Glossary

What is a local MCP connector?

A local MCP connector is a program on your own computer that a desktop AI app, such as Claude Desktop or the ChatGPT desktop app, starts as a local process and talks to over standard input and output (STDIO) using the Model Context Protocol. The app can then call the tools it offers. The connector runs locally, but whatever a tool returns becomes part of the conversation the AI provider processes.

Last reviewed 25 September 2026 · 1 source

Local versus remote servers

OpenAI's documentation for the ChatGPT desktop app, Codex CLI and IDE extension describes two kinds: "STDIO servers: Servers that run as a local process (started by a command)" and "Streamable HTTP servers: Servers that you access at an address." It adds that "ChatGPT web doesn't read local Codex configuration files", so a local connector is a desktop-app feature, not something the web version of ChatGPT uses.

What "local" does and does not mean

The connector program and the files it reads stay on your computer
Nothing is uploaded until the AI app calls a tool; the tool's result is then sent to the model with your conversation
The connector decides what a tool may return, so a narrow connector exposes less than one with general file access
Any other tool you separately give file access to is outside the connector's control

Where PiBye fits

How PiBye handles this

PiBye's connector is local STDIO only, with three tools: list the approved copies you allowed, read one, and submit a generated draft back to PiBye. It never returns originals, file paths or the key. Locking PiBye or revoking access disconnects the assistant, and access expires within 60 seconds if PiBye closes.

Set up the local connection Requirements and install steps

1.0.1 · macOS 14.8.5 or later · Apple Silicon · 1.1 GB

Frequently asked questions

Does a local MCP connector make ChatGPT or Claude work offline?

No. The model still runs on the provider's servers. The connector only decides what local content the app may fetch into the conversation.

Which apps support local STDIO connectors?

Claude Desktop and the ChatGPT desktop app both run local servers. OpenAI's documentation says ChatGPT on the web does not read local configuration.

Sources

Model Context Protocol (ChatGPT desktop app, Codex CLI and IDE extension), OpenAI (ChatGPT Learn). Checked 25 September 2026.