> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pwno.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Build and Helper Processes

> Use run_command, spawn_process, Python helpers, and repo fetching without colliding with debugger flows.

`pwno-mcp` includes automation tools for build steps and helper services, but they are intentionally separate from debugger control.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="run_command" icon="terminal">
    Use for compiles, build scripts, and short-lived helper commands.
  </Card>

  <Card title="spawn_process" icon="server">
    Use for long-running helper processes such as local HTTP servers or listeners.
  </Card>

  <Card title="execute_python_code" icon="file-code">
    Use for quick Python probes instead of `python -c`.
  </Card>

  <Card title="fetch_repo" icon="folder">
    Use for cloning helper repositories into `/workspace`.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Example flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="Build a target or helper binary">
    ```json theme={null}
    {"tool":"run_command","arguments":{"command":"gcc -g vuln.c -o chal","cwd":"/workspace","timeout":30.0}}
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start a background helper service">
    ```json theme={null}
    {"tool":"spawn_process","arguments":{"command":"python3 -m http.server 8000","cwd":"/workspace"}}
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Inspect or stop the helper">
    ```json theme={null}
    {"tool":"get_process","arguments":{"pid":12345}}
    {"tool":"kill_process","arguments":{"pid":12345,"signal":15}}
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Guardrails

* do not use `run_command` or `spawn_process` to start the target ELF you want to debug
* do not use `python -c` inside `run_command`; use `execute_python_code` instead
* use `pwncli` when you need interactive exploit-driver I/O instead of a generic subprocess

<Warning>
  The subprocess backend actively rejects some unsafe usage patterns and returns a `ToolUsageError`-style payload with a recommended tool when you pick the wrong interface.
</Warning>