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appstate

Show the foreground app or activity on a connected device. Identify the currently running application for debugging or automation.

Instructions

Show foreground app or activity.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
cwdNoWorking directory for command execution.
udidNoiOS device UDID selector.
debugNoEnable debug diagnostics.
runIdNoLease run identifier.
deviceNoDevice name selector.
serialNoAndroid serial selector.
targetNoAlias for deviceTarget on commands without a UI target field. Interaction commands reserve target for the UI element.
tenantNoRemote tenant identifier.
leaseIdNoExisting lease identifier.
sessionNoAgent-device session name.
platformNoPlatform selector used to resolve a device.
stateDirNoAgent-device state directory.
includeCostNoInclude per-command agent-cost (cost.wallClockMs, …) in structuredContent. Defaults to off; the default response shape is unchanged.
deviceTargetNoDevice target form. Maps to the CLI --target flag.
daemonBaseUrlNoRemote daemon base URL.
responseLevelNoResponse verbosity: token-cheap digest / default (today) / full. Defaults to default; the default response shape is unchanged.
daemonAuthTokenNoRemote daemon auth token.
iosXctestEnvDirNoWritable directory for iOS XCTest runner env overlays.
mcpOutputFormatNoMCP text content format. Defaults to optimized agent-friendly text; use json for JSON text. Structured content is always returned separately.
iosXctestrunFileNoExternally built iOS XCTest runner .xctestrun artifact path.
iosSimulatorDeviceSetNoiOS simulator device-set path used for device resolution.
androidDeviceAllowlistNoAndroid serial allowlist used for device resolution.
iosXctestDerivedDataPathNoDerived data path for external iOS XCTest runner execution.

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, description carries full burden but only states 'Show foreground app or activity'. Does not disclose platform behavior, permission requirements, or whether it triggers side effects. Minimal transparency.

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?

Single sentence, no waste. Could benefit from additional context, but remains efficient and front-loaded.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness2/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Despite 23 parameters and output schema available, description does not explain return values or parameter relevance. Leaves agents uninformed about which parameters to use for typical scenarios.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. Description adds no extra parameter meaning beyond schema. Parameter descriptions in schema are adequate but not enriched by tool description.

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?

Description uses specific verb 'Show' and resource 'foreground app or activity', clearly stating the tool's function. It is distinct from sibling tools like 'apps' and 'app-switcher'.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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., 'apps' for listing apps, 'snapshot' for UI state). No exclusion criteria or prerequisites mentioned.

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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