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List categories

get_categories
Read-onlyIdempotent

Read-only. List the ten top-level spec categories with their summaries and topic counts. Takes no arguments. No side effects; categories are returned in canonical display order. Call this first to discover the valid category filter values used by list_topics, get_checklist, and search results.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
countYesNumber of categories returned (always ten).
categoriesYesAll top-level categories in canonical display order.

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections. Dates show when Glama detected each change.

  1. Changed5 schema fields changed
    • addedOutput schema / properties / categories / description
      Added value: +"All top-level categories in canonical display order."
    • addedOutput schema / properties / categories / items / properties / summary / description
      Added value: +"One-sentence description of the category."
    • addedOutput schema / properties / categories / items / properties / title / description
      Added value: +"Human-readable category title."
    • addedOutput schema / properties / categories / items / properties / topicCount / description
      Added value: +"Number of spec topics in this category."
    • addedOutput schema / properties / count / description
      Added value: +"Number of categories returned (always ten)."
  2. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "properties": {
      +    "categories": {
      +      "items": {
      +        "properties": {
      +          "slug": {
      +            "description": "Use as the `category` filter value.",
      +            "type": "string"
      +          },
      +          "summary": {
      +            "type": "string"
      +          },
      +          "title": {
      +            "type": "string"
      +          },
      +          "topicCount": {
      +            "type": "integer"
      +          }
      +        },
      +        "required": [
      +          "slug",
      +          "title",
      +          "summary",
      +          "topicCount"
      +        ],
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    },
      +    "count": {
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "required": [
      +    "count",
      +    "categories"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  3. First observed

TDQS

A4.7/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and openWorldHint=false. The description adds 'No side effects' (consistent) and mentions categories are returned in 'canonical display order,' which is useful context beyond the annotations. No contradictions.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with 'Read-only.' Every sentence adds unique value: purpose, no arguments, side effects, ordering, and usage guidance. No wasted words.

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?

For a simple list tool with an output schema (even though not shown here), the description covers what it returns (categories with summaries and topic counts), behavior (no side effects, ordering), and why to call it. Fully complete for the tool's complexity.

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

Parameters4/5

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

No parameters exist; schema coverage is 100%. The description correctly notes 'Takes no arguments,' which reinforces the schema. Baseline 4 is appropriate for zero-parameter tools.

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 it lists ten top-level spec categories with summaries and topic counts. It distinguishes from sibling tools by explaining that categories serve as filter values for other tools like list_topics, get_checklist, and search.

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?

Explicitly advises to 'Call this first' to discover valid category filter values, and names the sibling tools that use these categories. This provides clear when-to-use guidance.

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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TDQS

A4.7/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose: get_categories for categories, get_changes for history, get_checklist for checklists, get_topic for single page, list_topics for listing, and search for full-text. There is no overlap.

Naming Consistency4/5

Most tools follow 'get_' pattern (get_categories, get_changes, get_checklist, get_topic), but list_topics and search break the pattern. However, all names are intuitive and consistent in using lowercase with underscores.

Tool Count5/5

With 6 tools covering categories, search, listing, details, checklist, and changes, the count is well-suited for a specification reference. Each tool serves a clear need without excess.

Completeness5/5

The tool set covers all read operations needed for a specification: discovery (categories, search), browsing (list_topics, get_checklist), deep dive (get_topic), and change tracking (get_changes). No obvious gaps for its intended use.

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