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patch

Apply a unified diff to a file after verifying context lines, preserving original encoding and line endings. Use dry-run to preview changes.

Instructions

Applies a unified diff patch to a file. Parses @@ hunk headers, verifies context lines, and applies changes. Encoding-aware: preserves original file encoding. Line-ending aware: each line keeps its own ending (a mixed CRLF/LF file is not rewritten) and a file without a trailing newline does not gain one. Use dry_run=true to preview without modifying the file.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathNoAlias for file_path
patchYesUnified diff text (output of the diff tool)
dry_runNoPreview patch result without modifying the file: true or false. Default: false
file_pathNoFile to patch. Relative paths use the configured workspace or MCP client root

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.9.5
    • addedInput schema / properties / dry_run / type
      Added value: +"boolean"
    • changedInput schema / properties / file_path / description
      Previous value: -"Absolute path to the file to patch"New value: +"File to patch. Relative paths use the configured workspace or MCP client root"
  2. Addedv0.8.7
  3. Removed
  4. Changed1 schema field changedv0.7.12
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
      -  "additionalProperties": false,
      -  "properties": {
      -    "result": {
      -      "type": "string"
      -    }
      -  },
      -  "required": [
      -    "result"
      -  ],
      -  "type": "object"
      -}New value: +null
  5. First observedv0.4.2

TDQS

A3.6/5.0
Behavior1/5

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

The description directly contradicts the provided annotations: it says the tool 'applies changes' and can modify a file, while annotations mark readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false. This is an annotation contradiction, which forces the lowest score regardless of the strong encoding and line-ending details.

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 and well-structured: it front-loads the primary action, then adds useful encoding/line-ending behavior, and ends with an actionable dry-run usage. Every sentence contributes unique information.

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

Completeness4/5

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

The tool description covers the behavioral full picture: diff format, context verification, encoding preservation, line-ending behavior, and dry-run safety. The confusing annotation contradiction prevents a 5, but as a standalone spec it is nearly complete.

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?

The input schema already describes all four parameters clearly, including patch, dry_run, and the path aliases. The description adds little beyond restating that dry_run previews without modifying, so baseline 3 applies.

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 starts with a precise verb-resource pair: 'Applies a unified diff patch to a file.' It further clarifies behavior with hunk parsing and context verification, making it clearly distinct from nearby siblings like edit, write, or multiedit.

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 conveys a clear use-case: applying unified diff output to a file, with dry_run for preview. It does not explicitly contrast with edit or write, but the diff-specific framing makes the correct context fairly obvious.

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