Get the full directory entry for one MCP server by id ('owner--repo', e.g. 'microsoft--playwright-mcp'). Includes install hint, license, stars, category, and editorial fields.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| id | Yes | Server id in owner--repo form |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the burden. It is transparent about being a read operation via 'Get' and lists the returned fields, but it does not mention error behavior for nonexistent ids or explicitly confirm that it has no side effects beyond the verb. Adequate but not detailed.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
A single sentence front-loads the action and resource, then provides an example and a preview of returned fields. There is no filler or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple single-parameter lookup, the description is mostly complete: it explains what the tool returns and the expected id format. The lack of an output schema makes the return-field enumeration partial ('editorial fields' is vague), and error behavior is omitted, but this is a minor gap for such a simple fetch.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The schema already fully documents the 'id' parameter with the owner--repo format, and the description reinforces this with a concrete example. This adds slight illustrative value but no substantial new semantic information beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses a specific verb ('Get'), resource ('full directory entry for one MCP server by id'), and includes an id format example. This clearly distinguishes the tool from sibling search/list tools by focusing on a single known server.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when you already know a server id and need its full directory entry, but it does not explicitly state when to prefer it over search_servers or the list tools. Usage routing is left to inference rather than directly explained.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Each tool has a clearly different primary purpose: dataset metadata, single-server lookup, category listing, topic listing, and searching. The only mild overlap is between list_categories and list_topics, but their descriptions and use cases are distinct enough to avoid real confusion.
Tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern: get_*, list_*, and search_*. All use lowercase snake_case, making the naming predictable and easy to navigate.
With five tools, the server is well-scoped for a read-only MCP server directory. Each tool covers a necessary access pattern: browse taxonomy, search servers, fetch details, and inspect dataset metadata.
The surface covers the core directory workflows: search, filter by category/topic, retrieve individual entries, and understand dataset provenance. The lack of an unfiltered 'list all servers' endpoint is a minor gap, but the search and category/topic enumeration paths provide workarounds.