service_list

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

No annotations present, so description must carry transparency. The description implies a read-only list operation, but lacks disclosure on authentication, scoping, or potential pagination. Adequate for a simple list but could be more 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?

Description is concise and well-structured with bullet points and emojis for readability. However, the emojis are not strictly necessary and add slight noise.

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?

No output schema exists, and the description does not explain return values, error conditions, or pagination (if any). For a list tool, this is a gap, but the prerequisites and next steps partially compensate.

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 covers projectId with built-in description. The description echoes the schema's meaning without adding new semantic details, so baseline 3 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?

Clearly states 'List all services in a specific Railway project' with a specific verb and resource, distinguishing it from siblings like service_info (single service) and service_create (creation).

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?

Provides explicit best-for use cases, prerequisites, next steps, and related tools, helping agents decide when to use this tool versus alternatives.

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