mcp-shell-server
Server Quality Checklist
Latest release: v1.1.9
- Disambiguation5/5
Only one tool exists, so there is no possibility of confusion or overlap. Every action goes through the single shell_execute tool.
Naming Consistency5/5The tool name shell_execute follows a clear verb_noun pattern, consistent with common MCP naming conventions. Even with a single tool, the name is predictable and descriptive.
Tool Count3/5With only one tool, the set feels thin, but for a restricted shell executor it could be acceptable. The scope is narrow, making the tool count borderline rather than clearly excessive or insufficient.
Completeness3/5The tool covers the allowed commands (pwd, grep, cat, ls, wc), but the restricted set excludes many typical shell operations like file writing or process control. This suggests notable gaps for a server named 'shell', though the explicit allowlist mitigates some issues.
Average 3.8/5 across 1 of 1 tools scored.
See the Tool Scores section below for per-tool breakdowns.
- 6 of 6 community issues answered or closed in the last 6 months
- 68 commits in the last 12 weeks
- Last stable release on
- No critical vulnerability alerts
- No high-severity vulnerability alerts
- No code scanning findings
- CI is passing
This repository is licensed under MIT License.
This repository includes a README.md file.
No tool usage detected in the last 30 days. Usage tracking helps demonstrate server value.
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How is the quality score calculated?
The overall quality score combines two components: Tool Definition Quality (70%) and Server Coherence (30%).
Tool Definition Quality measures how well each tool describes itself to AI agents. Every tool is scored 1–5 across six dimensions: Purpose Clarity (25%), Usage Guidelines (20%), Behavioral Transparency (20%), Parameter Semantics (15%), Conciseness & Structure (10%), and Contextual Completeness (10%). The server-level definition quality score is calculated as 60% mean TDQS + 40% minimum TDQS, so a single poorly described tool pulls the score down.
Server Coherence evaluates how well the tools work together as a set, scoring four dimensions equally: Disambiguation (can agents tell tools apart?), Naming Consistency, Tool Count Appropriateness, and Completeness (are there gaps in the tool surface?).
Tiers are derived from the overall score: A (≥3.5), B (≥3.0), C (≥2.0), D (≥1.0), F (<1.0). B and above is considered passing.
Tool Scores
- Behavior4/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the transparency burden. It discloses the allowed commands, default/maximum timeout, and output cap, providing useful behavioral context. However, it omits details about stderr handling, output truncation behavior, or the fact that all allowed commands are read-only, preventing a perfect score.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded with the primary action, followed by key constraints. However, the 'Allowed patterns: ' line is empty and incomplete, which introduces a minor structural flaw and reduces clarity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description captures the essential constraints (allowed commands, timeout, output cap) and parameter semantics are handled by the schema. Yet it does not describe the return format, stderr handling, or exit code behavior, and the incomplete 'Allowed patterns' field leaves a gap in coverage for a shell execution tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters3/5Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema already provides complete descriptions for all four parameters (100% coverage), so the baseline is 3. The description adds marginal value by mentioning the default timeout (30s) and maximum timeout (300s), which aligns with the 'timeout' parameter but does not elaborate on other parameters beyond what the schema already states.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description explicitly states 'Execute a shell command' and lists the allowed commands (pwd, grep, cat, ls, wc), making the tool's purpose specific and unambiguous. Even without siblings, the allowed-command list defines scope clearly.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines3/5Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description communicates constraints via 'Allowed commands' and 'Allowed patterns', indicating when the tool is appropriate. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives (there are none listed) or provide a 'when not to use' guideline, leaving usage context somewhat implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
GitHub Badge
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- Confirm that the MCP server is working as expected.
- Confirm that there are no obvious security issues.
- Evaluate tool definition quality.
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