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Vortitron

home-assistant-mcp

by Vortitron

Clean ESPHome build files

esphome_clean
Destructive

Delete cached build files for an ESPHome configuration to clear stale directories that cause compile failures, then compile again.

Instructions

Delete the cached build files for a configuration. Use this when a compile fails for reasons the YAML does not explain — a stale build directory after an ESPHome version change is the usual cause. Then compile again. Runs over the VomeHome relay — no ports to open. If a call reports that ESPHome is unreachable, run esphome_dashboard_info to see why rather than telling the user this is unsupported.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
instance_idNoOptional: the instance you mean (as listed by vomehome_list_instances). When given, the call is refused if this session is targeting a different home, instead of answering from it.
configurationYesConfiguration filename, e.g. 'living-room.yaml'.
timeout_secondsNoOverride the command timeout.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.10.0

TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare destructiveHint=true and readOnlyHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds real value beyond that: it names what gets destroyed (cached build files), states the transport ('runs over the VomeHome relay — no ports to open'), and prescribes recovery routing for an unreachable error.

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

Conciseness4/5

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

Front-loaded with the core action, then layered with trigger, transport, and troubleshooting in a logical order. Each sentence carries information, though four sentences is slightly more than the minimum needed for a delete operation.

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?

For a destructive 3-param tool with full schema coverage, annotations, and no output schema, the description covers purpose, trigger, transport, follow-up, and error handling. Nothing essential for correct invocation is missing, though return/confirmation behavior is left implicit.

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

Parameters3/5

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

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the schema already documents configuration, instance_id, and timeout_seconds. The description reinforces that a configuration is required but adds no syntax, format, or default detail beyond the schema. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose5/5

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

Opens with a specific verb+resource: 'Delete the cached build files for a configuration.' This clearly distinguishes it from siblings like esphome_compile and esphome_validate, which is exactly the differentiation an agent needs.

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

Usage Guidelines5/5

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

Gives an explicit trigger ('when a compile fails for reasons the YAML does not explain'), a root cause (stale build directory after an ESPHome version change), and the follow-up action ('Then compile again'). It also routes the agent to esphome_dashboard_info for the unreachable case instead of mislabeling it unsupported.

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

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