Reload Home Assistant configuration to apply changes without restarting. Call without arguments to reload all domains, or pass a list of domains for individual reloads.
Reload HA config.
With no arguments → calls homeassistant.reload_all. With a list of domains → reloads each individually (input_boolean, input_datetime, template, automation, script, scene, ...).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| domains | No |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description carries the full burden. It does disclose the two backend behaviors (homeassistant.reload_all vs per-domain reload), which is valuable, but omits side effects (e.g., disruption to running automations), permission needs, and failure behavior for invalid domains.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three short lines, front-loaded with the core action, and the arrow notation splits the two modes cleanly. No filler.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a single-parameter, no-output-schema tool, the description covers both argument branches adequately. It is slightly thin on error handling and on the practical consequence of a full reload, but nothing critical for correct invocation is missing.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate, and it does: it explains that omitting domains triggers a global reload and that a list reloads each domain individually, with concrete domain examples. It stops short of stating whether bare strings or domain-prefixed identifiers are expected.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
States a specific verb (reload) plus resource (HA config) and even branches behavior by argument shape. It does not, however, distinguish itself from close siblings like reload_config_entry or restart_home_assistant, leaving the agent to infer the difference.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It clearly explains the two invocation modes (no args vs domain list), which is real usage guidance, but it never says when to prefer this over restart_home_assistant or reload_config_entry. Usage is implied by the argument shapes rather than stated as a decision rule.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.