Zellij
A comprehensive Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for managing Zellij terminal workspace sessions with 60+ tools across session management, pane operations, plugin integration, and LLM completion detection.
What is Zellij?
Zellij is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that allows AI assistants like Claude, Cursor, and VS Code to comprehensive model context protocol (mcp) server for managing zellij terminal workspace sessions with 60+ tools across session management, pane operations, plugin integration, and llm completion dete...
A comprehensive Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for managing Zellij terminal workspace sessions with 60+ tools across session management, pane operations, plugin integration, and LLM completion detection.
This server falls under the Developer Tools category on MCPgee, the world's largest MCP server directory with 33,000+ servers.
Features
- A comprehensive Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for mana
Use Cases
Maintainer
Works with
Installation
Manual Installation
npx zellijConfiguration
Configuration Details
claude_desktop_config.json
Performance
Response Metrics
Resource Usage
How to Set Up and Use Zellij
The Zellij MCP server gives AI assistants programmatic control over Zellij terminal multiplexer sessions through 60+ tools spanning session creation, pane and tab management, plugin integration, layout persistence, and inter-process piping. It also includes specialized tools for LLM completion detection — wrapping long-running commands and signalling when they finish — making it particularly useful for automating multi-step terminal workflows with Claude or other AI agents.
Prerequisites
- Node.js 18 or higher installed
- Zellij terminal multiplexer installed and available on your PATH
- Git to clone the repository
- An active terminal environment (not a headless server without a TTY)
- An MCP client such as Claude Desktop or Claude Code
Clone the repository
Download the zellij-mcp-server source code from GitHub.
git clone https://github.com/GitJuhb/zellij-mcp-server.git
cd zellij-mcp-serverInstall dependencies and build
Install Node.js packages and compile the TypeScript source to the dist/ directory.
npm install
npm run buildMake the entry point executable
Set execute permission on the compiled entry file so it can be invoked directly.
chmod +x dist/index.jsEnsure Zellij is running
The server controls an active Zellij instance. Start Zellij in your terminal before connecting an MCP client.
zellijAdd the server to your MCP client config
Register the compiled server with your MCP client, using the absolute path to dist/index.js.
Zellij Examples
Client configuration
Add this block to your claude_desktop_config.json. Replace the path with the actual location of your cloned repository.
{
"mcpServers": {
"zellij": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/zellij-mcp-server/dist/index.js"]
}
}
}Prompts to try
Prompts that use session management, pane operations, and LLM completion detection tools.
- "Create a new Zellij session called 'development' with the dev-layout"
- "Open a new pane in the current tab and run 'npm test'"
- "List all active Zellij sessions"
- "Rename the current tab to 'Backend'"
- "Create an LLM wrapper for my claude chat command that detects when it finishes"Troubleshooting Zellij
Server starts but tools return 'zellij not found'
Ensure zellij is installed and its binary is on your PATH. Run 'which zellij' to confirm. If installed via cargo, make sure ~/.cargo/bin is in your PATH.
npm run build fails with TypeScript errors
Run 'npm install' first to ensure TypeScript and all dev dependencies are present, then retry the build.
LLM completion detection times out
Increase the timeout_ms parameter when creating the LLM wrapper. For slow models, use 120000ms or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zellij
What is Zellij?
Zellij is a Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that comprehensive model context protocol (mcp) server for managing zellij terminal workspace sessions with 60+ tools across session management, pane operations, plugin integration, and llm completion detection. It connects AI assistants to external tools and data sources through a standardized interface.
How do I install Zellij?
Follow the installation instructions on the Zellij GitHub repository. Clone the repo, install dependencies, and add the server config to your AI client.
Which AI clients work with Zellij?
Zellij works with all major MCP-compatible AI clients including Claude Desktop, Claude Code, Cursor, VS Code (GitHub Copilot), Windsurf, and Cline.
Is Zellij free to use?
Yes, Zellij is open source and available under the MIT license. You can use it freely in both personal and commercial projects.
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Set Up Zellij in Your Editor
Choose your AI client for step-by-step setup instructions.
Quick Config Preview
Add this to your claude_desktop_config.json or .cursor/mcp.json
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