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list-mail-folder-messages

list-mail-folder-messages
Read-only

Retrieve messages from a specified mail folder in a user's mailbox. Supports search with KQL syntax, filtering, pagination, and field selection.

Instructions

Get all the messages in the specified user's mailbox, or those messages in a specified folder in the mailbox.

đź’ˇ TIP: List read search Outlook emails within a specific mail folder. CRITICAL: When searching emails, the $search parameter value MUST be wrapped in double quotes. Format: $search="your search query here". Use KQL (Keyword Query Language) syntax to search specific properties: 'from:', 'subject:', 'body:', 'to:', 'cc:', 'bcc:', 'attachment:', 'hasAttachments:', 'importance:', 'received:', 'sent:'. Examples: $search="from:john@example.com" | $search="subject:meeting AND hasAttachments:true" | $search="body:urgent AND received>=2024-01-01" | $search="from:alice AND importance:high". Remember: ALWAYS wrap the entire search expression in double quotes! Reference: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/graph/search-query-parameter IMPORTANT: Always use $select to limit returned fields and reduce response size. Recommended default: $select=id,subject,from,toRecipients,receivedDateTime,bodyPreview,isRead,hasAttachments. Use bodyPreview instead of body for listings. To read the full email body, use get-mail-message with the specific message id.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
topNoPage size (Graph $top). Start small (e.g. 5–15) so responses fit the model context; raise only if needed. Use $select to return fewer fields per item. For more rows, use @odata.nextLink from the response instead of a very large $top.
skipNoItems to skip for pagination. Not supported with $search.
countNoSet true to enable advanced query mode (ConsistencyLevel: eventual). Required for complex $filter on flag/flagStatus or contains().
expandNoNavigation properties to inline, e.g. attachments on a message or event. Only navigation properties can be expanded: expanding a non-navigation property such as a message body fails with "Parsing OData Select and Expand failed", and an unsupported value may be ignored rather than reported. Request ordinary fields with $select instead.
filterNoOData filter expression. Add $count=true for advanced filters (flag/flagStatus, contains()). Cannot combine with $search.
searchNoKQL search query — wrap value in double quotes. Cannot combine with $filter.
selectNoComma-separated fields to return, e.g. id,subject,from,receivedDateTime
orderbyNoSort expression, e.g. receivedDateTime desc
mailFolderIdYesValue for the 'mailFolderId' path segment. Pass it under the name 'mailFolderId', not as 'id'. Use the 'id' field of the mail folder object as returned by Microsoft Graph.
fetchAllPagesNoFollow @odata.nextLink and merge up to 100 pages into one response. Can return enormous payloads—only when the user explicitly needs a full export. Prefer a small $top first, then paginate or narrow with $filter/$search.
includeHeadersNoInclude response headers (including ETag) in the response metadata
excludeResponseNoExclude the full response body and only return success or failure indication
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already indicate readOnlyHint=true and destructiveHint=false. The description adds behavioral context: it warns about large payloads with fetchAllPages, explains that $search cannot combine with $filter, and recommends $select to limit fields. No contradiction.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is lengthy but well-structured with clear sections: main purpose, critical formatting for $search, and usage recommendations. Every sentence is informative, though some repetition could be trimmed.

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?

Despite no output schema, the description explains pagination via @odata.nextLink, filtering limitations, and return size reduction tips. It covers all essential aspects a developer needs to list messages effectively.

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?

Schema coverage is 100%, but the description enriches parameters like $search with concrete double-quote wrapping and KQL examples, and gives advanced usage tips for $top, $count, and fetchAllPages. This adds meaning beyond the schema.

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 retrieves messages from a user's mailbox or a specific folder. It distinguishes from siblings like list-mail-messages (which lists all messages without folder scope) and list-mail-folder-messages-delta, making the purpose precise.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides extensive guidance on when to use $search, $select, fetchAllPages, and pagination. It includes critical syntax for KQL search. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use this tool compared to alternatives.

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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