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modelcontextprotocol

Filesystem MCP Server

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by modelcontextprotocol
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TypeScript
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Write File

write_file
DestructiveIdempotent

Create a new file or overwrite an existing file with specified content. Writes text with proper encoding within allowed directories, replacing the entire file contents.

Instructions

Create a new file or completely overwrite an existing file with new content. Use with caution as it will overwrite existing files without warning. Handles text content with proper encoding. Only works within allowed directories.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
pathYes
contentYes

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
contentYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv1.0.0
    • removedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Removed value: -false
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
+  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
+  "additionalProperties": false,
+  "properties": {
+    "content": {
+      "type": "string"
+    }
+  },
+  "required": [
+    "content"
+  ],
+  "type": "object"
+}
  2. First observed

TDQS

A3.7/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already indicate destructive and idempotent behavior. The description adds valuable context: 'Handle text content with proper encoding' and 'Only works within allowed directories', which are beyond annotation and aid safe usage.

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?

Three sentences efficiently cover purpose, caution, encoding, and scope. No redundancy, though additional parameter details could be added without bloating.

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?

Given the simple tool with two parameters and an output schema, the description covers key behavioral points but lacks parameter detail. It is adequate but not comprehensive.

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 coverage is 0%, so the description must explain parameters, but it only mentions 'text content' without specifying path format or content constraints. No examples or additional semantic guidance is provided.

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 explicitly states the tool creates a new file or completely overwrites an existing file, distinguishing it from siblings like edit_file. The verb 'create' and 'overwrite' plus resource 'file' leave no ambiguity.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The caution about overwriting without warning provides usage guidance, but it does not explicitly compare with edit_file or state when to use this over other file tools. The sibling list implies alternatives, but direct guidance is missing.

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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