Fix: Tool Call Protocol Not Showing In Old Configurations

Introduction

Are you experiencing the frustration of the Tool Call Protocol option not appearing in your existing provider configurations within RooCode? You're not alone. Many users who have been utilizing RooCode for an extended period have encountered this issue, where the Tool Call Protocol setting mysteriously vanishes from their older configurations. This article dives deep into this problem, offering a comprehensive understanding of the issue, its impact, and, most importantly, a step-by-step guide on how to resolve it. We'll explore the root causes, the affected users, and the exact steps to reproduce the error. Furthermore, we'll provide a detailed workaround and emphasize the expected behavior to ensure a seamless experience for all RooCode users. By the end of this guide, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to tackle this problem head-on and ensure your configurations are up-to-date and fully functional.

Understanding the Issue

The core problem lies in the fact that existing OpenAI-compatible provider configurations within RooCode do not display the crucial "Tool Call Protocol" option. This means users cannot leverage native tool calling in their older setups. The workaround? Deleting the old configuration and recreating an identical one. This is far from ideal, as it introduces unnecessary friction and potential data loss. Imagine spending weeks waiting for a feature, only to discover it's already there but hidden behind a configuration quirk! This issue specifically affects users who have been using the same model configurations for several months, highlighting a potential migration or update problem within RooCode's system. The Tool Call Protocol is essential for advanced functionalities, and its absence can severely limit the capabilities of existing configurations.

Who is Affected and When?

This issue primarily affects long-term RooCode users who have maintained their provider configurations for several months. If you've been using the same model configuration for an extended period, you're likely to encounter this problem. It's not a widespread issue affecting all users, but rather a specific subset with older configurations. The timing of the issue suggests it might be related to a specific update or change in RooCode's backend that wasn't properly migrated to existing configurations. Understanding this context is crucial for developers to pinpoint the exact cause and implement a permanent solution. For users, knowing they are not alone in facing this issue provides some solace and encourages them to follow the workaround until a comprehensive fix is released. The Tool Call Protocol option's absence directly impacts the ability to integrate new tools and functionalities, thus affecting the overall user experience and workflow.

Reproducing the Issue: A Step-by-Step Guide

To better understand and address the problem, let's walk through the exact steps to reproduce it:

1. Open an 'Old' Provider Configuration: Navigate to your existing provider configurations, specifically one that has been in use for several months.
2. Check for the Tool Call Option: Under the advanced settings, you'll notice the "Tool Call Protocol" option is missing.
3. Delete the 'Old' Provider: Remove the existing provider configuration.
4. Create an Identical Provider: Create a new provider configuration with the exact same settings as the old one. Ensure you select "Open AI Compatible", use the same Local Ollama URL, and specify the same model.
5. Verify the Tool Call Option: Under the advanced settings of the newly created provider, the "Tool Call Protocol" option will now be visible.

This reproduction process clearly demonstrates the issue: the option is present in new configurations but absent in older ones. This highlights the need for a solution that retroactively applies the setting to existing configurations. The Tool Call Protocol functionality is critical for utilizing advanced features, making this issue a significant impediment for users relying on older configurations.

Expected vs. Actual Result

The expected result is that all provider configurations, regardless of their age, should display the "Tool Call Protocol" option. Users shouldn't have to delete and recreate configurations to access this feature. This seamless experience is crucial for user satisfaction and efficient workflow. Imagine the frustration of discovering a missing feature and having to go through the tedious process of reconfiguration. On the other hand, the actual result is that older configurations fail to show the option, effectively preventing users from utilizing native tool calling in those setups. This discrepancy between the expected and actual results underscores the severity of the issue and the urgency for a proper fix. The inability to access the Tool Call Protocol hinders the adoption of new functionalities and creates an inconsistent user experience across different configurations.

Workaround: The Temporary Solution

While a permanent fix is in the works, there's a workaround to get the Tool Call Protocol option to appear: delete the old provider configuration and recreate it with the exact same settings. This involves noting down all the current settings, including the API provider, model used, and any advanced configurations. Then, delete the existing configuration and create a new one, meticulously replicating all the previous settings. This process, while effective, is time-consuming and prone to errors if not done carefully. It's essential to double-check all settings before saving the new configuration to avoid any disruptions. This workaround is a temporary measure, and a proper fix is needed to eliminate the need for manual reconfiguration. The Tool Call Protocol functionality is too important to be hidden behind such a cumbersome process.

Technical Details: App Version, API Provider, and Model

For those seeking more technical details, this issue has been observed in RooCode App Version 3.35.2. The API Provider used in the reported case is OpenAI Compatible, and the model in question is qwen3-coder-30b. These details are crucial for developers to replicate the issue in their environment and test potential fixes. Providing such specific information helps narrow down the potential causes and accelerate the debugging process. Knowing the app version and the specific API provider and model allows for targeted testing and ensures the fix addresses the issue in the relevant context. The Tool Call Protocol integration likely involves specific interactions with these components, making this information invaluable for troubleshooting.

Conclusion: Addressing the Tool Call Protocol Issue

The missing "Tool Call Protocol" option in older RooCode configurations is a significant issue that affects long-term users. The workaround, while effective, is not a sustainable solution. A permanent fix is needed to ensure all configurations, regardless of age, display the option seamlessly. This will not only improve user experience but also ensure that users can leverage the full potential of RooCode's features. The steps outlined in this article provide a clear understanding of the problem, its impact, and a temporary solution. By following these guidelines, users can continue to work efficiently while waiting for a comprehensive fix. Addressing the Tool Call Protocol issue is crucial for maintaining RooCode's reputation as a reliable and user-friendly platform.

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