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Stata Do File Executor

Overview

StataDo is the core module in Stata-MCP responsible for executing Stata do files. It provides a secure and reliable way to run Stata scripts with automatic result logging, supporting three major operating systems: macOS, Linux, and Windows.

Key Features

Cross-Platform Support

StataDo automatically adapts to different operating systems:

  • Unix-like Systems (macOS/Linux): Interacts with Stata through standard input stream for efficient command execution
  • Windows Systems: Uses batch file method to execute Stata commands, ensuring compatibility

Automatic Logging

Every time a do file is executed, StataDo automatically:

  1. Creates a new log file or creates a log at the specified path
  2. Records the complete Stata execution process and output results
  3. Saves log files in the stata-mcp-log directory for easy review and analysis

Security Guarantees

StataDo includes built-in security check mechanisms:

  • Command Filtering: Blocks shell-escape commands that may compromise system security (such as !cmd or shell cmd)
  • Content Validation: Checks do file content before execution to prevent malicious command execution

Smart Terminal Emulation

StataDo simulates a standard terminal environment to ensure consistent and readable Stata output:

  • Sets fixed terminal dimensions (120 columns × 40 lines)
  • Ensures cross-platform output consistency

Workflow

  1. Preparation Phase: Accepts do file path and log file path parameters
  2. Security Check: Validates do file content to ensure no dangerous commands
  3. Environment Adaptation: Selects appropriate execution method based on operating system type
  4. Script Execution: Calls Stata CLI to execute the do file
  5. Result Logging: Writes execution process and results to log file
  6. Cleanup: Removes temporary files (Windows platform)

Use Cases

StataDo is primarily used in the following scenarios:

  • Batch Data Processing: Executes do files containing data cleaning, transformation, and other operations
  • Statistical Analysis: Runs regression analysis, descriptive statistics, and other Stata commands
  • Chart Generation: Executes Stata scripts that generate statistical charts
  • Automated Research Workflows: Calls Stata for data analysis in AI Agents or automated scripts

Integration with Other Modules

StataDo is an important part of the Stata-MCP toolchain:

  • StataFinder: Provides the path to the Stata executable
  • StataController: Provides higher-level Stata control interfaces
  • Logging System: Automatically records execution results in the specified log directory

File Path Conventions

StataDo follows the Stata-MCP directory structure conventions:

  • Do File Directory: ~/Documents/stata-mcp-folder/stata-mcp-dofile/
  • Log File Directory: ~/Documents/stata-mcp-folder/stata-mcp-log/

Important Notes

  1. File Encoding: StataDo reads do files using UTF-8 encoding; ensure your do files are saved with UTF-8 encoding
  2. Path Handling: On Windows systems, spaces in paths are automatically handled
  3. Log Overwriting: By default, existing log files will be overwritten; this behavior can be controlled via parameters
  4. Error Handling: Exceptions are thrown when execution fails; callers should properly handle these exceptions