Skip to main content
Glama
jschuller

ServiceNow MCP Server

by jschuller

List Ci

list_ci
Read-onlyIdempotent

List CMDB configuration items with optional class and query filters. Retrieve CIs by class name, encoded query, pagination, and selected fields.

Instructions

List CMDB configuration items with optional class and query filtering

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMaximum number of CIs to return
queryNoEncoded query string (e.g., 'operational_status=1')
fieldsNoComma-separated list of fields to return
offsetNoNumber of records to skip
class_nameNoCMDB class name (e.g., 'cmdb_ci', 'cmdb_ci_server', 'cmdb_ci_computer')cmdb_ci
display_valueNo'false' (default) returns stored values; 'true' returns labels in place of sys_ids and choice values; 'all' returns {display_value, value} per field, which keeps the sys_id beside the name. query= still filters on stored values, not labels. With 'true' or 'all', dates come back in this identity's time zone and formatfalse
response_formatNo'detailed' (default) returns each reference field as {link, value}; 'concise' drops the link (an instance URL) and returns the sys_id alonedetailed

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
noteNo
classYes
countYes
recordsYes
warningNo
truncatedNo
next_offsetNo
display_noteNo

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed3 schema fields changedv0.9.2
    • addedInput schema / properties / display_value
      Added value: +{
      +  "default": "false",
      +  "description": "'false' (default) returns stored values; 'true' returns labels in place of sys_ids and choice values; 'all' returns {display_value, value} per field, which keeps the sys_id beside the name. query= still filters on stored values, not labels. With 'true' or 'all', dates come back in this identity's time zone and format",
      +  "enum": [
      +    "false",
      +    "true",
      +    "all"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "string"
      +}
    • addedInput schema / properties / response_format
      Added value: +{
      +  "default": "detailed",
      +  "description": "'detailed' (default) returns each reference field as {link, value}; 'concise' drops the link (an instance URL) and returns the sys_id alone",
      +  "enum": [
      +    "concise",
      +    "detailed"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "string"
      +}
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "properties": {
      +    "class": {
      +      "type": "string"
      +    },
      +    "count": {
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    },
      +    "display_note": {
      +      "type": "string"
      +    },
      +    "next_offset": {
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    },
      +    "note": {
      +      "type": "string"
      +    },
      +    "records": {
      +      "items": {
      +        "additionalProperties": true,
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    },
      +    "truncated": {
      +      "type": "boolean"
      +    },
      +    "warning": {
      +      "type": "string"
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "required": [
      +    "count",
      +    "class",
      +    "records"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changedv0.7.0
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
      -  "additionalProperties": true,
      -  "type": "object"
      -}New value: +null
  3. First observedv0.5.1

TDQS

B3.2/5.0
Behavior3/5

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

Annotations already declare this as a read-only, idempotent, non-destructive, closed-world operation. The description adds no behavioral context beyond the schema and annotations, such as pagination behavior or output shape, but it also does not contradict them.

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 with no wasted words. It is appropriately concise, though its brevity leaves out useful routing context rather than adding structure.

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?

The tool has seven optional parameters, rich schema descriptions, annotations, and an output schema. The description is minimally adequate because the structured fields carry most of the needed detail, but it does not help an agent decide when to use this list tool over sibling retrieval tools.

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 all seven parameters are already well documented in the input schema. The description only mentions class and query filtering, adding no syntax or meaning beyond what the schema provides, which matches the baseline of 3.

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 states a specific verb and resource: list CMDB configuration items, with optional class and query filtering. It is clear what the tool does, but it does not distinguish itself from siblings like get_ci, list_records, or aggregate_records.

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 phrase 'optional class and query filtering' implies that filters can be used, but there is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus get_ci or list_records. No exclusions, prerequisites, or alternative routing are provided.

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