execkit — Claude Code MCP server: setup
execkit gives AI agents persistent shell sessions across local machines, SSH hosts, and Docker. Use it when structured results, command records, or remote file restore matter.
claude mcp add execkit -- uvx execkit-mcpWhat execkit does
execkit keeps shell state between calls, including the working directory and environment. It can run sessions locally, over SSH, or inside Docker. Each execution returns separate stdout and stderr, an exit code, duration, and cwd, so the agent can work with parsed results instead of terminal text.
The server filters common secret formats before output reaches the model and limits noisy results with tailing, head output, grep, or a character cap. A policy fence checks commands before execution. Sessions can write JSONL audit records, appear in execkit-mcp watch, and support checkpoints for restoring files in remote workspaces.
Setup uses uvx. Commands time out after 120 seconds by default, with timeout_secs available up to 3600. The API is still in 0.x, so a minor-version update can require a configuration check.
What it helps with
- keep
cwdand environment across shell calls - return stdout, stderr, and exit status separately
- redact secrets before the agent sees output
- record agent commands in a JSONL audit log
- restore files in a remote workspace
Example prompts for the agent
- Create an execkit local session, move into
app, and run the build commands. - Use execkit to connect over SSH and return the command result with its exit code.
- Run the build inside Docker, cap the output, and keep the session available for audit.
How to install execkit
Platform CLI
claude mcp add execkit -- uvx execkit-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from execkit-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
codex mcp add execkit -- uvx execkit-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from execkit-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"mcpServers": {
"execkit": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"execkit-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from execkit-mcp <command>
Config file
{
"servers": {
"execkit": {
"type": "stdio",
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"execkit-mcp"
]
}
}
}uvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from execkit-mcp <command>
Platform CLI
gemini mcp add execkit uvx execkit-mcpuvx runs the command named after the package; if the README names another one, use uvx --from execkit-mcp <command>
Step by step, with commands for each platform: How to add an MCP server to Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, VS Code, Gemini CLI and more
Questions about execkit
How do I install execkit in Claude Code?
Run claude mcp add execkit -- uvx execkit-mcp.
What does execkit do?
It gives an agent persistent shell sessions for local work, SSH, and Docker. Results are structured, common secrets are redacted, and commands can be checked by policy and recorded.
What happens when a command times out?
The default timeout is 120 seconds. execkit interrupts the command, returns timed_out: true with exit code 124, and keeps the session usable with its cwd and environment.
