read_fileLABSCO SUMMARY
Filesystem tools with the boundary set at launch.
The edit and search pair is what distinguishes it: edits are precise replacements shown as a diff rather than a rewrite of the file, and the advanced search sorts and filters, so a query returns the right handful instead of everything that matched.
What it is
A Ruby MCP server for filesystem work, built on the vector_mcp gem. It reads, writes, edits and moves files, lists and creates directories, searches recursively with filtering and sorting, and returns metadata for one file or a batch. Access is bounded by MCP roots: the directories passed as command-line arguments are the only ones it can reach.
What you get
- A file read whole, or several read at once
- Files created or overwritten
- Precise text replacements, shown as a diff before they land
- Files and directories moved or renamed
- Directory contents listed, with metadata when you ask for it
- Directories created recursively
- Recursive pattern search, and an advanced search with sorting, filtering and metadata
- Metadata for one file, or for many at once
Requirements
Ruby 3.1 or later, bundler, and a current build of the vector_mcp gem. Pass every directory it may touch as a command-line argument - that list is the boundary. For a shared setup, it can be started in an authenticated mode, with an API key supplied through the environment.
Setup effort
Build from source — git clone https://github.com/sergiobayona/file_system_mcp.git
USE CASES
01
Letting an agent work in one project folder and nowhere else
Pass just that directory at launch; every call resolves inside it and nothing outside is reachable.
02
Making a small change without rewriting the file
The replacement is shown as a diff before it is applied.
03
Finding the newest files matching a pattern
The advanced search sorts and filters, so recency is part of the query.
04
Reading a set of related files in one go
One call takes the list, instead of a round trip per file.
05
Reorganising a directory tree
Create the new structure, then move the files into it.
06
Sizing up a folder before touching it
Bulk metadata answers what is there and how big it is in one call.
11 tools
Listed in project docs. Your client may show a different list.
read_multiple_fileswrite_fileedit_filemove_filelist_directorycreate_directorysearch_filesfind_filesget_file_infoget_bulk_file_infoBEFORE YOU INSTALL
What to know first
Tools you get
11 tools named in the project's documentation.
Requires
Ruby 3.1+
Where it runs
The documented client runs the server on your machine.
INSTALLATION
Connect your client
You clone this one yourself.
Server setup
TERMINAL
git clone https://github.com/sergiobayona/file_system_mcp.git
cd file_system_mcp
bundle installMCP Clients
Claude Desktop
CLAUDE DESKTOP · JSON
{
"mcpServers": {
"filesystem": {
"command": "ruby",
"args": [
"<YOUR_PATH_TO_FILE_SYSTEM_MCP>",
"~/Documents",
"~/Desktop"
]
}
}
}
