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list_surfaces

Read-onlyIdempotent

List workspace, pane, and surface topology to view your terminal multiplexer layout. Use verbose mode to inspect raw cmux fields when needed.

Instructions

List workspace, pane, and surface topology. Condensed by default; verbose=true adds raw cmux fields.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
verboseNoReturn all raw cmux fields instead of the condensed default. This materially increases token usage and is rarely needed; use it only when a specific raw field is required.
workspaceNoFilter by workspace ref
preview_linesNoNumber of preview lines
include_screen_previewNoInclude screen content preview

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
okYes
surfacesNo
workspacesNo
retry_countYes
column_countNo

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed2 schema fields changedv0.4.88
    • addedInput schema / properties / verbose
      Added value: +{
      +  "default": false,
      +  "description": "Return all raw cmux fields instead of the condensed default. This materially increases token usage and is rarely needed; use it only when a specific raw field is required.",
      +  "type": "boolean"
      +}
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#",
      +  "additionalProperties": true,
      +  "properties": {
      +    "column_count": {
      +      "minimum": 0,
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    },
      +    "ok": {
      +      "type": "boolean"
      +    },
      +    "retry_count": {
      +      "minimum": 0,
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    },
      +    "surfaces": {
      +      "items": {
      +        "additionalProperties": {},
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    },
      +    "workspaces": {
      +      "items": {
      +        "additionalProperties": {},
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "required": [
      +    "ok",
      +    "retry_count"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. First observedv0.1.0

TDQS

A4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds behavioral context by noting the condensed default and that verbose=true adds raw cmux fields, which is meaningful beyond the annotations.

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 tight sentences with the core purpose front-loaded and no filler. Every word earns its place.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a read-only topology listing tool with a complete input schema, rich annotations, and an output schema, the description is nearly sufficient. It could be improved by explicitly routing the agent to this tool versus its siblings, but nothing critical is missing for invocation.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description reinforces the verbose behavior but does not add substantial meaning beyond what the schema already provides for the other parameters.

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 uses a specific verb ('List') with a clear resource ('workspace, pane, and surface topology'). This distinguishes it from siblings like list_agents, read_screen, and the surface mutation tools.

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 is for inspecting surface topology but does not explicitly state when to choose it over alternatives like read_screen or list_agents. It does give useful guidance on the verbose flag, but not on tool selection.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.