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vm_delete_snapshot

Destructive

Delete a VMware VM snapshot to free disk space by consolidating its delta disk into the parent. Supports preserving or removing child snapshots. Works on running VMs.

Instructions

[WRITE] Permanently delete a named snapshot, consolidating its delta disk into the parent.

Frees disk space and does NOT change the VM's current state (unlike vm_revert_snapshot, which discards changes since the snapshot). Works while the VM is powered on. Run vm_list_snapshots first for exact names — unknown names return the available list. Irreversible: confirm with the user before calling. Audited to ~/.vmware/audit.db.

Snapshot consolidation is slow for old/large delta disks (often minutes). By default (wait=False) this fires the delete and returns a task id immediately so it does not block your context — poll completion with vm_task_status. Set wait=True only for small snapshots where you want the final confirmation inline (blocks up to 30 min, then returns the task id).

Args: vm_name: Exact name of the VM owning the snapshot. snapshot_name: Exact snapshot name from vm_list_snapshots output. remove_children: False (default) = children are kept and consolidated; True = delete the entire snapshot subtree below this one as well. wait: False (default) = async, return task id immediately; True = block on consolidation. target: vCenter/ESXi target name from config.yaml; omit to use the default target.

Returns: Status string with a task id (poll via vm_task_status), or a not-found message.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
waitNo
targetNo
vm_nameYes
snapshot_nameYes
remove_childrenNo

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
resultYes
Behavior5/5

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

Disclosure includes that it frees disk space, does not change VM state, consolidation can be slow, operation is irreversible, audited to audit.db, and async behavior with task IDs. This adds significant context beyond annotations.

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 well-structured with clear sections, but slightly lengthy. However, each sentence adds value, so it is only marginally penalized.

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

Completeness5/5

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

Covers preconditions (run vm_list_snapshots), side effects (slow consolidation), error handling (returns not-found message), async behavior, and audit logging. Complete given the tool's complexity and available annotations.

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?

With 0% schema description coverage, the description fully explains all 5 parameters: vm_name, snapshot_name, remove_children (default and effect), wait (default and blocking behavior), and target (usage). Adds meaning 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?

The description clearly states the action (Permanently delete a named snapshot) and the resource (snapshot). It distinguishes from the sibling vm_revert_snapshot by noting it does not change VM state, and references vm_list_snapshots for exact names.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly explains when to use (to free disk space), contrasts with vm_revert_snapshot, advises running vm_list_snapshots first, warns about irreversibility and user confirmation, and explains async vs sync with wait parameter.

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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