Lists files and directories at a specified path, defaulting to home, so MCP agents can inspect local directory contents before shell commands or file reads.
List files and directories in a path.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| path | No | Directory path (default: home) |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It says nothing about whether listing is recursive, whether hidden files are included, whether output is paginated, or what metadata accompanies each entry. For a filesystem read tool this is a notable 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?
A single short sentence with the verb and scope front-loaded and zero filler. Nothing could be removed without losing meaning.
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 one-parameter read tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description is minimally sufficient, but it omits recursion behavior, hidden-file handling, and result shape — details an agent needs to interpret the listing correctly.
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 single 'path' parameter already documents its default of 'home'. The description's 'in a path' adds no syntax or format detail beyond the schema, so the baseline of 3 applies.
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?
States a specific verb ('List') and resource ('files and directories') scoped to a path, so the core operation is unambiguous. However, it does nothing to distinguish itself from the sibling 'search_files', which an agent could easily confuse with plain listing.
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 offers no guidance on when to use this versus 'search_files' or 'read_file', nor any prerequisites. Usage must be inferred entirely from the name and resource.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.