The Filesystem MCP runs as a **local stdio server** with direct filesystem access: - **Write Capabilities**: Unlike read-only MCPs, this server can modify and delete files - **Configurable Boundaries**: You specify which directories the MCP can access during setup - **Local Execution**: Runs on your machine with the permissions of the executing process **Critical security practices**: - Only allow access to directories you're comfortable the AI modifying - Never include system directories, credentials folders, or sensitive paths - Review the allowed directories carefully before confirming operations - Consider using version control for any directories you expose

To start using the Filesystem MCP: 1. **Configure allowed directories**: When setting up, specify the paths you want to expose: ``` npx -y @modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem /Users/username/projects /Users/username/documents ``` 2. **Add to your AI client**: Configure your AI assistant with the command and allowed paths 3. **Start working**: Ask your AI to read files, create documents, or organize your directories **Tip**: Start with a single, non-critical directory to test the integration before expanding access.