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execute_bash

Destructive

Run Bash commands and scripts on any OS with automatic shell detection, process management, timeout limits, and custom working directories.

Instructions

Execute a Bash command or script with robust process lifecycle management. Automatically detects and uses Git Bash or WSL on Windows, and native Bash on POSIX.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
cwdNo
commandYes
env_typeNoauto
timeout_secondsNoExecution timeout in seconds (1-3600).

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

B3/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare destructiveHint=true and openWorldHint=true, and the description's 'Execute a Bash command or script' is consistent with those. The description adds useful context about automatic Git Bash/WSL detection and process lifecycle management, though 'robust process lifecycle management' is vague and does not detail side effects or termination behavior.

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?

The description is concise at two sentences and front-loads the core action. The phrase 'robust process lifecycle management' adds little concrete detail, but the overall length is appropriate and not bloated.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For a destructive, open-world command executor with four parameters, the description gives useful but incomplete context. It covers environment auto-detection, but omits cwd semantics, return/output behavior, and does not mention when to call get_bash_environments. The output schema and annotations partially compensate for these gaps.

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

Parameters2/5

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

Schema description coverage is low at 25%; only timeout_seconds has an inline description. The description partially covers env_type by mentioning automatic Git Bash/WSL detection, but it does not explain the command parameter, cwd, or env_type enum values beyond the schema. cwd is left entirely to inference.

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 opens with a clear action ('Execute') and a specific resource ('Bash command or script'), so an agent can understand the core function immediately. It does not explicitly differentiate from the sibling get_bash_environments, but the tool names and general purpose are clear enough.

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?

The description provides no explicit guidance about when to use this tool versus alternatives like get_bash_environments. It states what the tool does, but selection criteria are left entirely to inference.

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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