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hjbaard

SolidWorks-MCP

by hjbaard

list_faces

Get face data (index, planar status, normal, area, centre) for inspection. Re-call after feature edits to refresh positional indices.

Instructions

List the part's faces (index, planar?, normal, area, centre) for inspection.

Indices are positional and shift as features are added; call again after edits.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault

No arguments

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. First observedv0.4.0

TDQS

A4.4/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the behavioral burden. It discloses the positional nature of indices and the need to re-call after edits, which is meaningful behavioral context beyond the tool name. It does not cover all edge cases, but it is sufficient for a simple list operation.

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?

Two concise sentences: the first states exactly what is listed and for what purpose, the second provides a crucial caveat. No filler or repetition.

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 zero-parameter inspection tool, the description covers the returned fields and the important index-shift caveat. It does not mention prerequisites such as an open part, but the tool name and sibling context make that reasonably inferable.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters4/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The tool has zero parameters and the schema is empty, so the baseline is 4. There is no parameter information needed, and the description adds no conflicting or redundant parameter details.

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 uses a specific verb ('List') and resource ('the part's faces') and enumerates the exact fields returned (index, planar?, normal, area, centre). This clearly distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_edges and get_mass_properties.

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

Usage Guidelines4/5

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

The description states that the tool is for inspection and explicitly warns that indices shift as features are added, advising to call again after edits. This gives clear context for when to use it, though it does not name alternative tools or exclusions.

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