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list_capabilities

Read-only

USE WHEN you do not yet know what this server can do (call hello first for orientation). By default returns a compact summary: every MCP tool with a one-line purpose, the workflow titles, the reporting rules and the contract links. Pass detail=true for the complete inventory (endpoint paths, when to use each tool, full multi-step workflows, coordination vocabularies); that payload is large, so request it only when the summary is not enough.

Tool call template

This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.

{
  "id": 1,
  "jsonrpc": "2.0",
  "method": "tools/call",
  "params": {
    "arguments": {},
    "name": "list_capabilities"
  }
}

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
detailNotrue returns the complete (large) capability inventory. Default false returns a compact summary.

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dataNoThe answer. Shape depends on the tool; describe_tool documents it.
_metaNosource, generatedAt, sources (per-source lastSyncedAt and ageHours), rateLimit, disclaimer.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
      +  "additionalProperties": {},
      +  "properties": {
      +    "_meta": {
      +      "additionalProperties": {},
      +      "description": "source, generatedAt, sources (per-source lastSyncedAt and ageHours), rateLimit, disclaimer.",
      +      "propertyNames": {
      +        "type": "string"
      +      },
      +      "type": "object"
      +    },
      +    "data": {
      +      "description": "The answer. Shape depends on the tool; describe_tool documents it."
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / properties / detail
      Added value: +{
      +  "description": "true returns the complete (large) capability inventory. Default false returns a compact summary.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
  3. First observed

TDQS

A4.6/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=false, and the description adds the trait that actually matters here: the detail=true payload is large and should be requested sparingly. It does not quantify size, pagination, or cost, so it stops short of a 5.

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?

Three sentences, front-loaded with the usage trigger, then default behavior, then the opt-in branch. The long parenthetical is the only bulk and it is doing real work by describing payload contents.

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?

A discovery/introspection tool with one optional boolean, full schema coverage, an output schema, and safe annotations. The description covers trigger, default output, expensive mode, and cost warning — nothing an agent needs to call it correctly is missing.

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?

Schema coverage is 100%, yet the description still adds meaning beyond the schema by enumerating the categories contained in the detailed inventory (endpoint paths, per-tool when-to-use, multi-step workflows, coordination vocabularies) and by framing detail as an escalation over the default summary.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

States a concrete verb and resource and enumerates exactly what is returned: every MCP tool with a one-line purpose, workflow titles, reporting rules and contract links. It also distinguishes the two output modes. It does not explicitly contrast itself with near-siblings such as find_tools or describe_tool, which keeps it from a 5.

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?

Opens with a direct trigger ('USE WHEN you do not yet know what this server can do') and names the alternative orientation path (call hello first). It also gives an explicit condition for the expensive mode: request detail only when the summary is not enough.

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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