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spdx_license_check

Validate SPDX license expression against common license IDs.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
expressionYes

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Added

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. The description only says 'validate' and 'against common license IDs,' but it does not specify the output format (e.g., boolean, error messages), whether it modifies anything, or how it handles invalid input. The behavioral information is minimal.

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?

The description is a single sentence that directly conveys the tool's purpose. It contains no redundant information and is efficiently written.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema), the description is too sparse. It does not explain what 'common license IDs' are, how validation results are returned, or whether the tool handles complex expressions. A user would need external knowledge to fully understand the tool's behavior.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The schema has one parameter 'expression' with no description (0% coverage). The description adds meaning by specifying it is an 'SPDX license expression,' which clarifies the parameter's purpose. However, it does not provide examples or format constraints, leaving room for improvement.

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 clearly states the tool validates SPDX license expressions against common license IDs. The verb 'validate' and the specific resource 'SPDX license expression' make the purpose unambiguous, distinguishing it from general validation tools among siblings.

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 description implies the tool should be used when needing to verify an SPDX license expression, but it provides no explicit guidance on when to use it over other validation tools, nor does it mention prerequisites or alternative tools. The purpose is clear enough for basic usage.

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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