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bartest5

Alpaca MCP Server

by bartest5

Place Crypto Order

place_crypto_order
Destructive

Execute crypto trades on Alpaca: place buy/sell orders, choose market, limit, or stop-limit, set quantity or notional value, and use client order IDs to avoid duplicates.

Instructions

Place a cryptocurrency order.

Args: symbol: Crypto pair (e.g., "BTC/USD", "ETH/USD"). side: "buy" or "sell". qty: Number of coins/tokens. Mutually exclusive with notional. notional: Dollar amount to trade. Mutually exclusive with qty. Only valid for market orders. type: "market", "limit", or "stop_limit". time_in_force: "gtc" (default) or "ioc". Crypto does not support "day" or "fok". limit_price: Required for limit and stop_limit orders. stop_price: Required for stop_limit orders. client_order_id: Unique idempotency key. If the request times out, you can safely retry with the same value — the API will reject duplicates. Recommended for every order.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
qtyNo
sideYes
typeNomarket
symbolYes
notionalNo
stop_priceNo
limit_priceNo
time_in_forceNogtc
client_order_idNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Behavior5/5

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

The description goes well beyond the annotations (destructiveHint, openWorldHint) by explaining idempotency via client_order_id, mutual exclusivity of qty and notional, validation rules for order types, and time-in-force restrictions. These are critical behavioral nuances not disclosed elsewhere.

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 front-loaded with a clear purpose sentence, followed by a structured list of parameter explanations. Every line adds needed detail; there is no fluff. Despite its length, it is appropriately sized for 9 parameters and reads efficiently.

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 tool's complexity (order types, TIF rules, exclusivity constraints), the description is fully complete. It covers all parameters, their interrelationships, and idempotency behavior. An output schema exists, so return value documentation is not required.

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?

Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must carry full weight for parameters. It comprehensively explains every parameter: symbol format, side values, qty/notional mutual exclusivity, type-specific requirements (e.g., limit_price for limit/stop_limit), time-in-force options, and the role of client_order_id.

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 opens with 'Place a cryptocurrency order,' which clearly states the verb and resource. The specificity to cryptocurrency distinguishes it from sibling order tools like place_stock_order and place_option_order.

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?

It clearly indicates it is for cryptocurrency orders, implying use for crypto-only order placement, but it does not explicitly state when not to use it or name alternatives such as the stock/option order tools. The context is clear enough, but lacks explicit exclusions or alternative guidance.

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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