shell-use

Name: shell-use
Author: kyuheon-kr

by kyuheon-krversion 1.0.0i★ 0iRuns on your computer

Registry nameio.github.kyuheon-kr/shell-use

How to install

What it does

Let agents use the shell like a human.

Connects Runs on your computer
Account or key No key needed · 1 setting to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS)
Category Developer tools

Install

Pick the AI app you use, then copy the settings.

Passed 2/3 checks · Runs on your computer · ✓ Commands checked Nov 14, 2026

First: which AI do you use?

ClaudeWeb · app · phoneChatGPTWebClaude CodeTerminalCursorCode editorVS CodeCode editorOtherOther apps

Pick your app and the steps appear below.

Works with Claude, with some setup first

1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time) · Only the Claude desktop app (Windows or Mac), not the web or phone

Let AI install it

Copy this message into a Claude chat. The AI checks your computer, tells you which file it will change, and waits for your OK every time.

Please install the MCP server shell-use for Claude on this computer, in this order: 1) Check Docker with docker --version. If it is missing, tell me to install it from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/; do not install it yourself. 2) Use only this config (already checked by PopNx MCP): { "mcpServers": { "shell-use": { "command": "docker", "args": [ "run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS", "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0" ], "env": { "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value" } } } } 3) Tell me the full path of the file you will change, or the command you will run, and wait for my OK. 4) For SHELL_USE_SESSIONS, leave "your-value" in place and tell me to paste the real value myself into the file or the app’s field. Never ask me to type a key in chat. 5) Do what we agreed, then check that the shell-use tools really show up.

This message has no key in it. If a key is needed, the AI will ask you to paste it yourself into the file or the app’s field.

1
Install Docker (if you don’t have it)
Already installed? Check first · Open Terminal, type this command and press Enter
docker --version
- A version number such as Docker version … = installed, skip this step
- "command not found" (on Windows: "is not recognized") = not installed yet, or installed but Terminal needs to be closed and reopened
How to open Terminal
Mac: press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, press Enter
Windows: open Start, type Windows PowerShell, then Open
Not installed: Install Docker Desktop: on Mac open Docker.dmg and drag the icon to Applications (pick Apple silicon or Intel to match your Mac) · on Windows double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe · then open the Docker Desktop app and leave it running. No curl command needed
Open the Docker download page ↗
When it’s done, close Terminal, open it again and run the same command. You should see a version number: docker --version
Install once; it works for everything that needs Docker
Done
2
Fill in 1 setting(s)
These are program settings, not keys. No sign-up needed; fill them in as the maker describes.
- SHELL_USE_SESSIONS Comma-separated list of allowed session names
Descriptions are as written by the maker.
Done
Open the Claude desktop app’s settings file
SettingsDeveloperEdit Config
Done

Paste these settings and save the file

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shell-use": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS",
        "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Done

Quit Claude and open it again
Done
Try it
Use shell-use and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Claude says it is using shell-use or shows a shell-use tool in the answer, you are connected

1 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

SHELL_USE_SOCKET Path to tmux socket (default: /tmux/tmux.sock in Docker)

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Anthropic’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

ChatGPT cannot connect shell-use yet

shell-use runs on your computer, but ChatGPT can only connect servers that run on the web

What you can do instead

A · Use an app that can connect shell-use

Steps for Claude →1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time) · Only the Claude desktop app (Windows or Mac), not the web or phone
Steps for Claude Code →1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)
Steps for Cursor →1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)
Steps for VS Code →1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)

B · Others in Developer tools that work with ChatGPT

Picked from the most used in the same category, only ones that connect by address with no key

Sentry✓ ChatGPT
Compiler Explorer✓ ChatGPT
GitDiagram✓ ChatGPT

Works with Claude Code, with some setup first

1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)

Let AI install it

Copy this message into a Claude Code chat. The AI checks your computer, tells you which file it will change, and waits for your OK every time.

Please install the MCP server shell-use for Claude Code on this computer, in this order: 1) Check Docker with docker --version. If it is missing, tell me to install it from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/; do not install it yourself. 2) Use only this config (already checked by PopNx MCP): claude mcp add --scope user shell-use --env SHELL_USE_SESSIONS=your-value -- docker run -i --rm -e SHELL_USE_SESSIONS ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0 3) Tell me the full path of the file you will change, or the command you will run, and wait for my OK. 4) For SHELL_USE_SESSIONS, leave "your-value" in place and tell me to paste the real value myself into the file or the app’s field. Never ask me to type a key in chat. 5) Do what we agreed, then check that the shell-use tools really show up.

This message has no key in it. If a key is needed, the AI will ask you to paste it yourself into the file or the app’s field.

1
Install Docker (if you don’t have it)
Already installed? Check first · Open Terminal, type this command and press Enter
docker --version
- A version number such as Docker version … = installed, skip this step
- "command not found" (on Windows: "is not recognized") = not installed yet, or installed but Terminal needs to be closed and reopened
How to open Terminal
Mac: press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, press Enter
Windows: open Start, type Windows PowerShell, then Open
Not installed: Install Docker Desktop: on Mac open Docker.dmg and drag the icon to Applications (pick Apple silicon or Intel to match your Mac) · on Windows double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe · then open the Docker Desktop app and leave it running. No curl command needed
Open the Docker download page ↗
When it’s done, close Terminal, open it again and run the same command. You should see a version number: docker --version
Install once; it works for everything that needs Docker
Done
2
Fill in 1 setting(s)
These are program settings, not keys. No sign-up needed; fill them in as the maker describes.
- SHELL_USE_SESSIONS Comma-separated list of allowed session names
Descriptions are as written by the maker.
Done
Open Terminal
Mac: press Command+Space and type Terminal · Windows: open PowerShell
Done

Paste this command and press Enter

claude mcp add --scope user shell-use --env SHELL_USE_SESSIONS=your-value -- docker run -i --rm -e SHELL_USE_SESSIONS ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0

Done

Type /mcp in Claude Code
You should see shell-use listed as connected
Done
Try it
Use shell-use and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Claude Code says it is using shell-use or shows a shell-use tool in the answer, you are connected

1 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

SHELL_USE_SOCKET Path to tmux socket (default: /tmux/tmux.sock in Docker)

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Anthropic’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Works with Cursor, with some setup first

1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)

Let AI install it

Copy this message into a Cursor chat. The AI checks your computer, tells you which file it will change, and waits for your OK every time.

Please install the MCP server shell-use for Cursor on this computer, in this order: 1) Check Docker with docker --version. If it is missing, tell me to install it from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/; do not install it yourself. 2) Use only this config (already checked by PopNx MCP): { "mcpServers": { "shell-use": { "command": "docker", "args": [ "run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS", "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0" ], "env": { "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value" } } } } 3) Tell me the full path of the file you will change, or the command you will run, and wait for my OK. 4) For SHELL_USE_SESSIONS, leave "your-value" in place and tell me to paste the real value myself into the file or the app’s field. Never ask me to type a key in chat. 5) Do what we agreed, then check that the shell-use tools really show up.

This message has no key in it. If a key is needed, the AI will ask you to paste it yourself into the file or the app’s field.

1
Install Docker (if you don’t have it)
Already installed? Check first · Open Terminal, type this command and press Enter
docker --version
- A version number such as Docker version … = installed, skip this step
- "command not found" (on Windows: "is not recognized") = not installed yet, or installed but Terminal needs to be closed and reopened
How to open Terminal
Mac: press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, press Enter
Windows: open Start, type Windows PowerShell, then Open
Not installed: Install Docker Desktop: on Mac open Docker.dmg and drag the icon to Applications (pick Apple silicon or Intel to match your Mac) · on Windows double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe · then open the Docker Desktop app and leave it running. No curl command needed
Open the Docker download page ↗
When it’s done, close Terminal, open it again and run the same command. You should see a version number: docker --version
Install once; it works for everything that needs Docker
Done
2
Fill in 1 setting(s)
These are program settings, not keys. No sign-up needed; fill them in as the maker describes.
- SHELL_USE_SESSIONS Comma-separated list of allowed session names
Descriptions are as written by the maker.
Done
Click this button to open Cursor
Open in Cursor
Cursor asks you to confirm; click Install
Done
Fill in your key
In the shell-use settings, SHELL_USE_SESSIONS is empty; add your key and save
Done
Open the AI chat in Cursor in Agent mode
Done
Try it
Use shell-use and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If Cursor says it is using shell-use or shows a shell-use tool in the answer, you are connected

1 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

SHELL_USE_SOCKET Path to tmux socket (default: /tmux/tmux.sock in Docker)

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against Cursor’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Works with VS Code, with some setup first

1 setting(s) to fill in (SHELL_USE_SESSIONS) · Install Docker on your computer first (one time)

Let AI install it

Copy this message into a VS Code chat. The AI checks your computer, tells you which file it will change, and waits for your OK every time.

Please install the MCP server shell-use for VS Code on this computer, in this order: 1) Check Docker with docker --version. If it is missing, tell me to install it from https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/; do not install it yourself. 2) Use only this config (already checked by PopNx MCP): { "servers": { "shell-use": { "type": "stdio", "command": "docker", "args": [ "run", "-i", "--rm", "-e", "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS", "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0" ], "env": { "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value" } } } } 3) Tell me the full path of the file you will change, or the command you will run, and wait for my OK. 4) For SHELL_USE_SESSIONS, leave "your-value" in place and tell me to paste the real value myself into the file or the app’s field. Never ask me to type a key in chat. 5) Do what we agreed, then check that the shell-use tools really show up.

This message has no key in it. If a key is needed, the AI will ask you to paste it yourself into the file or the app’s field.

1
Install Docker (if you don’t have it)
Already installed? Check first · Open Terminal, type this command and press Enter
docker --version
- A version number such as Docker version … = installed, skip this step
- "command not found" (on Windows: "is not recognized") = not installed yet, or installed but Terminal needs to be closed and reopened
How to open Terminal
Mac: press ⌘ + Space, type Terminal, press Enter
Windows: open Start, type Windows PowerShell, then Open
Not installed: Install Docker Desktop: on Mac open Docker.dmg and drag the icon to Applications (pick Apple silicon or Intel to match your Mac) · on Windows double-click Docker Desktop Installer.exe · then open the Docker Desktop app and leave it running. No curl command needed
Open the Docker download page ↗
When it’s done, close Terminal, open it again and run the same command. You should see a version number: docker --version
Install once; it works for everything that needs Docker
Done
2
Fill in 1 setting(s)
These are program settings, not keys. No sign-up needed; fill them in as the maker describes.
- SHELL_USE_SESSIONS Comma-separated list of allowed session names
Descriptions are as written by the maker.
Done
Click this button to open VS Code
Open in VS Code
VS Code asks you to confirm; click Install
Done
Fill in your key
In the shell-use settings, SHELL_USE_SESSIONS is empty; add your key and save
Done
Open the AI chat in VS Code in Agent mode
Done
Try it
Use shell-use and tell me what you can do for me, then show me one thing
✓ If VS Code says it is using shell-use or shows a shell-use tool in the answer, you are connected

1 optional setting(s) (works without them)

The command above works without these. Add them only if you want to change something, following the maker’s description.

SHELL_USE_SOCKET Path to tmux socket (default: /tmux/tmux.sock in Docker)

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

Menu names checked against VS Code’s help page on Nov 11, 2026 · your screen may differ slightly by app version

Other apps that use MCP, such as Windsurf, Zed or Gemini CLI, each add servers differently. See how in the app list.

See every app that uses MCP →

JSON settings are under “For developers” below

Stuck? Ask people who use shell-use💬 Discussion →

For developers: Terminal commands and JSON settings

Installed on your computer

Claude Code

claude mcp add --scope user shell-use --env SHELL_USE_SESSIONS=your-value -- docker run -i --rm -e SHELL_USE_SESSIONS ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0

Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shell-use": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS",
        "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Cursor (~/.cursor/mcp.json)

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "shell-use": {
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS",
        "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

VS Code (mcp.json)

{
  "servers": {
    "shell-use": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "docker",
      "args": [
        "run",
        "-i",
        "--rm",
        "-e",
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS",
        "ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0"
      ],
      "env": {
        "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS": "your-value"
      }
    }
  }
}

Values you fill in

SHELL_USE_SESSIONS required env
Comma-separated list of allowed session names
SHELL_USE_SOCKET env
Path to tmux socket (default: /tmux/tmux.sock in Docker)

Descriptions are as written by the maker.

These settings are generated from the maker’s registry entry. If the README says otherwise, follow the README.

At a glance

GitHub stars i: 0
Downloads per weeki: Not on npm/PyPI
Licence i: MIT
Connection: Runs on your computer
Transport: stdio
Latest versioni: 1.0.0
Categoryi: Developer tools
Published to registryi: Jan 13, 2026
Code last changedi: Jan 26, 2026
Maker: kyuheon-kr
Packages: oci: ghcr.io/kyuheon-kr/shell-use:1.0.0
Repo: kyuheon-kr/shell-use
Registry status: Active

Which apps can use it

Based on how this server connects and on each app’s own docs, checked Nov 10, 2026.

Run on your computer in

Claude Goose LM Studio Msty Studio Cherry Studio Cursor VS Code + GitHub Copilot Visual Studio Windsurf (Devin Desktop)Zed Kiro Cline Continue JetBrains AI Assistant Claude Code Codex CLI Gemini CLI OpenCode nodecode Warp LibreChat Raycast

All apps, with pros and cons →

What it can do

Runs on your computer; the tool list appears in your AI app after you install it.

Basic checksi

We check information anyone can see; we have not read the code. Checks that do not apply are left out of the count. · Checked Nov 15, 2026

✓ Pass
Maker matches the repo
The registry name was verified with the GitHub account kyuheon-kr, which owns the repo
! Caution
Still maintained
Code last changed 10 months ago, more than 6 months ago
✓ Pass
Has a licence
Uses MIT
– Not applicable
Endpoint responds
This one runs on your computer; there is no internet endpoint
– Not applicable
Sign-in with OAuth
Runs on your computer and uses local settings instead
… Not checked yet
No hidden instructions in tool descriptions
Runs on your computer; we can only read tool lists from internet endpoints

Published vulnerabilities (OSV.dev)

Not checked: only npm and PyPI packages with a version can be checked

What we check → · JSON

Makers: ask for a re-check or report wrong info

Discussion

Ask, share a tip or report that it does not work. Sorted by what people marked helpful.

No posts yet. Be the first to ask or share.

Posts here are written by users, not the PopNx team.

User reviews

No reviews yet

Compared with others in Developer toolsi

More stars than 0% of the other 5915 servers in this category
Published to the registry more recently than 1% of the other 5915 servers in this category
Basic checks equal to or better than 44% of the other 5915 servers in this category

Compared with every active server in this category in the registry. Stars count only when the publisher owns the repo.

Common questions

Is shell-use safe?

It passed 2 of 3 applicable basic checks. We have not read the code. Before adding a key or token, see what access the server asks for and use a key with only the permissions you need.

What keys or codes does it need?

The registry does not list a required key, though some servers ask you to sign in on first use.

Does it run on my computer or in the cloud?

It runs on your computer. Your AI app starts it when needed, and data does not pass through the maker’s servers (unless it calls an online service itself).

Is it still maintained?

The GitHub repo last changed 10 months ago, and the latest version (1.0.0) reached the registry 10 months ago.

Which apps can use it?

Apps that support MCP, such as Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor and VS Code. You also need Docker on your computer.

What can I use instead?

In the same category: GitDiagram, Appllama, Cloudflare MCP, Omnara, Repowise

Similar alternatives

Same category, other makers, commands already checked. Official ones first, then by stars.

Reading a card:↓ Downloads per weeki★ GitHub starsiThree pillars: reviews · checks · usageiUpdated = latest version published to the registryi

GitDiagram

Architecture diagrams, explanations and Mermaid source for public GitHub repositories.

by ahmedkhaleel2004Widely used★ 18.9KUpdated 2 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ service owner · gitdiagram.comTried by the PopNx team

How to connect

Appllama

Study screens, flows and paywalls from top-earning iOS apps, then build from what wins.

by AppllamaWidely used★ 5.2KUpdated 3 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ service owner · appllama.io

How to connect

Cloudflare MCP

Cloudflare MCP servers

by cloudflareWidely used★ 4.5KUpdated 14 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ service owner · mcp.cloudflare.comTried by the PopNx team

How to connect

Omnara

Deploy durable AI agents with Omnara, an open-source managed-agent platform.

by omnara-aiWidely used★ 3.4KUpdated 2 months ago

Runs in the cloud✓ service owner · omnara.com

How to connect

Repowise

Codebase intelligence for AI coding agents: graph, git history, docs, decisions, code health.

by repowise-devWidely used↓ 6.5K/wk★ 8.1K Stars for the whole repoUpdated 2 days ago

Computer or cloud✓ service owner · repowise.dev

Install

GitDiagram — Runs in the cloud, nothing to install · No key needed
Appllama — Runs in the cloud, nothing to install · No key needed
Cloudflare MCP — Runs in the cloud, nothing to install · No key needed · In Claude’s directory
Omnara — Runs in the cloud, nothing to install · No key needed
Repowise — Cloud or install on your computer · No key needed

README from the maker

Open the README

Copied from the maker’s repo as written. PopNx MCP has not reviewed or endorsed it. HTML, images and scripts are removed. Links lead off this site.

shell-use

Let agents use the shell like a human.

Features

Interact with any CLI application (vim, htop, gdb, etc.)
Send special keys (Ctrl+C, Enter, arrow keys, etc.)
Dockerized for easy deployment

Available Tools

Tool	Description
`list_sessions()`	Returns allowed session names
`capture(session, scroll_back?)`	Captures terminal screen text
`send_keys(session, keys)`	Sends key input (e.g., `Enter`, `C-c`)
`send_text(session, text, enter?)`	Sends literal text (`enter=True` to press Enter)
`scroll(session, direction, amount?)`	Scrolls through history
`exit_scroll_mode(session)`	Exits copy-mode

Setup

1. Build the Docker image

docker build -t shell-use:latest .

2. Create a tmux session

tmux new-session -s dev

2.1. Get the tmux socket path

SOCK="$(tmux display-message -p -F '#{socket_path}')"

[ -S "$SOCK" ] || { echo "tmux socket not found: $SOCK"; exit 1; }

3. Configure your MCP client

Claude Code:

claude mcp add shell-use \

-- docker run -i --rm \ -v "$SOCK":/tmux/tmux.sock \ -e SHELL_USE_SOCKET=/tmux/tmux.sock \ -e SHELL_USE_SESSIONS=dev \ shell-use:latest

Claude Desktop (claude_desktop_config.json):

"mcpServers": { "shell-use": { "command": "docker", "args": [ "run", "-i", "--rm", "-v", "/tmp/tmux-1000/default:/tmux/tmux.sock", "-e", "SHELL_USE_SOCKET=/tmux/tmux.sock", "-e", "SHELL_USE_SESSIONS=dev", "shell-use:latest" ] } } }

Replace /tmp/tmux-1000/default with the path from

tmux display-message -p -F '#{socket_path}'.

Environment Variables

Variable	Description	Required
`SHELL_USE_SESSIONS`	Comma-separated list of allowed session names	Yes
`SHELL_USE_SOCKET`	Path to tmux socket (default: `/tmux/tmux.sock` in Docker)	No

Acknowledgments

Inspired by browser-use.

shell-use

What it does

Install

Install Docker (if you don’t have it)

Fill in 1 setting(s)

Open the Claude desktop app’s settings file

Paste these settings and save the file

Quit Claude and open it again

Try it

What you can do instead

Install Docker (if you don’t have it)

Fill in 1 setting(s)

Open Terminal

Paste this command and press Enter

Type /mcp in Claude Code

Try it

Install Docker (if you don’t have it)

Fill in 1 setting(s)

Click this button to open Cursor

Fill in your key

Open the AI chat in Cursor in Agent mode

Try it

Install Docker (if you don’t have it)

Fill in 1 setting(s)

Click this button to open VS Code

Fill in your key

Open the AI chat in VS Code in Agent mode

Try it

Installed on your computer

Values you fill in

At a glance

Which apps can use it

Related guides

What it can do

Basic checksi

Maker matches the repo

Still maintained

Has a licence

Endpoint responds

Sign-in with OAuth

No hidden instructions in tool descriptions

Published vulnerabilities (OSV.dev)

Discussion

User reviews

Compared with others in Developer toolsi

Common questions

Similar alternatives

GitDiagram

Appllama

Cloudflare MCP

Omnara

Repowise

README from the maker

shell-use

Features

Available Tools

Setup

1. Build the Docker image

2. Create a tmux session

2.1. Get the tmux socket path

3. Configure your MCP client

Environment Variables

Acknowledgments