list_subscriptionsList the caller's active subscriptions. Returns id, type, params, created_at, last_fired_at, fire_count for each. Use this to review what you're monitoring before adding more or to find an id to cancel.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| include_inactive | No | Include cancelled subscriptions in the response (default false). |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already indicate safe, read-only, idempotent behavior. Description adds detail on returned fields and parameter for including inactive subscriptions, reinforcing transparency.
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?
Two concise sentences with no wasted words. First sentence clearly states purpose.
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?
Simple tool with good annotations and schema. Description covers purpose, usage, return fields, and parameter. No output schema needed given listed fields.
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?
Single parameter (include_inactive) is fully described in schema (100% coverage). Description does not add new meaning beyond schema, so baseline 3.
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?
Description clearly states 'List the caller's active subscriptions' with specific verb and resource. Differentiates from sibling tools like subscribe and unsubscribe.
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?
Provides explicit usage guidance: 'Use this to review what you're monitoring before adding more or to find an id to cancel.' Does not explicitly mention when not to use, but context is clear.
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.
Many tools have overlapping purposes (e.g., multiple Polymarket tools, multiple company information tools), but descriptions help distinguish them. However, the variety of domains (brand monitoring, betting, package scanning, memory, etc.) can confuse an agent.
Tool names have no consistent naming pattern: some are verb_noun (validate_claim), some are noun_verb (bet_research), some are compound (ai_visibility_check), and some are single word (forget). This makes it hard to predict tool names.
28 tools is high, and the set spans many unrelated domains (brand visibility, SEC/FDA data, Polymarket, npm packages, memory, etc.) while the server is named 'Expression Atlas' with only 2 tools related to that purpose. The tool count feels excessive and unfocused.
For a server named 'Expression Atlas', only two tools (get_experiment, search_experiments) cover the domain. There are no tools for submitting, updating, or deleting experiments, nor any for data visualization. The surface is severely incomplete.