custom-zoho-project-mcp-server
Provides read-only access to Zoho Projects data—portals, projects, tasklists, milestones, tasks, bugs, users, and tags—with one-call context retrieval for tasks and bugs including comments, subtasks, status history, and inline image attachments.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@custom-zoho-project-mcp-serverGet me the context for task PROJ1-100"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
zoho-projects-axi
Read-only Zoho Projects for AI agents. Two front-ends share one command layer:
zoho-projects-axi, a command-line tool whose output is compact TOON text (--jsongives JSON), built to cost an agent few tokens.A six-tool MCP server (
zoho-projects-axi mcp) that returns the same text, for MCP clients such as Claude Code and Claude Desktop.
It never creates or changes anything in Zoho: only GET requests (plus the OAuth token refresh) can leave the process.
Install it as a Claude Code plugin in two commands and sign in with your browser: see Install. Pick the skill + CLI plugin (cheapest on tokens) or the MCP plugin (native tools).
Version 0.2.0 is a breaking rewrite of the 0.1.x MCP server. See CHANGELOG.md.
Why
An agent that reads tickets pays for every character of tool output and for every tool schema loaded into every session. This project keeps both small and checks that in the test suite.
Numbers below are measured by this repository's own tests, on synthetic fixtures (see
Known limitations). The estimator everywhere is a deterministic proxy,
len(text) / 4 rounded up. It is not a tokenizer: it under-counts text dense in ids, digits and punctuation, so
read the numbers as regression guards and relative sizes, not billing figures.
What | Measured (tokens) | Budget enforced | Source |
Tool schemas, the 6 MCP tools together | 651 (2,601 chars) | 800 |
|
Tool schemas, the 15 tools of 0.1.x (for comparison) | 1,421 (5,686 chars) | none | recorded in |
| 439 | 600 |
|
| 721 | 900 |
|
| 334 | 500 |
|
| 617 | 900 |
|
| 314 | 500 |
|
| 75 / 74 | 300 / 400 |
|
SessionStart hook output | 83 | 150 |
|
| 166 to 180 | 250 per command |
|
Run the suite to see every measured/allowed pair (venv/bin/python -m pytest tests -q prints a "token budgets"
table). The estimator and its weakness are described in tests/README.md. The README does not
claim anything about the size of 0.1.x tool output: only its tool schemas were measured.
How the savings are made: lean default views with explicit slices (--comments, --history, ...), long text cut
with a size hint, a local response cache, resolve to turn free text into exact commands without a network call,
and help[] lines that tell the agent the next command instead of making it guess.
Related MCP server: Zoho CRM Integration
Install
Pick one. Both need uv (brew install uv) and run zoho-projects-axi through it, so there
is nothing else to install. Once you are signed in (below), Zoho opens in your browser once and you are done.
Option 1: skill + CLI (lightest on tokens)
/plugin marketplace add harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axi
/plugin install zoho-projects-axi-skill@zoho-projects-axiClaude gets the zoho-projects-axi command on its Bash PATH, a skill that teaches it resolve and slices, and a
SessionStart hook with a cache-only project snapshot (about 83 tokens). Nothing is loaded into the session until a
Zoho question comes up. Tip: allow Bash(zoho-projects-axi:*) in your permissions to avoid prompts.
Option 2: MCP server (native tools, no Bash needed)
/plugin marketplace add harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axi
/plugin install zoho-projects-axi-mcp@zoho-projects-axiClaude gets six tools (project, tasks, task, bug, people, resolve). Their schemas cost about 650 tokens
in every session, but the tools show up natively, return images inline and work where there is no shell. Use this
option for Claude Desktop-style clients; install only one of the two plugins.
Sign in
In either option run /zoho-projects-axi-skill:login (or /zoho-projects-axi-mcp:login), or in a terminal:
uvx --from git+https://github.com/harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axi zoho-projects-axi auth loginZoho's consent page opens in your browser and the refresh token is saved for you. Read-only scopes only. If a build
ships no Zoho client, zoho-projects-axi auth login-help shows the one-time registration (see Configure).
Without the plugins
Requires Python 3.10 or newer. Install from git as an isolated tool, which puts zoho-projects-axi (and the short
alias zoho) on your PATH:
uv tool install git+https://github.com/harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axior
pipx install git+https://github.com/harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axiUpgrade with uv tool upgrade zoho-projects-axi or pipx upgrade zoho-projects-axi. Check the install:
zoho-projects-axi --help
zoho-projects-axi auth status --offlineRenamed from zoho-axi
The project, command, package and plugins were all zoho-axi before. Still working, with a deprecation warning:
the zoho-axi command, ZOHO_AXI_* environment variables and a config at ~/.config/zoho-axi/config.toml. Move the
config to ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi/config.toml and rename the variables when convenient. An old SessionStart
hook (zoho-axi session-start) is recognized by hooks uninstall; hooks install then replaces it.
Configure
All settings live in one TOML file, ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi/config.toml (or $XDG_CONFIG_HOME/zoho-projects-axi/config.toml).
config.example.toml lists every setting, commented, with its default.
If your build ships a Zoho client (zoho-projects-axi auth login-help says so), skip to step 3: auth login needs no
setup. Otherwise, or to use your own client:
Register a client once at https://api-console.zoho.com (use
.eu,.in,.com.auor.jpfor your data center): add a Server-based Applications client with the Authorized Redirect URIhttp://localhost:8765/callback.zoho-projects-axi auth login-helpprints these steps with your data center filled in.Put the client's id and secret in the config file and lock it down (the refresh token is added for you in step 3):
mkdir -p ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi curl -sO https://raw.githubusercontent.com/harsh-simform/zoho-projects-axi/main/config.example.toml cp config.example.toml ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi/config.toml chmod 600 ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi/config.tomlEdit
client_id,client_secret, anddcif your account is not oncom. Or skip the file and setZOHO_PROJECTS_AXI_CLIENT_ID/ZOHO_PROJECTS_AXI_CLIENT_SECRET.Sign in:
zoho-projects-axi auth loginIt opens Zoho's consent page in your browser (the URL is also printed, for
--no-browseror a remote shell), catches the redirect on a one-shot listener bound to127.0.0.1(PKCE and astatecheck protect the code), and saves therefresh_tokeninto the config file, keeping its comments and mode 600. Only read scopes are requested:ZohoProjects.{portals,projects,tasks,tasklists,milestones,bugs,users,tags,search}.READ. Use--port Nif 8765 is taken (registerhttp://localhost:N/callbacktoo). If your account is in another data center, the sign-in finds it and savesdcfor you.No browser (ssh, CI)? Create a Self Client in the same console instead, exchange its code once at
https://accounts.zoho.<dc>/oauth/v2/token(grant_type=authorization_code,client_id,client_secret,code) and put therefresh_tokenin the config yourself. Treat it like a password.Check it, pick a default project and look around:
zoho-projects-axi auth status zoho-projects-axi project list zoho-projects-axi project use "Demo Site" zoho-projects-axi zoho-projects-axi task PROJ1-T1000project usewritesportal_idandproject_idinto the config file (the only thing the CLI ever writes there, preserving comments). You can also pass--project NAMEor--project PORTAL:IDon any call.
Settings
Key | Default | Meaning |
| none (required) | the client you registered in the Zoho API console |
| none (required) | written by |
|
| Zoho data center: |
| none | default project (set by |
| 5 | images per |
| 8388608 | skip any single image bigger than this |
| 86400 | cache lifetime of portals, projects, users, tags, tasklists, milestones |
| 300 | cache lifetime of tasks, bugs, search |
| 120 | cache lifetime of comments, attachments, status history |
|
| MCP server logging (stderr, secrets redacted, optional file) |
Precedence, highest first: command-line flags, ZOHO_PROJECTS_AXI_<KEY> environment variables (for example
ZOHO_PROJECTS_AXI_DC), the config file, then the deprecated legacy sources and defaults. zoho-projects-axi auth status --offline
shows where each setting came from without printing secrets.
Deprecated legacy sources. The 0.1.x environment variables (ZOHO_CLIENT_ID, ZOHO_CLIENT_SECRET,
ZOHO_REFRESH_TOKEN, ZOHO_PORTAL_ID, ZOHO_PROJECT_ID, ZOHO_DC, ZOHO_MCP_*) and a repo-root .env file are
still read as a last-resort fallback, with a warning on every command. Move them into the config file.
CLI quick reference
Output is TOON by default; add --json for JSON. Every answer ends with a help[] block of the next commands worth
running. Unknown flags fail with exit code 2 and a "did you mean" hint, and nothing ever prompts. Run
zoho-projects-axi <command> --help for flags and examples (this table is checked against the command registry by the tests).
Command | What it does |
| live overview of the default project |
| project overview: status, owner, next milestone, counts ( |
| projects of the portal (id, name, status) |
| make a project the default (writes the config file) |
| portal users and tags ( |
| task list with totals by status ( |
| one task; slices |
| one bug; slices |
| find task/bug keys, ids and Zoho links in free text, offline; |
| config and credential check, verifies the token with Zoho ( |
| sign in with your browser (OAuth); saves the refresh token to the config file ( |
| the one-time client registration steps and where the values go |
| cache size, entry counts, oldest entry |
| delete the cache (needs |
| add or remove the Claude Code SessionStart hook |
| install the Claude Code skill |
| the hook entrypoint (plain output, always exit 0) |
| run the MCP server over stdio |
Global flags, accepted before or after the command: --project P (PROJECT or PORTAL:PROJECT), --fresh (bypass
the cache), --json, --full (every field, no truncation) and --debug (prints the Zoho request count to stderr).
Examples:
zoho-projects-axi tasks --status open --owner asha --limit 10
zoho-projects-axi task PROJ1-T1000 --comments --history
zoho-projects-axi bug PROJ1-I12 --comments --images
zoho-projects-axi task PROJ1-T1000 --json
zoho-projects-axi resolve "why does PROJ1-T123 loop? see AD1-I45"
zoho-projects-axi project --project "Demo Site" --lists
zoho-projects-axi task 4000000012345 --fresh --debugExit codes: 0 ok, 2 usage error, 3 auth or config problem, 4 not found, 5 Zoho unreachable or failing,
6 rate limited, 1 anything else. Errors are three lines on stdout (error, message, hint).
Use it from Claude (MCP)
The MCP server exposes six tools: project, tasks, task, bug, people and resolve. Each is the CLI command
of the same name, with the same arguments, plus project, fresh, full and format (toon or json).
images=true on task or bug returns images inline. Configuration comes from the config file, so the server
needs nothing but the command to start.
The easy way is the zoho-projects-axi-mcp plugin (see Install); it runs the server through uvx. The
manual registrations below are for a tool-installed executable. The server reads the config when it starts, so after
your first auth login reconnect it (/mcp in Claude Code) or restart the client.
Claude Code
claude mcp add --scope user zoho -- /absolute/path/to/zoho-projects-axi mcpUse the absolute path of the executable (command -v zoho-projects-axi; for uv tool it is usually
~/.local/bin/zoho-projects-axi). A client launches the server from its own environment, which may not have your shell's
PATH, and a path into a project virtualenv that later moves or is deleted is exactly what silently killed the
0.1.x registration. A tool-installed executable does not depend on any checkout. Then run claude mcp list and
check that zoho is connected. The tools appear as mcp__zoho__task, mcp__zoho__tasks and so on; the name you
pass to claude mcp add is the prefix.
Claude Desktop
Add the server to claude_desktop_config.json (on macOS usually
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json) and restart the app:
{
"mcpServers": {
"zoho": {
"command": "/absolute/path/to/zoho-projects-axi",
"args": ["mcp"]
}
}
}Do not put secrets in this JSON; the config file already holds them.
Notes
The MCP server has no tool to list or switch projects. Choose the default with the CLI:
zoho-projects-axi project list, thenzoho-projects-axi project use "<name>". Any tool call can also passproject=for one call.Older registrations that run
python -m zoho_mcporzoho-projects-mcpno longer exist (removed in 0.2.0); re-register withzoho-projects-axi mcp.Stdout is the protocol wire. The server logs to stderr (and
log_file, if set), redacting credentials.
Claude Code hook and skill
The zoho-projects-axi-skill plugin already includes both, so you only need these commands if you installed the CLI
without the plugin. Both commands print a diff first and write nothing without --yes. They only touch ~/.claude.
zoho-projects-axi hooks install
zoho-projects-axi hooks install --yes
zoho-projects-axi skill install
zoho-projects-axi skill install --yesHook. Adds a
SessionStartentry to~/.claude/settings.jsonthat runszoho-projects-axi session-start: a cache-only snapshot of the default project (about 83 tokens), silent on any failure. The previous file is copied tosettings.json.bak.zoho-projects-axi hooks uninstall --yesremoves it. The hook runs the bare commandzoho-projects-axi, so it must be on thePATHthat Claude Code sees.Skill. Copies the packaged skill to
~/.claude/skills/zoho-projects-axi/SKILL.md; it teaches an agent to start withresolve, ask for slices and not paste credentials.
Cache
Responses are cached in SQLite at ~/.cache/zoho-projects-axi/cache.sqlite ($XDG_CACHE_HOME/zoho-projects-axi/), so repeated commands
cost no Zoho requests. Lifetimes are set by the ttl_* settings (portals, projects, users and tags 24 h; tasks and
bugs 5 min; comments and attachments 2 min by default) and applied when an entry is read, so changing one takes
effect immediately. Errors and downloads are never cached; a corrupt cache degrades to "no cache" with a warning.
zoho-projects-axi cache status
zoho-projects-axi cache clear --yes
zoho-projects-axi task PROJ1-T1000 --fresh--fresh skips the cache for one call (and still refreshes it). cache clear also deletes the derived name index
and needs --yes. Images saved by --images go to ~/.cache/zoho-projects-axi/attachments/.
Troubleshooting
auth.missingorconfig.project_missing(exit 3). Runzoho-projects-axi auth status --offlineto see what is unset and where each value comes from, thenzoho-projects-axi auth login-help. Environment variables override the file, which is a common reason a changed value seems ignored.Token problems.
zoho-projects-axi auth statusverifies the token online:valid,invalid(revoked or wrong credentials; runzoho-projects-axi auth loginagain), orunreachable(network, or a wrongdc). A refresh token can mint only a limited number of access tokens per ten minutes, so do not loop on a failing login.Config permissions warning.
... is readable by other users; run chmod 600 .... Runchmod 600 ~/.config/zoho-projects-axi/config.toml.Wrong data center.
dcmust becom,eu,in,com.auorjp; anything else is rejected before any request. A token from one data center does not work on another.rate_limited.client(exit 6). The built-in limiter refuses beyond 100 requests per 2 minutes so Zoho never locks the API (Zoho's documented lockout is 30 minutes). Wait the number of seconds in the hint. Cached and narrower commands use fewer requests.rate_limited.zoho(exit 6). Zoho answered 429 three times in a row (after 1 s and 2 s back-offs). Wait several minutes before retrying; repeated attempts extend the lockout.Stale data. Cached answers can be up to their TTL old. Use
--freshon one call, lower thettl_*values, orzoho-projects-axi cache clear --yes. The session-start hook deliberately serves a snapshot up to four hours old; runzoho-projects-axifor live numbers.A project is "not found" or the key does not resolve. Key lookup needs the search scope; check
zoho-projects-axi project list, pass--project, and see the unverified items below.MCP shows no
project listorproject use. By design: use the CLI (zoho-projects-axi project use ...), which writes the config file the server reads.Login problems.
auth.login_timeout: no browser approval within 5 minutes, runauth loginagain.usage.port_unavailable: pick another port with--port Nand register that redirect URI.auth.state_mismatchorauth.exchange_failed: use only the URLauth loginprinted; for a client of your own, check the redirect URI matches exactly and that the client is enabled for your data center.auth.missing: no client is configured, seeauth login-help. No browser (ssh)? Runauth login --no-browserand open the URL on your machine; the redirect must reach the same host, so use a Self Client there instead.Plugin cannot start (the launcher says it needs uv). Install uv (
brew install uv) and restart Claude Code. The first run builds the package, so it takes a few seconds; later runs use uv's cache.MCP tools say "Not signed in" right after login. The server started before the token existed: reconnect it with
/mcpor restart Claude Code.MCP server will not connect. Run
zoho-projects-axi mcpin a terminal: it should wait silently for input (stop with Ctrl-C). Make sure the registered command is an absolute path to an executable that still exists.--debugprints the number of Zoho requests a command made to stderr.
Testing
uv venv venv && uv pip install --python venv/bin/python -e ".[dev]"
venv/bin/python -m pytest tests -q
uvx --quiet mypy zoho_projects_axi --ignore-missing-imports --python-version 3.10The default suite is offline: sockets are blocked and ZOHO_* variables are stripped per test. Its token budgets,
goldens and fixtures are described in tests/README.md.
Live smoke (manual, never in the default suite). With real credentials in place:
ZOHO_PROJECTS_AXI_LIVE=1 venv/bin/python -m pytest tests/live -qTests marked live are skipped without the switch; all their calls are GETs through the gateway.
Known limitations and what is unverified
Be careful before relying on any of the following. This project was built without access to a live Zoho account, so:
Every test fixture is synthetic. Bodies follow Zoho's published response shapes and what the earlier 0.1.x code depended on, but values are made up. Each fixture file records, per field group, whether it is
documented,proven-by-legacy-code,inventedorrecorded; none isrecordedyet. A green test suite proves the code handles those shapes, not that Zoho sends them.No end-to-end run against Zoho.
zoho-projects-axi task <KEY>was exercised only against replayed fixtures. I could not runclaude mcp listor register the server in a real Claude installation here; the MCP server was verified over stdio by an MCP client in the test suite and a handshake in a throwaway environment (initialize andtools/list), not inside Claude Code or Claude Desktop. Theclaude mcp addand Claude Desktop snippets follow those tools' documented forms but were not executed.uv tool installandpipxwere not run (only documented here); the package was built into a wheel and installed into a throwaway virtualenv, which is the same artifact those tools install.
Zoho facts that are still unconfirmed (details in tests/README.md):
Question | What the code does meanwhile |
Zoho's v3 docs call bugs | tries v3 first and falls back to the legacy |
Does a bug detail carry |
|
Search result wrappers for bugs: |
|
| parsers accept both wrapped and bare shapes and use only |
The body of a throttle (429) reply, and of token-endpoint errors, is undocumented | 429 is detected by status code and retried; the token path reads an |
Rate limit: v3 docs say 200 calls per 2 minutes per endpoint and a 10 minute block, legacy docs say 100 and 30 minutes | the client assumes the stricter 100 per 2 minutes |
Search scope name: |
|
Task attachment list shape on v3 (the docs show no sample); subtask listing (Zoho cannot filter by parent) | name, type and size are read from every known spelling; |
How to settle them. Record real, sanitized fixtures with the read-only recorder and commit the reviewed result:
python scripts/record_fixture.py task_comments/v3_404_legacy_ok \
--call "task_comments portal=<id> project=<id> task=<id>" --literal "<portal or company name>"It drives the real gateway (GET only), sanitizes ids, people, emails and tokens, refuses to write if it finds a
secret, and writes tests/fixtures/zoho/<endpoint>/<name>.json; use --dry-run first and read the output, since free
text is scrubbed by pattern only. Then run the live smoke (above) and update the provenance of the fixtures you replaced.
Layout
zoho_projects_axi/core: config, auth, HTTP gateway, cache, TOON encoder, render layer and the commands.zoho_projects_axi/cli: parser and registry (the single source of the command table,--helpand the MCP tools).zoho_projects_axi/mcp_server: the MCP front-end.zoho_projects_axi/skills: the packaged Claude Code skill.zoho_projects_axi/core/oauth_login.py,bundled_client.py: the browser sign-in (PKCE, loopback redirect) and the slot for a shipped Zoho client..claude-plugin/marketplace.json,plugins/: the two Claude Code plugins (zoho-projects-axi-skill,zoho-projects-axi-mcp), each a manifest plus a smallbin/zoho-projects-axilauncher that runs throughuvx.scripts/record_fixture.py: the dev-only fixture recorder.
MIT licensed; see LICENSE.
Available Tools
15 toolsconfigure_oauthA
Configure and validate Zoho OAuth credentials. Must succeed before any other tool becomes usable.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| client_id | Yes | ||
| client_secret | Yes | ||
| refresh_token | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
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 reveals that the tool both configures and validates credentials, and that it is a prerequisite for all other tools. However, it does not describe side effects such as overwriting existing credentials, error behavior on invalid input, or whether it is idempotent. This is a notable omission for a configuration tool, but the stated prerequisite behavior adds some value.
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?
Two concise sentences, each carrying essential information. The purpose is stated first, and the prerequisite condition is added in the second sentence without redundancy. Every word earns its place, making it highly efficient.
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?
Given that an output schema exists, the return value is likely covered there. However, the description does not mention failure modes, whether the tool can be called multiple times, or any setup details beyond the prerequisite. For a configuration tool that gates all others, this is only moderately complete; it tells the agent when to call it but not what to expect on success or failure.
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 description coverage is 0%, so the description must explain what the three parameters (client_id, client_secret, refresh_token) are and how they relate. The description only says 'Zoho OAuth credentials' without mapping these to the parameters or providing any additional detail. This is a critical gap that leaves the agent guessing about the purpose and format of each field.
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?
The description clearly states the action ('Configure and validate') on a specific resource ('Zoho OAuth credentials'), and distinguishes itself from the sibling tools which all deal with portals, projects, tasks, or bugs. The prerequisite note reinforces its unique role, leaving no ambiguity about what it does.
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?
It explicitly states 'Must succeed before any other tool becomes usable', which tells the agent this is the first call to make. It doesn't mention when not to use it or alternative setup methods, but the instruction is clear enough for a prerequisite tool. The lack of explicit 'when not' is a minor gap given the obvious need.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_bug_contextA
Full context for a bug in one call: details, comments, attachments, and the linked task if any — with any image attachments (e.g. screenshots) downloaded and returned inline so they can be visually inspected alongside the text, no follow-up call needed.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| bug_id | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral burden, and it does disclose significant behavior: attachments are downloaded and returned inline, and no follow-up call is needed. It does not mention auth, rate limits, or error behavior, but for a read-focused tool the key operational trait is well communicated.
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?
The description is a single sentence that front-loads the core purpose and packs the most important behavioral detail into the latter half without repeating information. It could be split into two sentences for readability, but there is no filler.
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, the description adequately conveys what the caller gets: details, comments, attachments, linked task, and inline image downloads. Minor gaps such as how non-image attachments are returned or error conditions do not undermine tool selection.
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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain bug_id, its format, or where it comes from. The phrase 'for a bug' adds little beyond the schema's own field title 'Bug Id,' so the description fails to compensate for the low coverage.
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?
The description states a specific action and resource: get full context for a bug. It also lists the included contents (details, comments, attachments, linked task) and adds a distinguishing detail (image attachments returned inline), making it clearly distinct from sibling context tools like get_task_context or get_project_context.
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 implies when to use this tool: when you need a bug's full context in one call, especially with visual attachments. However, it never explicitly names alternatives or states when not to use it, leaving the agent to infer the boundary from the sibling tool names and the word 'bug.'
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_milestone_contextB
Full context for a milestone: its metadata plus every task under it.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| milestone_id | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the return scope (all tasks under the milestone), but does not state whether the operation is read-only, whether large task counts are returned unbounded, or what the output structure looks like. The 'get' prefix implies read-only but this is not explicit.
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?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence with no filler. Every phrase earns its place, clearly conveying both the resource and the compositional scope.
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 retrieval tool, this is minimally adequate, but with no output schema and no annotations, the description does not disclose return shape, potential pagination, or scale warnings. The nature of 'full context' is hinted but not fully specified.
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 description coverage is 0% and the description does not elaborate on milestone_id beyond 'milestone'. The parameter name is self-explanatory, but the description adds no format, source, or expected value details. With zero schema coverage, the description fails to compensate.
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?
The description clearly identifies the resource (milestone) and scope ('metadata plus every task under it'), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_task_context and get_project_context. It lacks an explicit verb like 'retrieve' or 'list', but the intent is unambiguous.
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 implies when to use this tool - when you need full context for a milestone including its tasks. However, it provides no explicit exclusions or comparisons to alternatives like get_task_context, leaving the agent to infer routing from the resource name.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_project_contextA
Full overview of the selected project: details, tasklists, milestones, users, tags. Use this for broad questions like 'what's the state of this project'.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
There are no annotations, so the description carries the full burden. It states the tool returns an 'overview' implying a read-only operation, but it does not explicitly confirm read-only behavior, mention any prerequisites (like a selected project), or describe error cases. While the description is not misleading, it lacks explicit behavioral details that an agent might need to infer safety and preconditions.
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?
The description is two concise sentences, front-loaded with the tool's core function and then a usage example. There is no redundancy or filler. Every phrase contributes to understanding scope and applicability, achieving high conciseness with proper structure.
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?
The description covers what the tool returns (list of components) and when to use it. It does not explicitly state whether a project must be selected beforehand, but the 'selected project' phrasing implies that context, and sibling selection tools exist. Given the low complexity (no parameters, no output schema), the description is largely complete, though it could have mentioned response format or potential errors.
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?
The tool has zero parameters, so the schema provides no structural information to augment. Per the calibration, a zero-parameter tool gets a baseline of 4. The description adds no extra parameter semantics (none needed), but it does not contradict anything. Since all parameters are nonexistent, the description's clarity about the operation compensates adequately.
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?
The description clearly states the tool's function: it provides a 'Full overview of the selected project' and lists the contained elements (details, tasklists, milestones, users, tags). This distinguishes it from sibling tools like get_tasklist_context or get_milestone_context, which focus on specific sub-entities. The verb 'get' plus resource 'project context' 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.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
It explicitly gives a usage scenario: 'Use this for broad questions like 'what's the state of this project''. This conveys when to invoke the tool. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or point to alternatives, though the existence of focused sibling tools implies that. The guidance is clear but not exhaustive.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_task_contextA
Full context for a task in one call: details, comments, subtasks, status history, and attachments — with any image attachments (e.g. screenshots) downloaded and returned inline so they can be visually inspected alongside the text, no follow-up call needed.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| task_id | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that image attachments are downloaded and returned inline, and that no follow-up call is needed, which is a valuable behavioral detail. It does not explicitly state that the operation is read-only or mention error cases, but the 'get' verb and the listing of returned content imply a safe read operation.
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?
The description is a single sentence but front-loads the core purpose ('Full context for a task in one call') before listing the components and the inline-image behavior. It is efficient and not overly verbose, though slightly long; it earns a solid 4.
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?
The description explains what the tool returns in detail (details, comments, subtasks, status history, attachments) and the inline image behavior. Since there is no output schema, this is necessary and sufficient for an agent to understand the result. It does not mention potential payload size or error handling, but for a read-only context tool, the information is complete enough.
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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not add any meaning beyond the schema's 'task_id' string. It neither explains the format, where to find the ID, nor any constraints. The purpose is inferable from the tool name, but the description fails to compensate for the low schema coverage.
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?
The description clearly states the verb 'get' and the resource 'task context', and enumerates exactly what is included: details, comments, subtasks, status history, attachments, and inline images. It distinguishes itself from sibling context tools by emphasizing 'full context in one call' and the inline image behavior, making it unambiguous which tool to use for a task.
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 says 'full context for a task in one call' and 'no follow-up call needed', which gives clear context that this is the comprehensive task-specific tool. It does not explicitly name alternatives (e.g., get_project_context, get_bug_context) or state when not to use them, but the scope is clearly task-focused, so the guidance is adequate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_tasklist_contextB
Full context for a tasklist: its metadata plus every task in it.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| tasklist_id | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It does disclose the response scope — metadata and every task, implying a potentially large read operation. It does not mention pagination, error handling, authentication, or performance, but the core read-only behavior is stated.
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?
The description is a single 10-word sentence, front-loads the core value ('Full context for a tasklist'), and contains no unnecessary words or repetition.
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?
The tool is simple (one parameter, no nested objects), but with no output schema or annotations, the description should cover return format and usage context. It explains the return content but omits when to use it and any behavioral caveats, leaving the agent to infer the rest.
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 description coverage is 0%, and the description never mentions tasklist_id or its expected format. The parameter is largely self-explanatory from its name and type, so the omission is a moderate gap rather than a fatal one.
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?
The description states the resource (a tasklist) and the content returned (metadata plus every task), which clearly conveys a comprehensive retrieval operation. It does not explicitly distinguish itself from sibling context tools like get_project_context or get_task_context, but the resource-specific wording makes the scope unambiguous.
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?
No guidance is given on when to use this tool versus the other context getters, nor any exclusions, prerequisites, or alternatives. The only implied guidance comes from the tool name and the word 'context'.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_portalsA
List Zoho portals available to this account. Requires configure_oauth first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It mentions the OAuth prerequisite, which is a behavioral precondition, but does not disclose whether the operation is read-only, what side effects (if any) exist, or how the results are returned. The existence of sibling 'list_selected_portals' suggests a distinction, but this description does not clarify that it lists all portals versus selected ones. With zero annotation support, this is a significant 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?
Two short sentences with zero fluff. The action and resource are front-loaded, and the prerequisite is stated succinctly. Every word earns its place.
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 zero-parameter list tool with no output schema, the description covers the core purpose and a key prerequisite. It could add that the operation is read-only or specify the return format, but those are minor given the simplicity. The scope ('available to this account') adds useful context. It is mostly complete, though a note on output would be ideal.
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?
There are no parameters (0 params), so the schema is trivially covered. The description does not need to add parameter-specific details. Per the guidelines, with 0 params the baseline is 4, and there is nothing else to add.
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?
The description clearly states the action (List) and the specific resource (Zoho portals) and scopes it to 'this account'. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like list_projects and list_users by naming the resource type. The verb 'List' is explicit and unambiguous.
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?
It provides a clear prerequisite ('Requires configure_oauth first'), which tells the agent the setup needed before calling. However, it does not explicitly contrast with alternative listing tools or state when not to use it, though the resource specificity makes the usage context clear. It gives a necessary condition but not explicit exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_projectsA
List all projects in a portal, so a project_id can be picked for select_portal_and_project. Requires configure_oauth first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| portal_id | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description carries the full burden. It correctly implies a read-only operation ('List') and adds the OAuth prerequisite, which is useful behavioral context. However, it does not mention pagination, error behavior, or output shape, leaving moderate gaps for a tool with no annotation support.
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?
Two sentences with no wasted words. The core action is front-loaded, and the prerequisite is placed efficiently after it. Every sentence adds value.
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?
The tool is simple with one parameter, but there is no output schema and no annotations. The description covers the prerequisite and purpose but omits what exactly is returned and how the required portal_id should be obtained, leaving an agent to infer those details from sibling tools or runtime behavior.
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?
The schema provides no description for portal_id (0% coverage). The description ties the parameter to 'in a portal,' giving some meaning, and the purpose sentence implies the output contains project_id. But it doesn't explain where portal_id comes from or any format constraints, so it only partially compensates for the schema gap.
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?
The description uses a specific verb and resource ('List all projects in a portal') and immediately clarifies the downstream purpose: picking a project_id for select_portal_and_project. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_portals, which lists portals, and select_portal_and_project, which selects rather than lists.
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 provides a clear prerequisite ('Requires configure_oauth first') and frames when the tool is useful ('so a project_id can be picked for select_portal_and_project'). It doesn't explicitly say when not to use it versus other siblings, but the context is strong enough for an agent to know when it applies.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_selected_portalsA
List every portal/project pair currently selected, and which one is active.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must carry the burden. The verb 'List' clearly indicates a read-only operation, and the description specifies exactly what is returned (selected pairs and active one). It does not explicitly state there are no side effects, but the read-only nature is evident.
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 sentence that is front-loaded with the core action ('List') and the precise scope ('every portal/project pair currently selected, and which one is active'). No wasted words; everything is essential.
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 simple read-only tool with no parameters and no output schema, the description is complete. It tells the agent exactly what information will be returned, which is sufficient for deciding whether to invoke it.
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?
The tool has zero parameters, and schema coverage is 100% trivially. The baseline for 0 params is 4, and the description adds no parameter-specific information because none exist. It is accurate and complete for this aspect.
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?
The description clearly states the tool lists currently selected portal/project pairs and indicates which is active. This distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_portals and list_projects, which likely list all available options, by explicitly adding the 'currently selected' qualifier.
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 implies usage for querying the current selection state but does not explicitly contrast it with siblings. It does not say 'use this instead of list_portals when you need the active selection,' leaving the decision to inference. A clear alternative would improve routing.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_tagsA
List tags in the current portal — useful for resolving tag IDs on tasks/tasklists.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full behavioral burden. It implies a read-only listing operation scoped to the current portal, but it does not disclose return shape, portal-selection requirements, or pagination behavior. For a simple list tool this is adequate, though not deeply transparent.
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?
The description is a single, front-loaded sentence stating the action first, then the practical purpose. Every word earns its place, with no redundancy or filler.
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 zero-parameter listing tool, the description covers the scope ('current portal') and the intended use case well. The lack of an output schema is partially mitigated by 'List tags' making the return nature clear, though a note about whether a portal must be selected would make it fully complete.
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?
The input schema has zero properties and 100% schema coverage, so there are no parameters that need explanation. The description's mention of resolving tag IDs adds useful context beyond the empty schema.
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?
The description names a clear action and resource: 'List tags in the current portal.' This distinguishes the tool from siblings like list_portals, list_projects, and list_users by the specific resource being listed, with no need to inspect schemas.
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 provides a concrete use case: 'useful for resolving tag IDs on tasks/tasklists,' and scopes the operation to the current portal. It does not explicitly name alternatives or when-not-to-use cases, but no sibling overlaps with tags, so the guidance is sufficient.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_usersA
List users in the current portal — useful for resolving owner names.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral disclosure burden. It conveys that this is a scoped read operation against the current portal and hints at the output's usefulness, but it does not describe return format, pagination, or any limitations. It is adequate but not richly transparent.
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 sentence with no wasted words. The core action is front-loaded and the purpose clause earns its place by explaining why an agent would call this tool.
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 zero-parameter listing tool, the description is nearly complete: an agent knows what to call and why. It does not explicitly state that a portal must already be selected, though the sibling tools (switch_portal, list_selected_portals) make that context discoverable.
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?
The tool has zero parameters and schema coverage is 100%, so there is nothing for the description to add about arguments. The phrase 'current portal' refers to implicit context rather than parameters; the baseline for a no-parameter tool is appropriate.
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?
The description uses a specific verb and resource — 'List users in the current portal' — and adds a concrete purpose ('useful for resolving owner names'). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_portals, list_projects, and list_tags.
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?
It provides a clear use case (resolving owner names) and specifies the scope ('current portal'), so an agent knows when this list is relevant. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but the sibling context makes the distinction straightforward.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
remove_portal_selectionA
Remove one portal/project pair from the selected set. If it was active, another remaining selection (if any) becomes active.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| portal_id | Yes | ||
| project_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
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, and it does disclose a key non-obvious behavior: if the removed pair was active, another remaining selection becomes active. It does not mention failure modes or permissions, but for this simple state mutation the critical behavioral nuance is covered.
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?
The description is a single focused sentence with a conditional follow-up that adds essential behavior. Every word earns its place, and the main action is front-loaded.
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 simple two-parameter tool with an output schema, the description is nearly complete: it states the operation, the object, and the active-selection fallback behavior. It does not explicitly state prerequisites such as 'the pair must already be selected,' but that is strongly implied by the phrase 'from the selected set.'
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 description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It adds the useful semantic that portal_id and project_id together form a pair within the selected set, but it does not clarify where these IDs come from or any formatting constraints. The parameter names and titles are self-explanatory enough to make the description minimally viable.
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?
The description uses a specific verb ('Remove') with a precise resource ('one portal/project pair from the selected set'), making the operation unambiguous. It also implicitly differentiates from siblings like reset_selection by emphasizing removal of a single pair rather than clearing the entire selection.
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 gives clear context: use this when you need to remove one portal/project pair from the current selected set. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, such as 'for removing all, use reset_selection,' but the scope of the operation is clearly implied.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
reset_selectionA
Clear every portal/project selection without losing OAuth config.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It discloses both what is cleared (every portal/project selection) and what is preserved (OAuth config), which is meaningful side-effect information for a reset operation. It does not mention irreversibility or post-conditions, but the scope is simple enough that the stated behavior is largely sufficient.
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, front-loaded sentence that states the action, the scope, and the key preservation guarantee. Every word earns its place; there is no filler.
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 zero-parameter tool with an output schema, the description is nearly complete: it states the action, the scope, and what is not affected. A minor gap is not explicitly routing to remove_portal_selection for single-selection removal, but this is inferable from the sibling list.
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?
The tool has zero parameters, so there is no parameter semantics burden. The description does not need to explain anything beyond the fact that no arguments are required, which the schema already conveys.
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?
The description names a specific verb ('Clear') and resource ('every portal/project selection') and adds a key distinction ('without losing OAuth config'). It clearly separates this from sibling tools like remove_portal_selection and configure_oauth.
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 gives clear context: it clears all selections rather than just one, and it explicitly notes that OAuth configuration is preserved. It does not explicitly name alternatives or when not to use it, but the 'every' qualifier makes the intended use reasonably inferable from sibling names.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
select_portal_and_projectA
Validate and select a portal/project, making it the active one. Multiple portal/project pairs can be selected this way without losing earlier ones — use switch_portal to move between already-selected pairs, list_selected_portals to see them all. Requires configure_oauth first.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| portal_id | Yes | ||
| project_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the behavioral burden. It discloses that multiple portal/project pairs can be selected without losing earlier ones, that the new pair becomes active, and that OAuth configuration is required. It does not mention error behavior or whether selections persist, but the key stateful behavior is transparent.
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?
The description is three sentences with no filler. It front-loads the primary action, then adds stateful behavior and alternatives, then the prerequisite. Every sentence contributes useful guidance.
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 two-parameter selection tool with an output schema, the description covers purpose, state accumulation, navigation between selections, listing, and the required OAuth prerequisite. Nothing essential for invoking the tool correctly is missing.
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 description coverage is 0%, so the description needed to compensate, but it only references 'portal/project' without explaining how to obtain or format portal_id and project_id. The parameter names are self-evident, but the description adds little beyond what the schema already shows.
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?
The description uses a specific verb and resource: 'Validate and select a portal/project, making it the active one.' It clearly distinguishes this from siblings by explaining that switch_portal is for moving between already-selected pairs and list_selected_portals is for viewing them.
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 gives explicit when-to-use guidance: select new pairs here, use switch_portal to move between existing ones, and use list_selected_portals to see them. It also states the prerequisite, 'Requires configure_oauth first,' so an agent knows the required setup.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
switch_portalA
Switch the active portal/project to one already selected via select_portal_and_project — no re-validation call. Fails if that pair hasn't been selected yet.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| portal_id | Yes | ||
| project_id | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It reveals that the tool performs no re-validation and fails hard when the pair has not been selected. It does not detail side effects on the previous active context or auth requirements, but for a simple switch operation the disclosed behavior is meaningful and useful.
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 front-loaded sentence packs purpose, prerequisite, and failure mode with no wasted words. The dash-delimited clarification about no re-validation call earns its place by differentiating the tool from its sibling.
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 two-parameter state-switching tool with an output schema, the description covers the core actions, prerequisite, and failure behavior. It does not explain what happens to the previous active context or how to verify current selections, but those details are minor and partially discoverable via sibling tools like list_selected_portals.
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 description coverage is 0%, but the property titles 'Portal Id' and 'Project Id' are self-explanatory. The description adds important semantic constraint: the two IDs must represent an already-selected pair, and the failure condition ties both parameters to the prerequisite selection step.
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?
The description uses a specific verb ('Switch') and resource ('active portal/project'), and immediately distinguishes the tool from select_portal_and_project by noting it operates on an already-selected pair with no re-validation. This makes the tool's role unambiguous even without opening the schema.
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 clearly states the prerequisite (must already be selected via select_portal_and_project) and the failure condition if that prerequisite is unmet. It does not explicitly say 'call select_portal_and_project first if not selected,' but the context is strong enough to guide correct usage.
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.
15 tool updates
v0.1.0- First observed
configure_oauth - First observed
get_bug_context - First observed
get_milestone_context - First observed
get_project_context - First observed
get_task_context - First observed
get_tasklist_context - First observed
list_portals - First observed
list_projects - First observed
list_selected_portals - First observed
list_tags - First observed
list_users - First observed
remove_portal_selection - First observed
reset_selection - First observed
select_portal_and_project - First observed
switch_portal
TDQS
Scored across 15 tools
Every tool has a clearly distinct purpose. The selection/configuration tools (configure_oauth, select_portal_and_project, switch_portal, etc.) are well-separated from the context-retrieval tools (get_project_context, get_task_context, etc.), and each context tool targets a different resource type. Even similar-sounding tools like list_portals vs list_projects are unambiguous due to clear descriptions.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern in snake_case. Verbs are clear (configure, list, select, switch, remove, reset, get) and nouns accurately describe the resource. The compound 'select_portal_and_project' is a minor deviation but still follows the pattern and remains predictable.
15 tools is within the recommended range and well-scoped for a comprehensive Zoho Projects integration. The configuration, selection, and context retrieval tools each serve a distinct purpose, and no tool feels redundant or unnecessary.
The server provides thorough read and context-gathering capabilities, covering all major entity types (project, tasklist, milestone, task, bug) with detailed context retrieval. The only notable gap is the absence of mutation tools (create/update/delete), but given the server's apparent focus on read-only context provision, this is a minor gap that agents can work around.
Maintenance
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