Run fetchmail from ChatGPT or Claude
Client for fetching mail from POP, IMAP, ETRN or ODMR-capable servers. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run fetchmail on your own computer and read what it prints.
Works on
- MacWorks
Homebrew has a ready-made build; the AI can install it with
brew install fetchmail. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If fetchmail has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About fetchmail
- Version
- 6.6.9
- License
- LGPL-2.1-or-later AND ISC AND BSD-3-Clause AND LicenseRef-Homebrew-public-domain
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 732 · #3,059 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- www.fetchmail.info
- Install
brew install fetchmail
Try asking
“Install fetchmail with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read fetchmail --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update fetchmail and tell me what changed”
Depends on
Questions
Can ChatGPT run fetchmail on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs fetchmail there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install fetchmail first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install fetchmail for you.
Is it safe?
A new computer starts read-only: running commands is turned on per computer, and BCD reaches only the folders you allow.
Try it on your computer
BCD connects ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps to your own Mac, Windows or Linux computer. One computer is free, with 20,000 tool calls a month and no card.
Program data from Homebrew, updated 2026-11-11. Installs are Homebrew's installs on request over the last 365 days.