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zencoderai

Slack

by zencoderai

slack-mcp-server

Disclaimer

This project includes code originally developed by Anthropic and released under the MIT License. Substantial modifications and new functionality have been added by For Good AI Inc. (dba Zencoder Inc.), and are licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0.

Related MCP server: Slack MCP Server

Overview

A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for interacting with Slack workspaces. This server provides tools to list channels, post messages, reply to threads, add reactions, get channel history, and manage users.

Available Tools

  1. slack_list_channels

    • List public or pre-defined channels in the workspace

    • Optional inputs:

      • limit (number, default: 100, max: 200): Maximum number of channels to return

      • cursor (string): Pagination cursor for next page

    • Returns: List of channels with their IDs and information

  2. slack_post_message

    • Post a new message to a Slack channel

    • Required inputs:

      • channel_id (string): The ID of the channel to post to

      • text (string): The message text to post

    • Returns: Message posting confirmation and timestamp

  3. slack_reply_to_thread

    • Reply to a specific message thread

    • Required inputs:

      • channel_id (string): The channel containing the thread

      • thread_ts (string): Timestamp of the parent message

      • text (string): The reply text

    • Returns: Reply confirmation and timestamp

  4. slack_add_reaction

    • Add an emoji reaction to a message

    • Required inputs:

      • channel_id (string): The channel containing the message

      • timestamp (string): Message timestamp to react to

      • reaction (string): Emoji name without colons

    • Returns: Reaction confirmation

  5. slack_get_channel_history

    • Get recent messages from a channel

    • Required inputs:

      • channel_id (string): The channel ID

    • Optional inputs:

      • limit (number, default: 10): Number of messages to retrieve

    • Returns: List of messages with their content and metadata

  6. slack_get_thread_replies

    • Get all replies in a message thread

    • Required inputs:

      • channel_id (string): The channel containing the thread

      • thread_ts (string): Timestamp of the parent message

    • Returns: List of replies with their content and metadata

  7. slack_get_users

    • Get list of workspace users with basic profile information

    • Optional inputs:

      • cursor (string): Pagination cursor for next page

      • limit (number, default: 100, max: 200): Maximum users to return

    • Returns: List of users with their basic profiles

  8. slack_get_user_profile

    • Get detailed profile information for a specific user

    • Required inputs:

      • user_id (string): The user's ID

    • Returns: Detailed user profile information

Slack Bot Setup

To use this MCP server, you need to create a Slack app and configure it with the necessary permissions:

1. Create a Slack App

  • Visit the Slack Apps page

  • Click "Create New App"

  • Choose "From scratch"

  • Name your app and select your workspace

2. Configure Bot Token Scopes

Navigate to "OAuth & Permissions" and add these scopes:

  • channels:history - View messages and other content in public channels

  • channels:read - View basic channel information

  • chat:write - Send messages as the app

  • reactions:write - Add emoji reactions to messages

  • users:read - View users and their basic information

  • users.profile:read - View detailed profiles about users

3. Install App to Workspace

  • Click "Install to Workspace" and authorize the app

  • Save the "Bot User OAuth Token" that starts with xoxb-

4. Get Your Team ID

Get your Team ID (starts with a T) by following this guidance

5. Add Bot to Channels (Optional)

For the bot to access private channels or to post messages, you may need to invite it to specific channels using /invite @your-bot-name

Features

  • Multiple Transport Support: Supports both stdio and Streamable HTTP transports

  • Modern MCP SDK: Updated to use the latest MCP SDK (v1.13.2) with modern APIs

  • Comprehensive Slack Integration: Full set of Slack operations including:

    • List channels (with predefined channel support)

    • Post messages

    • Reply to threads

    • Add reactions

    • Get channel history

    • Get thread replies

    • List users

    • Get user profiles

Installation

Local Development

npm install
npm run build

Global Installation (NPM)

npm install -g @zencoderai/slack-mcp-server

Docker Installation

# Build the Docker image locally
docker build -t slack-mcp-server .

# Or pull from Docker Hub
docker pull zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest

# Or pull a specific version
docker pull zencoderai/slack-mcp:1.0.0

Configuration

Set the following environment variables:

export SLACK_BOT_TOKEN="xoxb-your-bot-token"
export SLACK_TEAM_ID="your-team-id"
export SLACK_CHANNEL_IDS="channel1,channel2,channel3"  # Optional: predefined channels
export AUTH_TOKEN="your-auth-token"  # Optional: Bearer token for HTTP authorization (Streamable HTTP transport only)

Usage

Command Line Options

slack-mcp [options]

Options:
  --transport <type>     Transport type: 'stdio' or 'http' (default: stdio)
  --port <number>        Port for HTTP server when using Streamable HTTP transport (default: 3000)
  --token <token>        Bearer token for HTTP authorization (optional, can also use AUTH_TOKEN env var)
  --help, -h             Show this help message

Local Usage Examples

Using the slack-mcp command (after global installation)

# Use stdio transport (default)
slack-mcp

# Use stdio transport explicitly
slack-mcp --transport stdio

# Use Streamable HTTP transport on default port 3000
slack-mcp --transport http

# Use Streamable HTTP transport on custom port
slack-mcp --transport http --port 8080

# Use Streamable HTTP transport with custom auth token
slack-mcp --transport http --token mytoken

# Use Streamable HTTP transport with auth token from environment variable
AUTH_TOKEN=mytoken slack-mcp --transport http

Using node directly (for development)

# Use stdio transport (default)
node dist/index.js

# Use stdio transport explicitly
node dist/index.js --transport stdio

# Use Streamable HTTP transport on default port 3000
node dist/index.js --transport http

# Use Streamable HTTP transport on custom port
node dist/index.js --transport http --port 8080

# Use Streamable HTTP transport with custom auth token
node dist/index.js --transport http --token mytoken

# Use Streamable HTTP transport with auth token from environment variable
AUTH_TOKEN=mytoken node dist/index.js --transport http

Docker Usage Examples

Using Docker directly

# Run with stdio transport (default)
docker run --rm \
  -e SLACK_BOT_TOKEN="xoxb-your-bot-token" \
  -e SLACK_TEAM_ID="your-team-id" \
  zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest

# Run with HTTP transport on port 3000
docker run --rm -p 3000:3000 \
  -e SLACK_BOT_TOKEN="xoxb-your-bot-token" \
  -e SLACK_TEAM_ID="your-team-id" \
  zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest --transport http

# Run with HTTP transport on custom port
docker run --rm -p 8080:8080 \
  -e SLACK_BOT_TOKEN="xoxb-your-bot-token" \
  -e SLACK_TEAM_ID="your-team-id" \
  zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest --transport http --port 8080

# Run with custom auth token
docker run --rm -p 3000:3000 \
  -e SLACK_BOT_TOKEN="xoxb-your-bot-token" \
  -e SLACK_TEAM_ID="your-team-id" \
  -e AUTH_TOKEN="mytoken" \
  zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest --transport http

Using Docker Compose

Create a docker-compose.yml file:

version: '3.8'

services:
  slack-mcp:
    # Use published image:
    image: zencoderai/slack-mcp:latest
    # Or build locally:
    # build: .
    environment:
      - SLACK_BOT_TOKEN=xoxb-your-bot-token
      - SLACK_TEAM_ID=your-team-id
      - SLACK_CHANNEL_IDS=channel1,channel2,channel3  # Optional
      - AUTH_TOKEN=your-auth-token  # Optional for HTTP transport
    ports:
      - "3000:3000"  # Only needed for HTTP transport
    command: ["--transport", "http"]  # Optional: specify transport type
    restart: unless-stopped

Then run:

# Start the service
docker compose up -d

# View logs
docker compose logs -f slack-mcp

# Stop the service
docker compose down

Transport Types

Stdio Transport

  • Use case: Command-line tools and direct integrations

  • Communication: Standard input/output streams

  • Default: Yes

Streamable HTTP Transport

  • Use case: Remote servers and web-based integrations

  • Communication: HTTP POST requests with optional Server-Sent Events streams

  • Features:

    • Session management

    • Bidirectional communication

    • Resumable connections

    • RESTful API endpoints

    • Bearer token authentication

Authentication (Streamable HTTP Transport Only)

When using Streamable HTTP transport, the server supports Bearer token authentication:

  1. Command Line: Use --token <token> to specify a custom token

  2. Environment Variable: Set AUTH_TOKEN=<token> as a fallback

  3. Auto-generated: If neither is provided, a random token is generated

The command line option takes precedence over the environment variable. Include the token in HTTP requests using the Authorization: Bearer <token> header.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter permission errors, verify that:

  1. All required scopes are added to your Slack app

  2. The app is properly installed to your workspace

  3. The tokens and workspace ID are correctly copied to your configuration

  4. The app has been added to the channels it needs to access

Development

Build

npm run build

Watch Mode

npm run watch

API Endpoints (Streamable HTTP Transport)

When using Streamable HTTP transport, the server exposes the following endpoints:

  • POST /mcp - Client-to-server communication

  • GET /mcp - Server-to-client notifications (Server-Sent Events streams)

  • DELETE /mcp - Session termination

Changes from Previous Version

  • Updated MCP SDK: Upgraded from v1.0.1 to v1.13.2

  • Modern API: Migrated from low-level Server class to high-level McpServer class

  • Zod Validation: Added proper schema validation using Zod

  • Transport Flexibility: Added support for Streamable HTTP transport

  • Command Line Interface: Added CLI arguments for transport selection

  • Session Management: Implemented proper session handling for HTTP transport

  • Better Error Handling: Improved error handling and logging

Available Tools

8 tools
slack_add_reactionAdd Slack ReactionB

Add a reaction emoji to a message

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channel_idYesThe ID of the channel containing the message
timestampYesThe timestamp of the message to react to
reactionYesThe name of the emoji reaction (without ::)

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations provided, so the description must cover behavioral traits. It only states the action without disclosing idempotency, error handling, or what happens if the reaction already exists.

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?

The description is a single clear sentence, front-loaded and to the point. Could be slightly more informative without harming conciseness.

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

Completeness3/5

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

For a simple tool with no output schema, the description provides basic understanding but lacks details on return values or error states.

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 coverage is 100% and the description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema. Baseline is 3.

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 clearly states the action (Add) and resource (reaction emoji to a message). It is distinct from sibling tools, which involve reading channels or posting messages.

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. The description does not specify prerequisites or when not to use it.

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

slack_get_channel_historyGet Slack Channel HistoryC

Get recent messages from a channel

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channel_idYesThe ID of the channel
limitNoNumber of messages to retrieve (default 10)

TDQS

C2.9/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

The description merely says 'get recent messages', which implies a read-only operation but does not explicitly confirm that no state is changed. It lacks details about return format, ordering (e.g., chronological or reverse), pagination, or metadata included. With no annotations, the description carries full burden but fails to disclose important behavioral traits.

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?

The description consists of a single, short sentence that is front-loaded and to the point. However, it may be overly terse, missing an opportunity to add value without significant length. Still, it avoids redundancy and wasted words.

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?

Given the absence of an output schema, the description should explain what 'recent messages' means (e.g., time window, ordering) and whether pagination is supported. It does not address these aspects, leaving the agent without sufficient context to use the tool effectively. Sibling tools suggest more detailed descriptions might be needed.

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?

Input schema has 100% description coverage, so the schema already explains both parameters. The description adds no additional meaning for the parameters beyond what they already have. Therefore, the baseline score of 3 is appropriate, as it neither improves nor degrades parameter understanding.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states that the tool retrieves recent messages from a channel, which matches the name and title. It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'slack_get_thread_replies' or 'slack_add_reaction', as it explicitly targets channel history. However, it could be more specific about the resource (e.g., 'get messages' instead of 'get channel history').

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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it doesn't specify that this tool should be used for channel messages rather than thread replies (handled by 'slack_get_thread_replies'). There are no context conditions or exclusions mentioned.

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

slack_get_thread_repliesGet Slack Thread RepliesA

Get all replies in a message thread

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channel_idYesThe ID of the channel containing the thread
thread_tsYesThe timestamp of the parent message in the format '1234567890.123456'. Timestamps in the format without the period can be converted by adding the period such that 6 numbers come after it.

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

No annotations are provided. The description accurately describes a read operation but does not disclose any behavioral traits such as rate limits, pagination, or permissions needed. It is minimal but correct.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is a single, clear sentence with no redundant information. It is appropriately sized and front-loaded.

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

Completeness3/5

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

With no output schema, the description does not explain the return format. For such a simple tool, it is adequate but could be improved by noting what is returned (e.g., array of replies).

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?

Both parameters are fully described in the input schema (100% coverage). The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, so the baseline score of 3 applies.

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?

The description directly states 'Get all replies in a message thread', which is a specific verb and resource. It clearly distinguishes from sibling tools like slack_reply_to_thread which is for posting replies.

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?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. There is no mention of prerequisites or scenarios where this tool is appropriate.

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

slack_get_user_profileGet Slack User ProfileB

Get detailed profile information for a specific user

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
user_idYesThe ID of the user

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only says 'get detailed profile information' without mentioning authentication, rate limits, or what constitutes 'detailed profile'. This is insufficient for an agent to understand implications.

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?

The description is a single sentence with no wasted words. However, it lacks depth and could be more informative while remaining concise.

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?

Given no output schema and no annotations, the description is insufficiently complete. It doesn't explain what fields the profile contains, any limitations, or the return format, leaving the agent uninformed.

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 coverage is 100% with one parameter described as 'The ID of the user'. The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so it meets the baseline of 3.

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?

The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and the resource 'detailed profile information for a specific user', distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'slack_get_users' (which lists users) and messaging tools. It is specific and unambiguous.

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?

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as 'slack_get_users' for a list of users. There is no mention of context, prerequisites, or when not to use it.

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

slack_get_usersGet Slack UsersA

Get a list of all users in the workspace with their basic profile information

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
cursorNoPagination cursor for next page of results
limitNoMaximum number of users to return (default 100, max 200)

TDQS

A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It states 'Get' which is read-only, but it does not mention pagination (evident from schema), rate limits, or data freshness. For a list tool, this is minimal disclosure.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

One sentence with no redundant information. It is front-loaded with the action and resource, making it efficient.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given no output schema, the description could explain what 'basic profile information' includes. It does not, leaving some ambiguity. Additionally, without annotations, it should mention authentication requirements, but that is standard. Overall adequate but not complete.

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 the description does not need to add parameter details beyond what the schema provides. However, it adds no additional context about how to use cursor or limit effectively.

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?

The description clearly states the action 'Get', the resource 'a list of all users', and the scope 'in the workspace with their basic profile information'. This is specific and distinguishes it from siblings like slack_get_user_profile.

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description does not explicitly state when to use this tool vs alternatives (e.g., slack_get_user_profile for a single user). Usage context is implied but not guided, and there are no exclusions or when-not-to-use hints.

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

slack_list_channelsList Slack ChannelsB

List public and private channels that the bot is a member of, or pre-defined channels in the workspace with pagination

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMaximum number of channels to return (default 100, max 200)
cursorNoPagination cursor for next page of results

TDQS

B3.4/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Discloses that it lists channels the bot is a member of or pre-defined channels, and mentions pagination. However, no annotations exist, and the description does not state side effects, required permissions, or rate limits. As a read operation, it should explicitly note it does not modify state.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

Single sentence, no redundancy, efficiently packs core information: what is listed and pagination support. Front-loaded with verb and resource.

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

Completeness4/5

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

For a simple list tool with 2 parameters and no output schema, the description covers key scope and pagination. Missing details about return fields, but this is not critical given the tool's straightforward nature.

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 coverage is 100% with clear descriptions for limit and cursor. The description adds 'pre-defined channels' context but does not enhance understanding of parameters beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose4/5

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

Clearly states it lists public and private channels with pagination, specifying scope (bot member or pre-defined). Does not explicitly differentiate from siblings but the verb 'list' and resource 'channels' are distinct from other tools like posting messages or getting history.

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. For example, if an agent needs to find a channel by name or get all channels in workspace, this description does not clarify limitations or suggest other tools.

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

slack_post_messagePost Slack MessageB

Post a new message to a Slack channel or direct message to user

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channel_idYesThe ID of the channel or user to post to
textYesThe message text to post

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

The description only states the basic action and target, failing to disclose behavioral traits like required permissions, message formatting, character limits, or whether the operation is reversible. With no annotations, the description carries the full burden and does not provide sufficient transparency.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is a single, clear sentence with no unnecessary words or repetition. It is appropriately concise.

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

Completeness3/5

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

Given the simple nature of the tool and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate but does not explain return values, error handling, or any side effects. For a tool with no annotations, more context would be beneficial.

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 coverage is 100%, with descriptions for both channel_id and text in the schema. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, so baseline 3 is appropriate.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the verb 'post', resource 'message', and target 'Slack channel or direct message to user'. It distinguishes the action from other tools like slack_reply_to_thread but does not explicitly differentiate.

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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as slack_reply_to_thread for thread replies or slack_add_reaction for adding reactions.

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

slack_reply_to_threadReply to Slack ThreadB

Reply to a specific message thread in Slack

ParametersJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
channel_idYesThe ID of the channel containing the thread
thread_tsYesThe timestamp of the parent message in the format '1234567890.123456'. Timestamps in the format without the period can be converted by adding the period such that 6 numbers come after it.
textYesThe reply text

TDQS

B3.1/5.0
Behavior2/5

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

No behavioral traits beyond the action are disclosed. Without annotations, the description should mention permissions, rate limits, or error behavior, but it does not. The description adds no value beyond the input schema.

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?

The description is a single, front-loaded sentence that efficiently states the purpose. It could be slightly more informative without losing conciseness.

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?

The description does not mention return values or error handling. Since there is no output schema, the user/agent lacks context on what the tool returns (e.g., reply timestamp). Missing completeness for a write operation.

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 input schema covers all three parameters with descriptions (100% coverage). The description adds no new meaning; the baseline of 3 is appropriate.

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?

The description clearly states the verb 'Reply' and the resource 'message thread', distinguishing it from siblings like slack_post_message (new message) and slack_get_thread_replies (reading replies).

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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives (e.g., slack_post_message for new messages or slack_get_thread_replies for reading replies). The description lacks any usage context.

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.

  1. 8 tool updatesv1.0.0
    • Changedslack_add_reaction2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_get_channel_history2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_get_thread_replies2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_get_user_profile2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_get_users2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_list_channels2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_post_message2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
    • Changedslack_reply_to_thread2 fields changed
      • addedInput schema / $schema
        Added value: +"http://json-schema.org/draft-07/schema#"
      • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
        Added value: +false
  2. 8 tool updates
    • First observedslack_add_reaction
    • First observedslack_get_channel_history
    • First observedslack_get_thread_replies
    • First observedslack_get_user_profile
    • First observedslack_get_users
    • First observedslack_list_channels
    • First observedslack_post_message
    • First observedslack_reply_to_thread

TDQS

A3.6/5.0

Scored across 8 tools

Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a clearly distinct purpose: reacting, reading history, threads, user info, channels, posting, and replying. No overlap or ambiguity.

Naming Consistency5/5

All tools follow a consistent verb_noun pattern with a 'slack_' prefix (e.g., slack_post_message, slack_list_channels). No mixing of styles.

Tool Count5/5

8 tools is well-scoped for a Slack MCP server, covering essential operations without being too many or too few.

Completeness4/5

Core CRUD for messaging and user info is covered. Minor gaps exist (e.g., editing/deleting messages, creating channels), but the surface is sufficient for typical workflow.

Maintenance

ActivityInactive
ResponsivenessUnresponsive

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