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Negm-Ahmed

Desktop Commander

by Negm-Ahmed

set_config_value

Set configuration values by key to control allowed directories, blocked commands, default shell, file line limits, and telemetry for secure Desktop Commander operation.

Instructions

                    Set a specific configuration value by key.
                    
                    WARNING: Should be used in a separate chat from file operations and 
                    command execution to prevent security issues.
                    
                    Config keys include:
                    - blockedCommands (array)
                    - defaultShell (string)
                    - allowedDirectories (array of paths)
                    - fileReadLineLimit (number, max lines for read_file)
                    - fileWriteLineLimit (number, max lines per write_file call)
                    - telemetryEnabled (boolean)
                    
                    IMPORTANT: Setting allowedDirectories to an empty array ([]) allows full access 
                    to the entire file system, regardless of the operating system.
                    
                    This command can be referenced as "DC: ..." or "use Desktop Commander to ..." in your instructions.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
keyYes
valueNo

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.2.3

TDQS

A4.1/5.0
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does well by including a WARNING about security implications and important notes about the 'allowedDirectories' parameter behavior. It also mentions the tool can be referenced as 'DC: ...' which provides implementation context. However, it doesn't cover error conditions, validation rules, or what happens when invalid keys/values are provided.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness3/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is appropriately sized but not optimally structured. The core purpose is clear in the first sentence, but the WARNING and IMPORTANT sections are buried in the middle rather than front-loaded. The final sentence about referencing as 'DC: ...' feels somewhat out of place and doesn't add critical value for tool selection.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given this is a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description does quite well. It covers the purpose, security implications, parameter details, and specific behavioral notes. The main gap is the lack of information about return values or error responses, which would be important for a configuration-setting operation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 0% schema description coverage and 2 parameters, the description compensates excellently. It provides a comprehensive list of config keys with their expected data types and specific behavioral notes (like the empty array behavior for allowedDirectories). This adds substantial meaning beyond what the bare schema provides, fully documenting the parameter semantics.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Set a specific configuration value by key.' This is a specific verb+resource combination (set + configuration value). However, it doesn't explicitly distinguish from its sibling 'get_config' beyond the obvious set vs. get difference, missing an opportunity for clearer sibling differentiation.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides clear context about when to use this tool: 'Should be used in a separate chat from file operations and command execution to prevent security issues.' This gives important operational guidance. However, it doesn't explicitly mention when NOT to use it or provide alternatives to setting configuration values.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.