materials-studio-mcp-moc

ms_castep_preflight_checked

Validate a CASTEP input package by executing its PL through MatServer and halting before CASTEP starts. Confirms readiness without running the simulation.

Instructions

Run one exact generated CASTEP PL through MatServer and exit before CASTEP.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "package_directory": "<package_directory>",
      "package_manifest_sha256": "<package_manifest_sha256>",
      "task_name": "<task_name>"
    },
    "name": "ms_castep_preflight_checked"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`dry_run`	No
`task_name`	Yes
`timeout_seconds`	No
`package_directory`	Yes
`confirmation_token`	No
`package_manifest_sha256`	Yes

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.0Aug 3, 2026

TDQS

C2.4/5.0

Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavior, but it only reveals that MatServer execution stops before CASTEP. It does not explain what constitutes success/failure, whether anything is modified, or the role of confirmation_token. This leaves the tool's operational behavior largely opaque.

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 a single sentence, which is efficient, but the phrasing 'one exact generated CASTEP PL' is awkward and the sentence lacks structure to convey key context. It is concise but at the expense of clarity.

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

Completeness1/5

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

The tool has 6 parameters, no annotations, and no parameter descriptions, yet the description provides no return value information, no parameter semantics, and no operational details. Despite having an output schema, the description alone is far from sufficient for an agent to invoke the tool correctly.

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

Parameters1/5

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

Schema description coverage is 0%, and the description adds no parameter explanations. The six input parameters (package_directory, package_manifest_sha256, task_name, dry_run, timeout_seconds, confirmation_token) are undocumented in both schema and description, making it impossible to understand what values to provide.

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 states the tool runs a generated CASTEP PL through MatServer and exits before CASTEP, giving a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from preparation tools like ms_prepare_castep_pl_package by focusing on preflight execution, though it does not explicitly contrast with other preflight siblings.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The phrase 'exit before CASTEP' implies a validation use case, but there is no explicit mention of prerequisites, scenarios, or comparison to sibling preflight tools like ms_castep_fixed_profile_preflight or ms_castep_gateway_readiness.

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

Deploy Server