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backlog_list

List backlog tasks filtered by status, type, epic, or parent. Returns most recently updated items first, showing active work by default with a configurable limit.

Instructions

List tasks from backlog. Returns most recently updated items first. Default: shows only active work (open/in_progress/blocked), limited to 20 items. Use counts=true to check if more items exist beyond the limit.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
statusNoFilter by status. Options: open, in_progress, blocked, done, cancelled. Default: [open, in_progress, blocked]. Pass ["done"] to see completed work.
typeNoFilter by type. Options: task, epic, folder, artifact, milestone. Default: returns all.
epic_idNoFilter tasks belonging to a specific epic. Example: epic_id="EPIC-0001"
parent_idNoFilter items by parent. Example: parent_id="FLDR-0001"
queryNoSearch across all task fields (title, description, evidence, references, etc.). Case-insensitive substring matching.
countsNoInclude global counts { total_tasks, total_epics, by_status, by_type } alongside results. Use this to detect if more items exist beyond the limit. Default: false
limitNoMax items to return. Default: 20. Increase if you need to see more items (e.g., limit=100 to list all epics).
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations given, so description carries full burden. Discloses ordering (most recent first), default filters, and pagination check. Read-only implication clear, though no mention of auth or rate limits.

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?

Extremely concise, two sentences front-loading purpose and defaults. No wasted words.

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?

Covers main behavior, defaults, and pagination tips. With 7 parameters and no output schema, additional context for other filters is not needed as schema is 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 covers 100% of parameters with descriptions. Description adds ordering and pagination hint, but repeats schema defaults for status and limit. Marginal additional value.

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 'List tasks from backlog' with specific verb and resource. It adds ordering and default filters, but does not differentiate from sibling 'backlog_search', missing explicit distinction.

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?

Provides usage hints like default status filter and pagination with counts, but lacks explicit when-to-use vs alternatives like 'backlog_search' or exclusions.

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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