Retrieve subnet routes advertised by a device and check which are enabled. Use this to validate or troubleshoot Tailscale network routing.
Get the subnet routes a device advertises and which are enabled.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| deviceId | Yes | The device ID |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v0.13.3Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds value by detailing what the tool retrieves (subnet routes, both advertised and enabled), but does not introduce any additional behavioral traits beyond what annotations cover.
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?
A single, clear sentence without any unnecessary words. It provides all necessary information succinctly.
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?
The tool is simple with one parameter and no output schema. The description explains what is returned (advertised and enabled subnet routes), which is complete for this read-only operation.
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?
Schema coverage is 100%, and the parameter deviceId is adequately described in the schema. The description adds no further detail about the parameter itself, meeting the baseline for high coverage.
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 clearly states it gets subnet routes that a device advertises and which are enabled, using the verb 'get' and specifying the resource 'subnet routes'. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like tailscale_set_device_routes, which writes routes.
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?
The description provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor does it mention prerequisites (e.g., device must exist). While the tool's name and sibling list imply it's for reading, the description does not clarify when to use this tool over the corresponding write tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.