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alxgmpr

serial-mcp

by alxgmpr

serial_force_release

Destructive

Identifies and terminates the process occupying a serial port, freeing it for new connections.

Instructions

Kill the process holding a serial port so it can be opened.

Uses lsof to find the process holding the port, then sends SIGTERM (escalating to SIGKILL if needed). This is a destructive operation — it will terminate the process holding the port.

Args: port: Serial port device path (e.g. /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/cu.usbserial-1420)

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
portYes
Behavior5/5

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

Beyond the destructiveHint annotation, the description details the mechanism (lsof, SIGTERM, escalating to SIGKILL), which adds valuable behavioral context.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is concise: a clear title sentence, a brief explanation of the process, and a well-formatted Args section. No unnecessary words.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Given the simple parameter, no output schema, and annotations that already cover destructive nature, the description provides complete context for proper use.

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?

The single parameter 'port' is thoroughly explained with examples and clarified as a device path, fully compensating for the 0% schema coverage.

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?

The description states a specific verb ('Kill') and resource ('process holding a serial port'), clearly distinguishing it from other serial tools like serial_open or serial_close.

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 explains the tool is used to free a port held by another process and warns it is destructive. While it doesn't list alternatives or when not to use, the context implies it's a last resort.

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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