get_my_role

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses behavioral traits such as returning detected role, source, and access level, which adds context beyond a simple read operation. However, it lacks details on potential errors, authentication requirements, or rate limits, which are important for a tool that might involve server-specific role detection.

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, well-structured sentence that front-loads the purpose ('Get your current role') and efficiently adds details about what is shown. Every part earns its place without redundancy, making it easy to parse quickly.

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?

Given the tool has 0 parameters, no annotations, and no output schema, the description is fairly complete for its purpose. It explains what the tool returns (role, source, access level), which addresses the lack of output schema. However, it could be more complete by mentioning any prerequisites or error conditions, given the complexity of role detection in an MCP server context.

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 input schema has 0 parameters with 100% coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description does not discuss parameters, which is appropriate, and it adds value by explaining what information is returned (role, source, access level), compensating for the lack of output schema.

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 the verb 'Get' and the resource 'your current role', specifying it retrieves role information including detected role, source (Azure DevOps groups or env var), and access level. It distinguishes from siblings like get_current_user (which likely returns user identity) and get_current_user_permissions (which likely returns specific permissions rather than role metadata).

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 implies usage context by stating 'your current role in this MCP server', suggesting it should be used when role information is needed. However, it does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like get_current_user_permissions or provide exclusions, though the specificity of 'role' helps differentiate it from other user-related tools.

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