How do I install the zsh mcp server?

Use a recorded configuration for your client, replace example credential values and paths, and verify the documented runtime. Restart or reconnect the client, then inspect the available tools.

What credentials does it need?

It reads `NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT`, `NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_MAX`, `ALAN_DB_PATH` from the environment. Store these in your client's env block or a secrets manager — never commit them to a repository — and grant the narrowest scope that still covers your use case.

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Zsh MCP Server

Zsh for Claude Code. PTY mode lets Claude type passwords. NEVERHANG + A.L.A.N.

Local serverstdioPython

What is the Zsh MCP Server?

Zsh for Claude Code. PTY mode lets Claude type passwords. NEVERHANG + A.L.A.N.

What the server does

Zsh execution tool for Claude Code with full Bash parity, yield-based oversight, PTY mode, NEVERHANG circuit breaker, and A.L.A.N. short-term learning.

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.

Tool	What it does
zsh	Execute command with yield-based oversight
zsh_poll	Get new output (delta) from running task with line numbers
zsh_send	Send input to task's stdin
zsh_kill	Kill a running task
zsh_tasks	List all active tasks
zsh_health	Overall health status
zsh_alan_stats	A.L.A.N. database statistics
zsh_alan_query	Query pattern insights for a command
zsh_neverhang_status	Circuit breaker state
zsh_neverhang_reset	Reset circuit to CLOSED

How to install the Zsh MCP Server

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "zsh-tool": {
      "type": "stdio",
      "command": "/path/to/zsh-tool/scripts/run-mcp.sh",
      "env": {
        "NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT": "120",
        "NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_MAX": "600"
      }
    }
  }
}

Configuration as documented by the project. Restart the client after saving.

Configuration

Variable	Description	Required
NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_DEFAULT	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
NEVERHANG_TIMEOUT_MAX	Configuration value read at startup.	Optional
ALAN_DB_PATH	Filesystem location the server is allowed to use.	Optional

Example prompts to try

“Use Zsh to zsh.”
“Use Zsh to zsh poll.”
“Use Zsh to zsh send.”

Frequently asked questions

Zsh for Claude Code. PTY mode lets Claude type passwords. NEVERHANG + A.L.A.N. Confirm the tools offered by your installed version in the connected client. Tool availability and permissions depend on the server and account configuration.