mcp-ssh

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manage_service

Manage systemd services on remote Linux servers via SSH. Start, stop, restart, reload, enable, or disable services to control their runtime state.

Instructions

Start, stop, restart, or reload a systemd service.

Args: service: Service name (e.g., "nginx", "mysql", "docker"). action: Action to perform: "start", "stop", "restart", "reload", "enable", "disable". host_name: Named host from SSH_HOSTS config; uses default host if omitted.

Returns: Result of the service management action.

Tool call template

Replace each placeholder with a value matching the input schema. Only required parameters are included; add optional parameters as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {
      "service": "<service>",
      "action": "<action>"
    },
    "name": "manage_service"
  }
}

Input Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`action`	Yes
`service`	Yes
`host_name`	No

Output Schema

Name	Required	Description	Default
`result`	Yes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

First observedv0.1.5Aug 7, 2026

TDQS

A4.1/5.0

Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses the mutating nature (start/stop/etc.) and remote host behavior, but does not mention permissions, side effects, reversibility, or failure handling. This is a significant transparency gap for a mutation tool.

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 well-structured with a title-like first sentence, a concise Args block, and a Returns line. Each sentence contributes meaningful information without redundancy.

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 description covers the tool's purpose, parameters, and return value, and the presence of an output schema reduces the need to detail return semantics. However, it lacks operational side effects and permission requirements, leaving it slightly incomplete for a mutating tool.

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

Parameters5/5

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

The schema has 0% description coverage, but the description's Args section thoroughly explains each parameter: service with examples, action with valid values, and host_name with its default behavior. This compensates fully.

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 first sentence clearly states the tool's function: 'Start, stop, restart, or reload a systemd service.' This is a specific verb+resource that distinguishes it from siblings like check_service_status. The Args section further clarifies enable/disable actions.

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 implies usage context through the actions and host_name parameter, but does not explicitly mention alternatives or when not to use this tool. It could benefit from noting that check_service_status is for status checks, but the clear scope is sufficient.

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