trello-mcp
Provides tools for interacting with Trello boards, lists, cards, checklists, and comments, enabling AI agents to manage project workflows with per-project board configuration.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@trello-mcpShow my project overview"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
trello-mcp
A Model Context Protocol server for Trello — connect AI agents to your boards with per-project configuration and credentials that stay on your machine.
Works with Cursor, Claude Desktop, VS Code Copilot, and any MCP-compatible client.
Quick setup for AI agents
Paste this one line into Cursor, Claude Code, Codex, Grok, or any agent that can fetch URLs:
Fetch https://raw.githubusercontent.com/asim-altayb/trello-mcp/main/docs/agent-setup/prompt.md and follow every step to install trello-mcp and wire it to this project.The agent will detect your OS (Linux, macOS, or Windows), clone the server, configure credentials, write .trello-mcp.json, and register MCP — without you running terminal commands.
See AGENTS.md and docs/agent-setup/prompt.md for details.
Related MCP server: Advanced Trello MCP Server
Why use this?
Most Trello MCP integrations focus on hosted OAuth or a single global board. This server is built for developers who juggle multiple codebases and want:
Local access — your API key + token, stored locally in
.envPer-project boards — each repo declares which Trello boards belong to it
Board aliases — reference
sprintorbackloginstead of raw board IDsAgent-ready output — JSON or Markdown responses
Comparison
Feature | trello-mcp | Atlassian Trello MCP |
|
Auth | API token (local) | Cloud OAuth | API token |
Per-repo board profiles |
| One workspace | Global config |
Board aliases | Yes | No | No |
Markdown output | Yes | N/A | Yes |
Checklists + comments | Yes | Partial | Yes |
Rate limiting | Built-in | Hosted | Built-in |
Best for | Multi-project workflows | Team OAuth setups | Full-featured installs |
Quick start
1. Clone and configure credentials
git clone https://github.com/asim-altayb/trello-mcp.git
cd trello-mcp
npm install
npm run setup
npm run buildnpm run setup saves TRELLO_API_KEY and TRELLO_TOKEN to .env.
Get credentials from Trello Power-Up Admin → API Key tab.
2. Pin boards to a project
From any project directory:
TRELLO_PROJECT_ROOT=/path/to/your/project npm run init-projectThis writes .trello-mcp.json:
{
"name": "my-app",
"boards": [
{ "id": "abc123", "name": "Sprint Board", "alias": "sprint", "default": true },
{ "id": "def456", "name": "Backlog", "alias": "backlog" }
]
}Safe to commit — board IDs only, no secrets.
3. Connect your AI client
Add to .mcp.json (Cursor / Claude Code) or your client's MCP config:
{
"mcpServers": {
"trello-mcp": {
"command": "node",
"args": ["/absolute/path/to/trello-mcp/dist/index.js"],
"cwd": "/absolute/path/to/your/project"
}
}
}Restart the client after saving.
See mcp-config.example.json for a copy-paste template.
Example prompts
"Show my project Trello overview"
"What's on the sprint board?"
"Search for auth bug in this project's boards"
"Create a card: Fix webhook retry"
"Mark the first checklist item complete on card X"
Tools
Project context
Tool | Description |
| Active project, configured boards, default board |
| All project boards → lists → cards |
Boards & lists
Tool | Description |
| Project boards (or all with |
| Board with lists and cards |
| Lists on a board |
| Recent board activity |
| Create a list |
Cards
Tool | Description |
| Cards assigned to you |
| Full card details |
| Cards in a list |
| Create a card |
| Update card fields / labels |
| Move card to another list |
| Archive a card |
| Search cards/boards |
Checklists & comments
Tool | Description |
| Add checklist to card |
| Add checklist item |
| Update text or completion |
| Delete checklist item |
| Add comment |
| List comments |
| Edit comment |
| Delete comment |
Board tools accept optional board (ID, alias, or name). When omitted, the project default is used.
Multi-project setup
One shared server install; each repo gets its own .trello-mcp.json:
OS | Shared server + |
Linux / macOS |
|
Windows |
|
SERVER_DIR/ → .env (credentials, once)
~/project-a/ → .trello-mcp.json (boards 1, 2)
~/project-b/ → .trello-mcp.json (boards 3, 4)Point each project's MCP config cwd at that project. The server picks up the right boards automatically.
Security
Never commit
.env— it contains your API token.trello-mcp.jsonis safe to commit (board IDs only)Revoke tokens anytime: Trello → Account → Applications
Development
npm run build
npm test
npm run devContributing
Issues and PRs are welcome. See CONTRIBUTING.md.
License
MIT — see LICENSE.
Available Tools
24 toolstrello_add_checklistC
Add a checklist to a card.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | ||
| cardId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description bears the full burden. It only states the action without disclosing side effects, permissions, idempotency, or return behavior. For a mutation tool, this is insufficient.
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 sentence, which is concise, but it is under-specified and provides minimal information. It earns its place by stating the core function but lacks depth.
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's simplicity and absence of output schema, the description is incomplete. It does not mention return value, error conditions, or parameter validity, leaving the agent without enough context to use it effectively.
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 0%, and the description does not explain what 'cardId' or 'name' represent. The description adds no meaningful context beyond the parameter names and types, failing to compensate for the lack of schema descriptions.
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 action ('add') and the resource ('checklist to a card'), providing a clear purpose. However, it does not distinguish from the sibling tool 'trello_add_checklist_item', which adds an item to an existing checklist, so differentiation is missing.
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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as 'trello_add_checklist_item' or 'trello_create_card'. There is no mention of prerequisites, conditions, or context for usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_add_checklist_itemC
Add an item to a checklist.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Yes | ||
| cardId | Yes | ||
| checklistId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; description only states action without disclosing side effects (e.g., appends item, updates card, permissions required) or output format.
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?
Extremely concise (7 words) but at expense of completeness. Front-loaded with purpose, but lacks parameter or context details that would fit in a few more sentences.
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?
Description fails to cover critical context: no output schema, no parameter hints, no behavioral details. Agent cannot determine return value or constraints for a 3-required-param tool.
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 has 3 params (text, cardId, checklistId) with 0% description coverage. Description adds no meaning beyond the names; agent cannot infer required format or purpose of each parameter.
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?
Description clearly states the verb (add) and resource (item to a checklist), distinguishing it from sibling tools like trello_add_checklist (add checklist) or trello_add_comment (add comment).
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., trello_update_checklist_item) or prerequisites (e.g., checklist must exist). Agent must infer usage from name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_add_commentC
Add a comment to a card.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Yes | ||
| cardId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description must bear the full burden. It only states 'add a comment' without disclosing any side effects, limitations, or behaviors such as character limits, formatting support, or whether the comment is appended. This is insufficient for an agent to understand the tool's behavior.
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, which is concise but lacks structure. While it avoids verbosity, it could benefit from additional details without becoming overly long. The front-loaded information is clear, but the overall value is minimal.
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's simplicity (2 required params, no output schema, no annotations), the description should still provide usage context like the format of the cardId, whether text supports Markdown, or any limitations. It is incomplete as it stands, leaving the agent with significant ambiguity.
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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain the parameters 'cardId' or 'text' beyond their existence. The agent gets no additional meaning about expected formats, valid values, or constraints. The description fails to compensate for the missing schema descriptions.
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 'add' and the resource 'comment to a card'. It distinguishes from siblings like trello_delete_comment and trello_update_comment, as well as other 'add' tools like trello_add_checklist. The purpose is immediately understandable.
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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as trello_update_comment or trello_delete_comment. It does not mention prerequisites like card existence or context for use.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_add_listC
Add a new list to a board.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| name | Yes | ||
| board | No | Board ID, alias, or name from .trello-mcp.json. Uses project default when omitted. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must disclose all behavioral traits, but it only states the basic action. It does not mention side effects, authorization needs, rate limits, or that adding a list is a permanent write operation.
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, concise sentence with no wasted words, but it lacks any structural elements like bullet points or sections that could aid readability. It is adequately terse but not highly organized.
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 two parameters (one undocumented) and no output schema, the description is too minimal. It does not explain how to use the board parameter, what happens on success, or any implications of adding a list, leaving significant gaps for an agent.
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 description adds no meaning beyond the input schema. The required 'name' parameter lacks any description in both the schema and the tool description. For 'board', the schema already describes it, so the description provides no extra value.
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 'Add a new list to a board' uses a specific verb and resource ('list' vs siblings like 'checklist' or 'comment') and clearly states the action and context, fully distinguishing it from other tools.
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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool vs alternatives like trello_create_card or trello_add_checklist. There is no mention of prerequisites, context, or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_archive_cardC
Archive a card.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, and description gives no behavioral info (e.g., irreversibility, permissions, side effects). Completely opaque.
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?
Single sentence is concise and front-loaded with purpose. Could be slightly expanded but efficient.
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?
With no output schema and minimal description, agent lacks sufficient context to understand return value or effect. Incomplete for a one-parameter tool.
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 0% and description does not explain the cardId parameter. No added value beyond schema structure.
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?
Description clearly states action (archive) and resource (card), distinguishing it from sibling tools. However, it lacks additional detail like moving to archive list.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like deleting or updating a card. No context for appropriate usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_create_cardC
Create a new card in a list.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| due | No | Due date in ISO 8601 format | |
| pos | No | ||
| desc | No | Card description | |
| name | Yes | Card title | |
| start | No | Start date in YYYY-MM-DD format | |
| listId | Yes | Target list ID | |
| labelIds | No | Label IDs to apply |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavior. It only states 'create a new card in a list' and omits details like default position, required permissions, or side effects.
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 very short but lacks substance. It is concise but does not earn its place with value-added information.
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 7 parameters and no output schema or annotations, the single-sentence description is completely inadequate. It does not explain return values, error conditions, or tool impact.
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 description coverage is high (86%), so the baseline is 3. The description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides.
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 action (create a new card) and the target (in a list). It is specific but does not differentiate from sibling tools like trello_add_checklist or trello_update_card.
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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor on prerequisites such as requiring an existing list ID.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_delete_checklist_itemC
Delete a checklist item.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardId | Yes | ||
| checkItemId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It only states 'Delete' without clarifying that the action is irreversible, destructive, or requires specific permissions. The minimal text adds no insight into side effects or safety.
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 sentence, highly concise with no unnecessary words. It efficiently communicates the core function, though slightly under-specified for 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?
Given the tool's simplicity (delete a checklist item) and no output schema, the description could still mention return value or confirmation. It is incomplete, lacking details on expected outcomes or error conditions.
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 description coverage is 0%, but the description does not explain the two required parameters ('cardId', 'checkItemId'). While parameter names are somewhat self-explanatory, the description adds no value beyond the schema, failing to clarify format or context.
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 'Delete a checklist item' uses a specific verb and resource, clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'trello_add_checklist_item' and 'trello_update_checklist_item'. The purpose is unambiguous.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives, such as updating instead of deleting, or any prerequisites like board membership. The description provides no context for appropriate usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_delete_commentC
Delete a comment.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| commentId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided. Description only states 'delete' without disclosing permissions, reversibility, or side effects. For a destructive action, this is insufficient.
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?
Extremely concise, but omits critical details. Every word counts, but opportunity to include essential context is missed. Merely adequate.
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?
No output schema, no parameter descriptions, no behavior details. For a single-param tool, description fails to provide enough context for correct invocation.
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?
Parameter commentId has no description in schema (0% coverage) and description adds no meaning. Agent cannot know what a valid commentId is or how to obtain it.
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?
Description 'Delete a comment.' clearly specifies the verb and resource, distinguishing it from siblings like 'trello_add_comment' and 'trello_update_comment'. No ambiguity.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives, no prerequisites or conditions mentioned. Agent must infer usage from tool name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_boardA
Get a board with open lists and cards. Uses project default board when board is omitted.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| board | No | Board ID, alias, or name from .trello-mcp.json. Uses project default when omitted. | |
| format | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so description carries full burden. It discloses that the tool returns open lists and cards, but does not mention read-only nature, authentication needs, or error handling. Adequate but not thorough.
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?
Two sentences, no extraneous information. Every word serves a purpose.
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?
For a simple retrieval tool with two optional parameters and no output schema, the description covers the main behavior and default usage. Missing details like return format assumptions, but sufficient for basic use.
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?
Description adds default behavior for 'board' parameter, which is already hinted in schema. No additional info on 'format' parameter. Schema coverage is 50%, so description partially compensates but not fully.
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?
Description clearly states 'Get a board with open lists and cards', specifying the verb and resource. It also mentions the default board behavior, distinguishing it from siblings like trello_get_card or trello_list_boards.
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?
Provides context on when to omit the board parameter (uses project default). Lacks explicit when-not-to-use or alternatives, but the purpose is clear enough for selection among siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_cardB
Get full card details including comments, checklists, members, and attachments.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardId | Yes | Trello card ID | |
| format | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavior. It indicates a read-only operation by stating 'Get full card details', but omits any mention of potential limitations, permissions required, rate limits, or whether the returned data is exhaustive. Minimal additional transparency beyond the basic action.
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?
Single, concise sentence that directly states the tool's purpose without superfluous words. Front-loaded with the essential information.
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's simplicity (2 params, no output schema), the description covers the return value moderately well by listing included items. However, it lacks usage guidance, behavioral details, and parameter semantics, leaving room for ambiguity about the full scope and usage 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?
Schema coverage is 50% (only cardId has a description). The description does not add meaning for the format parameter, and for cardId it merely paraphrases the schema. It fails to clarify acceptable values, where to obtain the ID, or how format affects output.
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?
Description clearly states the verb 'Get' and resource 'full card details', listing included attributes (comments, checklists, etc.). It effectively distinguishes from siblings like trello_get_card_comments (only comments) and trello_get_board (board-level).
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 use for retrieving comprehensive card details, but lacks explicit guidance on when to choose this over alternative tools (e.g., trello_get_card_comments for only comments). No when-not-to-use or prerequisites mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_card_commentsA
Get comments on a card without fetching full card data.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | ||
| cardId | Yes |
TDQS
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 implies a read-only operation but does not explicitly state idempotence, permissions, or error behavior. The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond the tool name.
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 sentence with no redundant words. It efficiently conveys the core function without any fluff.
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 low complexity (2 parameters, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate. However, it lacks details on return format, pagination, or ordering, which would help the agent fully understand the tool's behavior.
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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain any parameters. 'cardId' and 'limit' are not documented in the description, so the agent must rely solely on schema property names. The description adds no semantic value to the parameters.
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 uses a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('comments on a card'), and includes a distinguishing phrase ('without fetching full card data') that differentiates it from sibling tools like 'trello_get_card'.
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 clearly implies the tool is for fetching only comments, not the full card, providing a usage context. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use or list alternatives, which would make it a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_cards_in_listC
Get open cards in a list.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| listId | Yes | Trello list ID |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden but only states 'Get open cards', omitting details like return format, pagination, or whether archived/closed cards are excluded. This leaves significant behavioral gaps.
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 extremely concise with a single, front-loaded sentence. It could include more context without losing conciseness, but it is not overly verbose.
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 single parameter, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is incomplete. It fails to explain return values, filtering, or any limitations, making it insufficient for a complete understanding.
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%, so the baseline is 3 even without parameter details in the description. The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema's 'Trello list ID'.
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 tool retrieves open cards from a list, specifying the verb 'Get' and the resource 'open cards in a list'. However, it does not differentiate from similar tools like trello_get_card or trello_search, but the purpose is specific enough.
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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description lacks context such as prerequisites or scenarios where sibling tools might be more appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_meA
Verify your Trello connection and return the authenticated member profile.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations, but description accurately describes a simple read operation with no parameters, making behavioral expectations clear. No additional traits needed beyond what is stated.
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?
Single sentence is maximally concise, front-loads the key actions ('Verify', 'return'), and contains no extraneous information.
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 no parameters, no output schema, and low complexity, the description fully covers the tool's purpose and behavior. No gaps remain.
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?
No parameters exist; schema coverage is trivially 100%. Baseline of 4 for zero parameters applies, and description adds no extra parameter info (not needed).
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?
Description clearly states verb ('Verify', 'return') and resource ('Trello connection', 'authenticated member profile'), distinguishing it from sibling tools focused on boards, cards, or lists.
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?
Description implies use for verifying connectivity and retrieving profile, but lacks explicit guidance on when to use vs. alternatives. However, as the only tool for the authenticated user, context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_my_cardsB
List cards assigned to you. Optionally scoped to project boards.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| projectOnly | No | When true, only return cards on project boards |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It does not disclose if archived cards are included, ordering, rate limits, or authentication needs. Very brief.
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?
One concise sentence with no wasted words, but could be slightly more structured (e.g., listing functionality and parameters separately).
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?
Minimal but adequate for a simple read-only tool with one boolean parameter. Lacks explanation of who 'me' refers to and how cards are filtered, but acceptable given low complexity.
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% with a clear description for projectOnly. Tool description repeats the option, adding no new meaning beyond the 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 it lists cards assigned to the user, with an optional scope. It distinguishes from siblings like trello_get_card (single card) and trello_get_cards_in_list (cards in a specific list).
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 (list my cards, optionally scoped) but does not explicitly state when to prefer this over alternatives like trello_search or trello_get_cards_in_list.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_get_recent_activityB
Fetch recent activity on a board.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| board | No | Board ID, alias, or name from .trello-mcp.json. Uses project default when omitted. | |
| limit | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, yet the description omits crucial behavioral details such as whether this is read-only, what constitutes 'recent,' pagination limits, or output format. The agent has little insight into the tool's behavior.
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?
Extremely concise single sentence with no unnecessary words. Direct and to the point.
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 no annotations, no output schema, and only two parameters, the description should provide more context on what 'activity' includes, default behavior, and result structure. It is too minimal for an agent to use effectively.
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?
With 50% schema description coverage (board described, limit not), the description adds no parameter context. The 'limit' parameter lacks description entirely, and the tool description does not compensate for this gap.
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 tool fetches recent activity on a board, with a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from sibling tools that focus on cards, lists, or comments.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it does not clarify when to use this over trello_get_card_comments or trello_get_board for activity details.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_list_boardsB
List boards for the current context. With project config, returns only boards selected for this project.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| format | No | ||
| allBoards | No | List every open board on your account |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose all behavioral traits. It mentions context-dependent filtering but does not clarify the default behavior (e.g., what happens without project config), whether the operation is read-only, or any potential side effects. This is insufficient.
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 two sentences long, front-loads the verb, and contains no extraneous information. Every word serves a purpose.
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's low complexity (2 parameters, no output schema), the description covers the basic purpose and filtering behavior. However, it lacks information about the return format (e.g., what fields are included) and does not mention error conditions or prerequisites, leaving some gaps.
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 description coverage is 50% (allBoards has description). The tool description adds context about default filtering, but it does not enhance understanding of the 'format' parameter or explicitly tie the parameters to the described behavior. As a result, it provides only marginal added value beyond the 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 tool lists boards, with a specific nuance about project config filtering, distinguishing it from sibling tools like trello_get_board (single board) and trello_search. However, 'current context' is somewhat vague.
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 the tool is for listing boards in the current context or project-specific boards, but it does not explicitly state when to use this versus alternatives like trello_list_lists or trello_search, nor does it provide exclusion criteria.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_list_listsA
List open lists on a board.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| board | No | Board ID, alias, or name from .trello-mcp.json. Uses project default when omitted. |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavior. It only states it lists open lists, but omits details such as read-only nature, error handling for missing boards, or output format. Minimal transparency beyond the action itself.
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?
One sentence of 6 words with no superfluous content. Efficient and front-loaded.
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 no annotations and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate but lacks details on output structure, side effects, or edge cases. For a simple read tool, it is functional but could be more informative.
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 description coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'board', which already explains its usage. The tool description adds no further meaning, meeting the baseline expectation.
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 'List open lists on a board' uses a specific verb ('List'), resource ('open lists'), and context ('on a board'), clearly distinguishing it from siblings like trello_add_list (adds a list) and trello_get_cards_in_list (gets cards).
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?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. While the description implies it is for retrieving list names/IDs, it does not mention when not to use it or provide specific scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_move_cardC
Move a card to another list.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| cardId | Yes | ||
| listId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description omits behavioral traits such as side effects (e.g., card removal from previous list), permission requirements, or rate limits. The description is too minimal to inform agent behavior.
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 very concise (one sentence) but lacks structure such as front-loading key details or separating logical sections. It earns its place but could be more informative.
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 no output schema, no annotations, and minimal description, the tool definition is incomplete. The agent receives no information about return values, error conditions, or usage restrictions.
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% description coverage for its two parameters (cardId, listId). The description does not explain the parameters or their usage, leaving the agent without necessary context.
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 tool's action: moving a card to another list. It uses a specific verb ('Move') and resource ('card to another list'), and distinguishes it from sibling tools like archive, create, or update.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., update_card, archive_card). The description does not provide context for selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_project_infoA
Show the active project, configured boards, aliases, and default board from .trello-mcp.json.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It states what is shown but does not disclose potential behavior if the config file is missing, auth requirements, or that the tool is read-only. No contradictions but lacks thoroughness.
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?
Single sentence, no repetition, front-loads key information. Every word adds value; no waste.
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?
No output schema provided. The description covers what is shown but does not specify the output format (e.g., JSON structure). For a simple info tool, this is adequate but could be more complete.
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?
No parameters (0 params, schema coverage 100%). Baseline 4 applies. The description adds context about the output content, which is sufficient for this parameterless tool.
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 tool shows the active project, configured boards, aliases, and default board from a specific config file. It uses a specific verb ('show') and identifies distinct resources, differentiating it from sibling tools that perform CRUD operations on Trello entities.
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?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like trello_list_boards or trello_project_overview. The usage is implied (view configuration), but the description lacks when-not-to-use or alternative recommendations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_project_overviewB
Dashboard view of all boards configured for this project, including lists and card titles.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| format | No | Output format (default: json) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description discloses that it returns boards, lists, and card titles. However, with no annotations, it should also mention that it is a read operation (implied but not stated), any size limits, or how 'project' is defined. Moderate transparency.
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?
Single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the key information. No unnecessary words or filler.
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?
For a simple tool with one optional parameter and no output schema, the description is sufficiently complete. It covers the main components (boards, lists, card titles) and the dash board nature. Slightly lacks explicit read-only indication.
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 only parameter 'format' is fully described in the schema (enum json/markdown). The description adds no extra semantic value beyond what the schema provides. Baseline 3 for 100% 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 provides a 'dashboard view' of all boards for the project, including lists and card titles. It distinguishes from siblings like trello_get_board (single board) and trello_list_boards (list of boards only). However, it lacks an explicit verb like 'retrieve' or 'list', and 'dashboard view' is slightly vague.
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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus the many sibling tools (e.g., trello_get_board for a specific board, trello_get_cards_in_list for a specific list). An explicit statement of scope and alternatives would be helpful.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_searchC
Search cards and boards. Scoped to project boards by default when configured.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| board | No | Optional single board alias/ID | |
| query | Yes | ||
| allProjectBoards | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It does not disclose whether the tool is read-only, required permissions, response format, pagination, or filtering details. The sparse description leaves agents uninformed about behavioral traits beyond the basic search action.
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 very concise (two short sentences) with no wasted words. However, conciseness comes at the cost of missing important details, making it only moderately effective. Every sentence serves a purpose but coverage is thin.
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?
No output schema and no annotations. The description provides basic search intent but lacks completeness: no return format, no mention of what fields are searched (names, descriptions), no parameters guidance, and no behavioral details. For a search tool with three parameters, this is inadequate.
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 only 33% (board described), and the description adds no meaning to parameters. It does not explain query syntax, board alias details, or allProjectBoards usage. For a search tool with three parameters, the description fails to compensate for low schema 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 states the verb 'Search' and resources 'cards and boards', making the purpose clear. However, it does not differentiate from siblings like trello_get_card, trello_list_boards, or trello_list_lists, which also access cards/boards. The phrase 'Scoped to project boards by default' adds context but not distinction.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description only mentions default scoping but does not explain when to prefer search over specific retrieval tools (e.g., get_card, list_boards). No exclusions or prerequisites are stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_update_cardB
Update a card (name, description, due date, labels, list, archive state).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| due | No | ||
| desc | No | ||
| name | No | ||
| start | No | ||
| cardId | Yes | ||
| closed | No | ||
| listId | No | ||
| labelIds | No | ||
| dueComplete | No |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, yet the description fails to reveal behavioral traits such as idempotency, side effects, or authorization needs. It does not state what happens to omitted fields or the response format.
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?
Single sentence, efficient, and front-loaded. While concise, it could expand slightly on behavior without losing brevity.
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 9 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description provides a basic overview but lacks details on return value, error states, and full parameter list. Adequate but not comprehensive.
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 0%, so description must compensate. It lists seven of nine parameters but omits 'start' and 'dueComplete', and does not explain the format or constraints for any parameter beyond their names. Minimal value added.
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 explicitly states 'Update a card' and lists specific fields (name, description, due date, labels, list, archive state), making it clear what the tool does and distinguishing it from creation or deletion tools.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus siblings like trello_archive_card or trello_move_card, which could be used for subset actions. No when-not-to-use or prerequisite information.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_update_checklist_itemC
Update a checklist item (text or completion state).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | No | ||
| cardId | Yes | ||
| complete | No | ||
| checkItemId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description only states the action without disclosing side effects, permissions, idempotency, or error behavior. For a mutation tool, this lack of behavioral detail is a significant gap.
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, which is concise but sacrifices completeness. It is appropriately front-loaded, but the brevity leaves out essential details, making it merely adequate rather than well-structured.
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 no annotations, no output schema, and 4 parameters with 0% schema description coverage, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain return values, error handling, or required data; agents would struggle to invoke correctly without additional 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?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It vaguely mentions 'text or completion state' but does not explain the purpose of 'cardId' and 'checkItemId' (required identifiers) or how 'complete' and 'text' relate. The description adds minimal value beyond parameter names.
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 updates a checklist item, specifically text or completion state, using the verb 'Update' and resource 'checklist item'. It conveys the core function but doesn't explicitly differentiate from siblings like 'trello_add_checklist_item' or 'trello_delete_checklist_item'.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. There is no mention of prerequisites, context, or when not to use it. The description leaves the agent to infer usage from the name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
trello_update_commentC
Update an existing comment.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| text | Yes | ||
| commentId | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It only states 'Update an existing comment,' implying existence but not disclosing failure behavior, side effects, or whether the update is partial or full replacement. Minimal behavioral context.
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 only 4 words, which is too brief to be effective. While concise, it sacrifices essential information and feels underspecified rather than efficiently informative.
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 no output schema, no annotations, and 0% parameter coverage, the description is far from complete. For a simple update operation, it lacks critical details about expected input format, error conditions, and return values.
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 0% (no descriptions for parameters). The description adds zero meaning beyond the schema. It does not explain that 'text' is the new comment text or that 'commentId' identifies the target comment.
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 action ('Update') and resource ('an existing comment'), differentiating it from siblings like trello_add_comment and trello_delete_comment. However, it does not specify which fields can be updated beyond what the schema implies.
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?
No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. No conditions, prerequisites, or exclusions are provided. The description does not help an agent decide when to update vs. add or delete a comment.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
24 tool updates
v1.0.0- First observed
trello_add_checklist - First observed
trello_add_checklist_item - First observed
trello_add_comment - First observed
trello_add_list - First observed
trello_archive_card - First observed
trello_create_card - First observed
trello_delete_checklist_item - First observed
trello_delete_comment - First observed
trello_get_board - First observed
trello_get_card - First observed
trello_get_card_comments - First observed
trello_get_cards_in_list - First observed
trello_get_me - First observed
trello_get_my_cards - First observed
trello_get_recent_activity - First observed
trello_list_boards - First observed
trello_list_lists - First observed
trello_move_card - First observed
trello_project_info - First observed
trello_project_overview - First observed
trello_search - First observed
trello_update_card - First observed
trello_update_checklist_item - First observed
trello_update_comment
TDQS
Scored across 24 tools
Each tool targets a distinct action or resource: get, list, create, update, delete, move, search, etc. There is no overlap; even similar tools like get_card and get_card_comments are clearly differentiated by purpose.
All tools follow the consistent pattern trello_{verb}_{noun} (e.g., trello_add_checklist, trello_get_card, trello_list_boards). No mixed conventions or unclear abbreviations.
24 tools is on the higher side but justified given the breadth of Trello's API (boards, lists, cards, checklists, comments, search, project config). Each tool serves a clear purpose, though some could be combined.
Covers core CRUD operations for boards, lists, cards, checklists, and comments, plus search and project management. Missing board creation/deletion, but these are less common in typical MCP workflows.
Maintenance
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