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sftp

Transfer files and manage remote filesystems over SSH using SFTP. Supports upload, download, directory operations, rename, chmod, and async transfers.

Instructions

Transfer files and manage remote filesystems over SSH (SFTP protocol). Reuses SSH session pool — same authentication and session reuse as the ssh tool. Operations: upload (local to remote), download (remote to local), ls, stat, mkdir, rm, chmod, rename. Async operations: upload_async, download_async (returns transfer_id immediately), status (check progress), cancel. Max file transfer size: 2 GB. Use overwrite=true to replace existing files. Recursive delete is limited to 10,000 items for safety.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
hostYesSSH server hostname or IP address (IPv4 or IPv6),required
portNoSSH port number. Default: 22
userYesSSH username,required
passwordNoPassword for authentication
key_fileNoPath to SSH private key file (e.g. ~/.ssh/id_rsa)
passphraseNoPassphrase for encrypted private key
use_agentNoUse SSH agent for authentication: true or false. Default: true if no other auth method specified
host_key_checkNoHost key verification: strict, tofu (default), none
jump_hostNoJump/bastion host for ProxyJump (hostname or IP)
jump_portNoJump host SSH port. Default: 22
jump_userNoJump host username. Default: same as user
jump_passwordNoJump host password. Default: same as password
jump_key_fileNoJump host SSH private key file. Default: same as key_file
jump_passphraseNoJump host key passphrase. Default: same as passphrase
operationYesSFTP operation: upload, download, upload_async, download_async, status, cancel, ls, stat, mkdir, rm, chmod, rename,required
local_pathNoLocal file path (for upload/download)
remote_pathNoRemote file/directory path
localNoAlias for local_path
remoteNoAlias for remote_path
recursiveNoRecursive operation (mkdir: create parents, rm: remove directory tree): true or false. Default: false
modeNoFile permission mode in octal (e.g. 0755). Used by chmod
new_pathNoNew remote path (for rename operation)
overwriteNoOverwrite existing file on upload/download: true or false. Default: false
transfer_idNoTransfer ID for status/cancel operations (returned by upload_async/download_async)
Behavior4/5

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

Discloses key behaviors: max file transfer size 2GB, recursive delete limit 10,000 items, async operations, and overwrite flag. No annotations, so description carries the burden effectively.

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?

Eight concise lines with bullet points for operations. No fluff, front-loaded purpose, every sentence earns its place.

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?

Covers main operations, limits, and async functionality. No output schema, but description provides sufficient context for a complex 24-parameter tool. Missing details on return values or error handling.

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 coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds value by listing operations in text and noting aliases for local/remote paths, but does not significantly deepen parameter understanding beyond the schema.

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?

Description clearly states the tool transfers files and manages remote filesystems over SFTP. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like 'ssh' by mentioning session reuse and listing specific SFTP operations.

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?

Provides context on session reuse with ssh tool and lists supported operations. Lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives, but the operations list and limits offer implicit 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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