Localhost MCP Server

MCP server: inspect, manage, kill local dev servers. Stop guessing what's on :3000.

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Localhost MCP Server?

MCP server: inspect, manage, kill local dev servers. Stop guessing what's on :3000.

What it actually does

  • Error: listen EADDRINUSE :::3000 — what's holding the port?
  • 5 forgotten node / vite / next PIDs from last week eating RAM
  • Switching projects → no idea which dev servers still running
  • lsof -i :3000, kill -9 , repeat

More MCP options

Compare MCP servers by category, or browse hosted MCP servers if you prefer an endpoint over a local process.

Maintainer setup documentation.

Recorded tools

Check the linked publisher documentation and your connected client's tool list. Names and availability can vary with the server version and account permissions.

ToolWhat it does
list_dev_serversAll listening dev servers w/ port, pid, framework, project, uptime, mem, cpu
port_infoInspect single port — who holds it
kill_serverKill by pid or port. Dry-run by default; pass confirm=true to execute
find_zombiesDetect long-running, idle, memory-heavy dev servers
port_conflictWhy is port X busy + 5 free alternatives nearby

How to install the Localhost MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "localhost": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["-y", "localhost-mcp"]
    }
  }
}

Add to claude_desktop_config.json, then restart Claude Desktop.

Example prompts to try

  • “Use Localhost MCP to list dev servers.”
  • “Use Localhost MCP to port info.”
  • “Use Localhost MCP to kill server.”

Frequently asked questions

macOS and Linux have full support (using `lsof` and `/proc`). Windows support is basic (port scan only via `netstat`; cwd and framework detection are limited).