search
start_search(path, pattern, search_type="files" | "content")
# Get search results
get_more_search_results(session_id, offset=0, length=100)
# Stop search
stop_search(session_id)
Best Practices
- Use for file operations: Prefer desktop-commander over manual shell commands
- Batch operations: Use read_multiple_files for multiple files
- Error handling: Handle file permissions and path errors gracefully
- Process management: Always terminate processes when done
- Search efficiently: Use appropriate search_type for your needs