terminal-session-debugging

name: terminal-session-debugging description: Use when debugging interactive CLI, REPL, TUI, ssh, telnet, nc, watch-mode, dev server, long-running command, terminal prompt flow, or any command that may not exit. Provides a PTY-backed MCP workflow for spawning terminal sessions, sending text and keys, reading output, managing multiple sessions, and exporting full transcripts.

Terminal Session Debugging

Use the terminal-session MCP server for terminal programs that need real PTY behavior or may not exit.

When to Use

Use this workflow for:

• Interactive CLIs, REPLs, shell prompts, installers, wizards, and prompt loops.
• TUI/curses programs where terminal size and key handling matter.
• ssh, telnet, nc, and other bidirectional terminal/network sessions.
• Watch-mode tools, dev servers, and commands that may run forever.
• Multi-session debugging such as server + client, listener + connector, REPL + shell.
• Any task where a normal Bash call may block, hide prompts, or lose interaction history.

Core Workflow

1. Call health_check to confirm the MCP server is available.
2. Call spawn_terminal with a clear label.
3. Call read_terminal to observe initial output.
4. Send one input at a time with send_text or send_key.
5. Read after every input before deciding the next action.
6. Use terminal_status and list_terminals to inspect state.
7. Use resize_terminal when terminal dimensions matter.
8. Use close_terminal to interrupt, send EOF, terminate, or kill sessions.
9. Call export_transcript before reporting final results.

Recording Model

The MCP records command, output, stdin text, key events, resize events, close events, exit status, and errors under .terminal-debug/. It does not redact, mask, block, or safety-filter commands or content. Treat transcripts as complete debugging evidence.

Interaction Discipline

• Do not send a long script of answers until the prompt sequence is known.
• For prompt flows, treat each prompt as a state; capture, send one response, capture again.
• For multiple sessions, use labels such as server, client, listener, repl, or ssh.
• Never claim a behavior happened unless it appears in read_terminal, terminal_status, or the exported transcript.

Report Format

When reporting results, include:

• Session IDs and labels.
• Commands spawned.
• Inputs and keys sent.
• Observed output evidence.
• Interpretation of what the evidence proves.
• Transcript export paths.
• Cleanup status for active sessions.