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MCP Local Servers MCP Server

Local MCP servers for file manipulation and shell command execution to run Claude tasks offline.

Installation

Add the following to your MCP client configuration file.

Configuration

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "anishgowda21-mcp-local-servers": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/ABSOLUTE PATH/mcp-local-servers/mcp-filesystem/dist/index.js",
        "/Allowed dir absloute path"
      ]
    }
  }
}

You can run local MCP servers to perform file operations and command execution without a remote API key. By hosting these small servers on your machine, you enable Claude to manipulate local files and run shell commands directly from your desktop environment in a secure, controlled way.

How to use

You will connect your Claude-based workflow to locally hosted MCP servers. The two main local servers you’ll typically use are the filesystem server for reading and writing files and the command-execution server for running shell commands in approved directories. Start Claude, point it to your local MCP endpoints, and Claude can perform file manipulations and controlled command execution within your machine.

How to install

Prerequisites you need before starting:

Install Node.js v18 or higher and ensure Claude Desktop is installed on your system.

Clone the MCP server collection and navigate into it:

git clone https://github.com/anishgowda21/mcp-local-servers
cd mcp-local-servers

Build each server your setup will use:

cd <server name>
npm run build

Prepare your Claude configuration to connect to the local MCP servers. Use the example below as a guide for your own absolute paths and directories.

{
  "globalShortcut": "",
  "mcpServers": {
    "file-system": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/ABSOLUTE PATH/mcp-local-servers/mcp-filesystem/dist/index.js",
        "/Allowed dir absloute path"
      ]
    },
    "cmd-exec": {
      "command": "node",
      "args": [
        "/ABSOLUTE PATH/mcp-local-servers/mcp-cmd-exec/dist/index.js",
        "/Allowed dir absloute path"
      ]
    }
  }
}

Additional configuration and notes

Two local MCP servers are provided: a filesystem server for reading and writing files within a controlled directory, and a command-exec server for executing shell commands in pre-approved directories. You can extend this setup with additional local servers such as a lightweight SSE or weather data server if needed for your workflows.

Troubleshooting and tips

If a server does not start, verify that the absolute paths in your config exist and that the build completed successfully for that server. Ensure you are using Node.js v18 or higher and that Claude Desktop is running with access to the local filesystem locations you configured.

Security considerations

Limit the directories accessible by the command-exec server to prevent unintended file access or code execution. Use clearly separated directories for data and temporary work, and keep your MCP server configuration private to avoid exposing local paths.

Available tools

fileSystem

Filesystem MCP server enabling read/write operations within an approved directory, used to manage local files from Claude.

cmdExec

Command execution MCP server that runs shell commands in pre-approved directories with security constraints.

sseServer

A simple SSE server variant for fetch-and-echo workflows if you extend your local MCP setup.

weatherNode

Weather data MCP server to fetch API weather information if you wire it into your workflow.