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execute_cell

Destructive

Run a specific cell in the active Jupyter notebook, with configurable timeout and streaming progress, to retrieve its outputs.

Instructions

Execute a cell from the currently activated notebook with timeout and return it's outputs

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
streamNoEnable streaming progress (including time indicator) updates for long-running cells
timeoutNoMaximum seconds to wait for execution (0 = use config default)
cell_indexYesIndex of the cell to execute (0-based)
progress_intervalNoSeconds between progress updates when stream=True
Behavior2/5

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

Annotations already indicate destructive hint, but the description adds minimal behavioral context beyond stating it returns outputs. It does not explain that execution modifies the notebook state (e.g., execution count, output storage), potential errors, or that streaming provides progress updates.

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?

Single, front-loaded sentence conveys the core purpose efficiently. Minor grammar issue ('it's' instead of 'its') but overall concise without unnecessary words.

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

Completeness2/5

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

No output schema exists, but the description does not detail the return value format (e.g., output type, error handling). It also omits the precondition of an activated notebook (only implied). For a destructive tool with rich parameters, the description is incomplete.

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 each parameter is documented. The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema; it mentions 'with timeout' but the schema already describes the timeout parameter. Baseline 3 is appropriate as no incremental value is provided.

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?

Description clearly states the action (execute a cell), resource (cell), and scope (from currently activated notebook). It differentiates from siblings like 'execute_code' by specifying it operates on an existing cell, but does not explicitly contrast with similar tools like 'insert_execute_code_cell'.

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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., 'execute_code', 'insert_execute_code_cell'). The context of sibling tools implies a workflow, but the description does not provide any decision criteria or prerequisites beyond 'currently activated notebook'.

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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