ips_admin_list

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

With no annotations provided, the description must carry behavioral disclosure. It only states the operation is an admin-level list and names the API call; it does not disclose read-only status, required permissions, pagination, error behavior, or any side effects. 'List' implies read-only, but that remains an inference.

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?

The description is a single short sentence with no filler, and the parenthetical API reference adds useful context for agents familiar with DirectAdmin. The key operation and scope are front-loaded. However, brevity edges toward under-specification rather than deliberate completeness.

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?

An output schema exists to document return values, and zero parameters reduce invocation complexity. Still, with no annotations the description should clarify read-only behavior and how this tool differs from the closely related ips_list tool. It provides only a minimal label and leaves behavioral context to inference.

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?

The tool accepts zero parameters, and the schema coverage is effectively 100% because the properties object is empty. There is no parameter semantics for the description to add, so the baseline for a no-parameter tool applies.

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?

The description identifies the resource (IP addresses), the action (list), and the scope (admin-level), and references the underlying DirectAdmin API endpoint (CMD_API_IP_MANAGER). This distinguishes it from user-level IP listing tools like ips_list, though 'list' is used as a noun phrase rather than an explicit verb.

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?

There is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as ips_list or ips_get. The 'admin-level' qualifier implies it is for administrative IP operations, but no exclusions, prerequisites, or selection criteria are stated.

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