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appstate

Get the current foreground app or activity from a real device, enabling agents to know which application is active in the UI.

Instructions

Show foreground app/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 device or Vega VVD 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 provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does not state whether the command is read-only, requires specific permissions, or how it behaves on different platforms, which is critical for a device introspection tool.

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

Conciseness3/5

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

The description is a single short sentence, which is concise, but it omits essential context and is under-specified. It does not front-load key details about the tool's purpose or behavior, making it less useful than a slightly longer, more informative description.

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 having an output schema and extensive parameter documentation, the description fails to explain what the tool does beyond the name. The lack of behavioral details and usage context makes it incomplete for an agent to effectively select and invoke this tool.

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?

The schema covers all 23 parameters with descriptions, including selector choices like 'device' and 'platform'. Since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline is 3, and the description adds minimal extra meaning beyond what the schema provides.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose2/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description 'Show foreground app/activity' is a terse verb+resource statement with minimal detail. It lacks any indication of how it relates to sibling tools or what specific output it provides, making it difficult to distinguish from other device inspection tools.

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 is given on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention any prerequisites, limitations, or scenarios where this tool is preferred, leaving the agent without clear usage direction.

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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