Run hostess from ChatGPT or Claude
Idempotent command-line utility for managing your /etc/hosts file. With BCD, ChatGPT, Claude and other AI apps can install and run hostess 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 hostess. - LinuxWorks
Homebrew on Linux has a ready-made build.
- WindowsNot in Homebrew
Homebrew does not run on Windows. If hostess has a Windows build, BCD can run it in PowerShell.
About hostess
- Version
- 0.5.2
- License
- MIT
- Installs (last 365 days)
- 1,155 · #2,496 in Homebrew
- Homepage
- github.com/cbednarski/hostess
- Install
brew install hostess
Try asking
“Install hostess with Homebrew and show me its version”
“Read hostess --help and give me three useful examples for my files”
“Update hostess and tell me what changed”
Questions
Can ChatGPT run hostess on my computer?
Yes. With BCD on your Mac or Linux computer and command permission turned on for it, ChatGPT runs hostess there and reads the output. Claude and other apps with MCP connectors can too.
Do I need to install hostess first?
No. If Homebrew is installed, the AI can run brew install hostess 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.