Airtable MCP Server
Provides comprehensive access to the Airtable Web API for managing bases, tables, fields (25+ types), records, views, and webhooks. Supports batch operations, advanced filtering, sorting, pagination, and enterprise features including user management, workspace management, and audit logs.
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., "@Airtable MCP Serverlist all tasks with status 'pending' from the 'Projects' table"
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.
Airtable MCP Server
A comprehensive Model Context Protocol (MCP) server that provides full access to the Airtable Web API, including enterprise features. This server enables AI assistants to create, manage, and interact with Airtable bases, tables, fields, records, views, and webhooks.
Features
ποΈ Base Management
List Bases: Get all accessible bases in a workspace
Get Base Schema: Retrieve complete base structure with tables and fields
Delete Base: Remove bases (Enterprise only)
π Table Management
List Tables: Get all tables in a base
Create Table: Create new tables with comprehensive field configurations
Update Table: Modify table properties and metadata
Delete Table: Remove tables (with proper permissions)
π§ Field Management
List Fields: Get all fields in a table
Create Field: Add new fields with 25+ field types supported
Update Field: Modify existing field properties and options
Delete Field: Remove fields (with data considerations)
Supported Field Types
Basic Fields:
singleLineText,multilineText,email,phoneNumber,richText,urlNumeric Fields:
number,currency,percentDate/Time Fields:
date,dateTime,durationSelection Fields:
singleSelect,multipleSelectsInteractive Fields:
rating,checkboxAdvanced Fields:
formula,rollup,lookup,multipleRecordLinksSpecialized Fields:
attachment,barcode,button,count,autoNumber
π Record Operations
List Records: Basic record retrieval
Advanced List Records: Full filtering, sorting, pagination, and field selection
Get Record: Fetch individual record details
Create Record: Add single records
Update Record: Modify existing records
Delete Record: Remove records
Batch Create Records: Create multiple records efficiently
Batch Update Records: Update multiple records in one request
Batch Delete Records: Delete multiple records efficiently
Search Records: Find records using field-based search
ποΈ View Management
List Views: Get all views in a table
Get View: Retrieve view configuration
Create View: Create new views (grid, form, calendar, gallery, kanban, timeline, gantt)
Update View: Modify view properties, filters, and sorting
Delete View: Remove views
π Webhook Management
List Webhooks: Get all webhooks for a base
Create Webhook: Set up real-time notifications
Update Webhook: Modify webhook configuration
Delete Webhook: Remove webhook subscriptions
Get Webhook Payloads: Retrieve webhook notification history
π’ Enterprise Features (Enterprise Scale Plans)
User Management: Create, update, and deactivate users
Workspace Management: Manage workspace access and permissions
Audit Logs: Create and retrieve comprehensive audit logs
Share Link Management: Control base sharing across organization
Collaborator Management: Add/remove users from bases and workspaces
Bulk Operations: Perform enterprise-scale batch operations
Related MCP server: Airtable MCP Server
Installation
npm install @loticdigital/airtable-mcp-serverConfiguration
Set your Airtable API key as an environment variable:
export AIRTABLE_API_KEY=your_airtable_api_key_hereUsage
With Claude Desktop
Add to your Claude Desktop configuration:
{
"mcpServers": {
"airtable": {
"command": "npx",
"args": ["@loticdigital/airtable-mcp-server"],
"env": {
"AIRTABLE_API_KEY": "your_airtable_api_key_here"
}
}
}
}With MCP Inspector
npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector npx @loticdigital/airtable-mcp-serverAPI Capabilities
Rate Limits & Best Practices
Rate Limit: 5 requests per second per base
API Call Limits:
Free: 1,000 calls per workspace per month
Team: 100,000 calls per workspace per month
Business/Enterprise: Unlimited calls
Pagination: Automatic handling of paginated responses
Batch Operations: Efficient bulk processing for multiple records
Error Handling: Comprehensive error recovery with exponential backoff
Advanced Features
External ID Mapping: Support for upsert operations
Data Validation: Comprehensive field validation
Conflict Resolution: Handle concurrent updates gracefully
Change Tracking: Monitor and log all data modifications
Performance Optimization: Caching and selective field requests
Security Features
Token Management: Secure PAT handling
Data Protection: Input validation and sanitization
Enterprise Security: Audit logging and compliance support
Access Controls: Proper permission handling
Field Configuration Examples
Basic Fields
{
"name": "Title",
"type": "singleLineText",
"description": "Main title field"
}Numeric Fields
{
"name": "Price",
"type": "currency",
"options": {
"precision": 2,
"symbol": "$"
}
}Selection Fields
{
"name": "Status",
"type": "singleSelect",
"options": {
"choices": [
{ "name": "Active", "color": "greenBright" },
{ "name": "Pending", "color": "yellowBright" },
{ "name": "Inactive", "color": "redBright" }
]
}
}Advanced Fields
{
"name": "Full Name",
"type": "formula",
"options": {
"formula": "CONCATENATE({First Name}, ' ', {Last Name})"
}
}Webhook Configuration
{
"notificationUrl": "https://your-server.com/webhook",
"specification": {
"options": {
"filters": {
"dataTypes": ["tableData"],
"recordChangeScope": "tblXXXXXXXXXXXXXX"
}
}
}
}Error Handling
The server implements comprehensive error handling:
401 Unauthorized: Invalid or expired token
403 Forbidden: Insufficient permissions
404 Not Found: Resource doesn't exist
422 Unprocessable Entity: Invalid field configuration
429 Too Many Requests: Rate limit exceeded
500 Internal Server Error: Airtable service issue
Development
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/loticdigital/airtable-mcp
# Install dependencies
npm install
# Build the project
npm run build
# Run with inspector
npm run inspectorContributing
Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.
License
MIT License - see LICENSE file for details.
Support
For issues and questions:
GitHub Issues: https://github.com/loticdigital/airtable-mcp/issues
Documentation: Airtable Web API
Changelog
v0.6.0 (Latest)
β¨ Major Feature Expansion: Added comprehensive Airtable Web API support
π§ 25+ Field Types: Support for all Airtable field types including advanced fields
ποΈ View Management: Complete view CRUD operations
π Webhook Support: Real-time notifications and webhook management
π Advanced Record Operations: Batch operations, advanced filtering, pagination
π’ Enterprise Features: User management, audit logs, workspace management
π‘οΈ Enhanced Security: Comprehensive validation and error handling
β‘ Performance: Optimized batch operations and caching strategies
v0.5.1
Basic table and field management
Simple record CRUD operations
Limited field type support
Available Tools
32 toolsadvanced_list_recordsB
List records with advanced filtering, sorting, and pagination
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| filter_by_formula | No | Airtable formula to filter records | |
| sort | No | Sort configuration | |
| max_records | No | Maximum number of records to return | |
| page_size | No | Number of records per page (max 100) | |
| view | No | Name or ID of view to use | |
| fields | No | Specific fields to return | |
| cell_format | No | Format for cell values | |
| time_zone | No | Time zone for date/time fields | |
| user_locale | No | User locale for formatting | |
| offset | No | Pagination offset token |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, so the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions 'advanced filtering, sorting, and pagination', which is vague and does not address side effects, limitations, or authentication needs.
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 concise sentence of 8 words, efficiently communicating the tool's purpose. However, it could include more detail without being verbose.
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 the tool's complexity (12 parameters, many siblings, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It lacks details about return values, error handling, and when to use this over simpler listing tools.
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 100%, so baseline is 3. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema's parameter descriptions, merely summarizing the tool's high-level capabilities.
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 'List records' as verb+resource, and adds 'advanced filtering, sorting, and pagination' which distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_records and search_records.
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 use for advanced listing but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus simpler alternatives like list_records, nor does it provide exclusions or prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
batch_create_recordsC
Create multiple records in a single request
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| records | Yes | Array of records to create | |
| typecast | No | Automatically convert field types |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description should carry the burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states 'create multiple records,' which implies a write operation, but fails to mention potential side effects (e.g., partial failures on error), required permissions, or any behavioral traits beyond the basic action.
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 concise sentence that efficiently communicates the core function. It is front-loaded and without redundancy, though it could benefit from a slightly more structured format (e.g., listing key details) given the tool's prominence.
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 is minimal and lacks critical contextual information such as return value (e.g., does it return the created records?), limits on batch size, or failure behavior. Without an output schema, the agent relies on the description for completeness, which is insufficient.
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?
With 100% schema description coverage, the input schema already documents all parameters. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides (e.g., it does not explain the typecast parameter's effect or the structure of records). Baseline score of 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?
The description 'Create multiple records in a single request' clearly specifies the action (create) and the resource (multiple records), distinguishing it from sibling tools like create_record (single) and batch_delete_records. However, it omits mention of the base and table context, which could further clarify the specific resource type.
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 on when to use this tool vs alternatives like create_record or batch_update_records. The description simply states the function, leaving the agent to infer usage context without explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use instructions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
batch_delete_recordsB
Delete multiple records in a single request
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| record_ids | Yes | Array of record IDs to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Lacks disclosure of side effects (e.g., permanent deletion), error handling, rate limits, idempotency, or authentication requirements. Annotations are absent, so description carries full burden but provides minimal information.
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?
One concise sentence, no fluff, front-loaded with action and resource. Could benefit from additional relevant details without losing conciseness.
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?
As a batch mutation tool with no output schema and no annotations, the description should explain behavior like atomicity, partial failure handling, limits, and result format. Currently incomplete.
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 coverage is 100% with clear parameter descriptions, so description adds no extra meaning. Baseline of 3 is appropriate as the schema already documents parameters sufficiently.
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 (delete), resource (multiple records), and method (single request), effectively distinguishing it from single-record deletion and other batch operations.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives like delete_record or batch operations. No mention of use cases, prerequisites, or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
batch_update_recordsB
Update multiple records in a single request
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| records | Yes | Array of records to update | |
| typecast | No | Automatically convert field types |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description should disclose behavioral traits. It only states the basic action but omits mutation, idempotency, error handling, or whether updates are atomic. The agent cannot infer safety from this alone.
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, clear sentence with no fluff. However, it could be slightly improved by adding a second sentence on limits or usage context.
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 no annotations or output schema, the description is incomplete. It lacks details on batch limits, error handling, prerequisites, or return format, which are important for agents to use correctly.
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 covers 100% of parameters with descriptions, so the schema already provides meaning. The description does not add extra information beyond the 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 clearly states 'Update multiple records in a single request', which specifies a precise verb and resource, and distinguishes it from sibling tools like update_record (single) and batch_create_records (create).
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 batch operations but provides no explicit guidance on when to use versus alternatives, such as efficiency benefits, rate limits, or when to avoid (e.g., if partial failure handling is needed).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_fieldB
Create a new field in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| field | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits like whether the field is added to the table schema immediately, if it affects existing records, or any required permissions. Minimal information.
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 clear sentence, front-loaded with the key action and resource. However, it could be slightly more informative without losing conciseness.
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 the complexity of the nested field object and no output schema, the description is too minimal. It does not explain what happens after creation, return values, or error conditions.
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?
Input schema has 67% coverage with descriptions for parameters. The tool description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, 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?
The description clearly states the action (Create) and resource (new field in a table), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_record or update_field.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as update_field (for modifying an existing field) or creating records. The description lacks context for decision-making.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_recordB
Create a new record in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| fields | Yes | Record fields as key-value pairs |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits, but it does not mention what happens after creation (e.g., returned record ID), error conditions, authentication requirements, or rate limits. The description is too brief to inform the agent about the tool's behavior beyond the basic action.
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 efficient sentence with no wasted words. However, it could be slightly expanded to include essential context without becoming verbose.
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 lacks critical context: it does not specify what the tool returns (e.g., ID of created record), that base and table must exist, or any constraints on fields. Given the presence of sibling tools and no output schema, the description is incomplete for an agent to use reliably.
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 already provides clear descriptions for all three parameters (base_id, table_name, fields), so the description does not add much value for parameters. The schema coverage is 100%, earning a baseline of 3.
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 (Create), the resource (a new record), and the context (in a table). It distinguishes from siblings like 'update_record' and 'delete_record', and also from 'batch_create_records' which implies bulk 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?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'batch_create_records' for bulk creation, or prerequisites such as requiring the base and table to exist. The description lacks any usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_tableC
Create a new table in a base
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the new table | |
| description | No | Description of the table | |
| fields | No | Initial fields for the table |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description is minimal and does not disclose behavioral traits beyond the core action. With no annotations available, the description should explain aspects like whether the operation is reversible, if it requires specific permissions, or what happens if a table with the same name exists. None of these are addressed.
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, concise sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose. There is no unnecessary information, and it is appropriately 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?
Given the absence of an output schema and annotations, the description should cover more contextual aspects such as return values, error conditions, or the effect of optional parameters. The current description is too brief for a tool with four parameters and no output schema, leaving significant gaps in understanding.
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 provides full descriptions for all four parameters, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add additional meaning or context beyond what the schema already offers. For example, it does not clarify how the 'fields' parameter affects the table creation or provide examples.
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 that the tool creates a new table in a base. While it is specific enough to distinguish from tools like 'create_field' or 'create_record', it lacks explicit differentiation that could help an agent immediately decide when to use this tool over similar ones. The verb and resource are clear.
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 usage guidelines are provided. The description does not indicate when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'create_field' or 'update_table'. It also does not mention prerequisites or context where this tool is appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_viewC
Create a new view in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| view | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description only implies a mutation (creation) with no details on permissions, idempotency, or side effects. No annotations are provided to supplement, so the agent lacks behavioral awareness.
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, which is concise but lacks structure or front-loading of key constraints. It is adequate but could be more informative.
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?
Without an output schema, the description should explain return values or side effects. It does not, and it also omits required context like verifying existence of base and table.
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 already describes parameters reasonably, but the description adds no additional meaning beyond what is in the schema. With 67% coverage, it does not compensate for any gaps.
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 (create) and resource (a new view in a table), and it distinguishes well from sibling tools like create_record or create_table.
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 on when to use this tool vs. alternatives (e.g., update_view), no prerequisites mentioned, and no exclusions specified.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
create_webhookC
Create a new webhook for real-time notifications
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| notification_url | Yes | URL to receive webhook notifications | |
| specification | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states 'Create' which implies a mutation, but fails to disclose side effects, permissions, rate limits, or idempotency. Minimal transparency beyond basic action.
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, very concise and front-loaded. However, it is under-specified, lacking crucial details. It earns its place but does not provide enough information for an agent to use it effectively.
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 has nested objects, three required parameters, and no output schema. The description does not mention return value, error handling, or verification of success. Incomplete for a creation tool of moderate complexity.
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 67% (base_id and notification_url described, specification not). The description adds no meaning beyond the schemaβonly 'for real-time notifications' which is general context. Does not compensate for missing spec description.
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 creates a new webhook for real-time notifications. It uses a specific verb-resource pair ('Create a new webhook') and adds context, but does not differentiate from siblings like update_webhook or list_webhooks.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no prerequisites mentioned (e.g., base must exist), and no exclusions provided. The description lacks any usage context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
delete_baseB
Delete a base (Enterprise only)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Delete a base', implying destruction, but lacks warnings about permanence, cascading deletions, permission requirements, or side effects. For a destructive tool, this is insufficient.
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 very short (5 words plus parenthetical). While concise, it lacks structure and omits critical details. It is not optimally front-loaded with the most important information for agent decision-making.
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 this is a destructive tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is too sparse. It fails to communicate the irreversible nature of the action, required permissions, or what happens to associated data. The tool is not fully specified for safe autonomous use.
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 coverage is 100% for the single parameter 'base_id', which is well-described in the schema. The description adds no further semantics beyond the schema. A score of 3 is appropriate as the schema carries the full burden.
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 ('Delete'), the resource ('base'), and a specific constraint ('Enterprise only'). This is precise and distinguishes it from sibling tools like delete_record or delete_field.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The only context is 'Enterprise only', which is a restriction but not usage direction. No mention of alternatives or prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
delete_fieldA
Delete a field from a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| field_id | Yes | ID of the field to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must convey behavioral traits. It only states the delete action without mentioning side effects like data loss, cascading deletions, or whether the field must not be in use. This is a significant gap for a destructive 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 concise sentence with no unnecessary words. It is front-loaded with the essential action. However, it could benefit from more structure or detail, but it remains 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 the simplicity of the tool (three parameters, no output schema), the description is too minimal. It lacks information about the return value, error scenarios, permissions required, or any confirmation of deletion. A more complete description would improve usability.
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 100% coverage of all three parameters with descriptions. The tool description does not add any additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides, so baseline score 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?
The description clearly states the action (delete), the resource (field), and the context (from a table). It effectively distinguishes from sibling tools like delete_record or delete_view.
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?
While the description does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives, the action is straightforward and the tool name itself is self-explanatory. It lacks explicit guidance on when not to use or possible prerequisites, but the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
delete_recordC
Delete a record from a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| record_id | Yes | ID of the record to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description only mentions 'delete', which implies mutation. It fails to disclose irreversibility, confirmation requirements, or any side effects.
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, clear sentence with no fluff. However, it could be slightly more informative without sacrificing conciseness.
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 the lack of annotations and the presence of many sibling tools (e.g., batch_delete_records, create_record, update_record), the description is incomplete. It does not explain the prerequisite base/table context or confirm that this is for single records.
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?
All 3 parameters are described in the schema (100% coverage), so the description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema already provides.
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 action (delete) and the resource (record from a table), clearly distinguishing it from create, update, or batch operations. However, it does not differentiate from other delete tools like batch_delete_records.
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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as batch_delete_records or update_record. The context of usage (single record deletion) is only implied.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
delete_viewB
Delete a view from a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| view_id | Yes | ID of the view to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It simply states 'Delete' without mentioning irreversibility, permissions, or side effects, which is insufficient.
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 of 6 words, which is highly concise and appropriately sized for a simple delete operation.
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 the lack of output schema and annotations, the description should provide more context about return values, existence checks, or cascading effects. It is incomplete for a mutation tool.
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 100% description coverage, so the schema already documents the parameters. The description adds no extra meaning, resulting in a baseline score of 3.
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 specifies the action ('Delete') and the resource ('a view from a table'), which is distinct from sibling tools like delete_field or delete_record.
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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor are there any prerequisites or exclusion criteria given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
delete_webhookB
Delete a webhook
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| webhook_id | Yes | ID of the webhook to delete |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Delete a webhook', omitting that the action is irreversible, what happens if the webhook does not exist, or any side effects. This is insufficient for a mutation tool.
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 concise sentence, but it could be more informative without becoming verbose. It earns a high score for brevity, though it sacrifices completeness.
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 delete operation with well-named parameters, the description is minimally adequate but lacks critical details like irreversibility and success/failure output. Given no annotations or output schema, it is incomplete.
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 coverage is 100%, so the input schema already documents both parameters ('base_id', 'webhook_id') with descriptions. The tool description adds no additional meaning, meeting the baseline of 3 for high 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 'Delete a webhook' uses a specific verb ('Delete') and resource ('webhook'), clearly indicating the action and distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'create_webhook', 'list_webhooks', and 'update_webhook'.
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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no mentions of prerequisites (e.g., webhook must exist), and no warnings about irreversibility, leaving the agent without context for safe usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_base_schemaA
Get complete base schema including all tables and fields. For large schemas, returns a cache ID to fetch data in chunks.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | No | ID of the base | |
| cache_id | No | Cache ID from a previous fetch (use with chunk_offset) | |
| chunk_offset | No | Chunk number to retrieve (0-based, use with cache_id) | |
| table_ids | No | Optional array of specific table IDs to include in the schema. If not provided, all tables will be included. | |
| use_cache | No | Use caching for large schemas (default: true for full base schemas) |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Without annotations, the description effectively discloses the caching behavior, including cache ID and chunked fetching. However, it does not explicitly state that this is a read-only operation or detail any permissions or side effects, but the caching mechanism is well explained.
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 concise, with two sentences that front-load the purpose and then efficiently explain the caching behavior. No unnecessary words.
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?
While the description covers the main functionality and caching, it lacks details on the return format or structure, especially since there is no output schema. It could also clarify the relationship between cache_id and chunk_offset more explicitly.
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?
With 100% schema description coverage, the baseline is 3. The description adds value by explaining the purpose of caching parameters and the optionality of table_ids, providing context beyond the schema definitions.
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 retrieves the complete base schema including all tables and fields, which is a specific verb-resource combination. This distinguishes it from sibling tools that operate on individual records, fields, or views.
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 fetching schemas, especially large ones, but lacks explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_tables or list_fields. No alternatives or exclusions are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_base_summaryA
Get a lightweight summary of all tables in a base (names, IDs, and field counts only)
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It describes what is returned (lightweight summary) but lacks info on side effects, auth needs, 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.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Single sentence front-loaded with action and resource; no extraneous information.
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 tool with one parameter, the description adequately explains output scope. Could mention read-only nature but sufficient for typical use.
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 base_id with description 'ID of the base'. Tool description adds no extra parameter meaning, 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?
The description clearly states the tool returns a lightweight summary of tables with specific fields (names, IDs, field counts), distinguishing it from siblings like get_base_schema or list_tables.
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 explicit guidance on when to use this vs alternatives. The description implies it's for quick overviews but does not mention trade-offs or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_recordB
Get a single record by its ID
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| record_id | Yes | ID of the record to retrieve |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, so the description must disclose behavior. It only states the tool gets a record, without mentioning it's a safe read operation, permissions, or side effects. Minimal transparency.
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?
Single sentence with no waste, but very sparse. Could include more structure (e.g., what is returned) without losing conciseness.
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, no annotations, and the description is too bare. It does not explain return values, constraints, or how it fits with sibling tools. Incomplete for the tool's complexity.
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?
Input schema has 100% coverage, so the schema already describes parameters adequately. The description adds no extra meaning beyond what is in the 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 clearly states 'Get a single record by its ID', using a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings like list_records (which returns multiple) and search_records.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_records or search_records. The description does not mention context or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_viewC
Get view configuration
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| view_id | Yes | ID of the view |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, and the description does not disclose any behavioral traits such as read-only nature, authentication requirements, or rate limits. For a read operation, transparency about side effects is lacking.
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 extremely concise (3 words), which is efficient but lacks any structure or additional context. While brevity is valued, this may be too terse to be fully helpful, especially for an agent seeking to understand the tool's purpose.
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 the lack of an output schema, the description should indicate what the tool returns (e.g., view settings, fields). Without that, the agent cannot anticipate the response format. Additionally, with three required IDs, the description does not explain how to obtain them, limiting completeness.
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 100% description coverage for all three parameters (base_id, table_id, view_id), so the schema already conveys their meaning. The description adds no additional semantic context beyond what the schema provides, meeting the baseline.
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?
Description states 'Get view configuration', which clearly indicates the action (get) and resource (view configuration). However, it does not differentiate from sibling tool 'list_views', which also deals with views, potentially causing confusion about whether this returns a single view's details or a list.
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 provided on when to use get_view versus alternatives like list_views or update_view. The description lacks any contextual hints about prerequisites or appropriate scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
get_webhook_payloadsC
Get webhook notification history
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| webhook_id | Yes | ID of the webhook | |
| cursor | No | Pagination cursor | |
| limit | No | Number of payloads to return |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It only says 'Get webhook notification history'βno mention of read-only nature, potential rate limits, or what the response contains (e.g., payload details).
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 short sentence that is front-loaded and to the point. No wasted words, though it could benefit from slight expansion without losing conciseness.
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 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is insufficient. It lacks information about pagination behavior, response format, or how to interpret cursor and limit effectively.
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 coverage is 100%, so the description adds minimal value. The schema already documents parameter meanings (base_id, webhook_id, cursor, limit). The description does not provide additional context like typical usage patterns for cursor/limit.
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 retrieves 'webhook notification history', which is a specific verb-resource combination. It distinguishes from sibling list tools like 'list_webhooks' by focusing on payloads/history.
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 on when to use this tool vs alternatives, nor any prerequisites or exclusions. For example, it doesn't clarify when to use this instead of 'list_webhooks' or if a webhook must first exist.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_basesA
List all accessible Airtable bases
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No parameters | |||
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided; description implies read-only behavior but doesn't explicitly state it or mention any constraints like pagination. Adequate for a simple listing.
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?
Single concise sentence with no unnecessary words.
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 tool with zero parameters and no output schema, the description adequately conveys the core functionality. Could mention return format, but not critical.
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?
No parameters, baseline 4. Description adds no parameter info but none needed.
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 'List all accessible Airtable bases' clearly specifies the action (list) and the resource (Airtable bases), distinguishing it from sibling tools like list_tables or list_records.
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 explicit guidance on when to use or when not. However, for a simple list tool with no parameters, the usage is straightforward and implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_cached_schemasA
List all cached schemas with their cache IDs and metadata
| 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 full burden. It states a list operation (read-only), but does not disclose any potential side effects, permissions, or constraints. The behavioral traits beyond the surface are absent.
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, well-formed sentence with no extraneous words. It directly conveys the tool's action and output, meeting conciseness criteria perfectly.
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 no output schema and no annotations, the description sufficiently defines the tool's purpose. However, it does not explain what 'cached schemas' are or why listing them might be useful, which could be enhanced for better completeness.
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, and schema coverage is 100% (empty schema). The description adds no parameter details, but none are needed. Baseline score of 4 applies as the schema fully covers the input.
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 'List' and the resource 'cached schemas' with the output details (cache IDs and metadata). It is distinct from sibling listing tools like list_bases, list_tables, etc., which list different entities.
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 does not provide explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives, but given it is a simple list with no parameters, the usage context is somewhat implied. However, it lacks any comparative or situational hints.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_fieldsB
List all fields in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden but fails to disclose behavioral traits like read-only nature, return structure, or pagination. Merely saying 'list all fields' is insufficient for a complete behavioral picture.
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, concise sentence that front-loads the essential purpose. No unnecessary words or information.
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 2-parameter list tool with no output schema, the description is minimally adequate but lacks details about what fields are returned and whether pagination exists. Could be improved without being verbose.
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 coverage is 100% with adequate descriptions ('ID of the base', 'ID of the table'), so baseline is 3. The tool description adds no additional parameter meaning beyond the 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 'List all fields in a table' uses a specific verb ('list') and resource ('fields in a table'), clearly distinguishing it from sibling tools like list_tables, list_records, etc.
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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as get_base_schema or list_tables. No context or exclusion criteria are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_recordsC
List records in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| max_records | No | Maximum number of records to return |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, pagination, or any side effects. The description assumes a straightforward list operation but leaves important details implicit.
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 extremely concise (4 words), but it is under-specified. Important information such as scope (all records vs filtered) and behavioral details are missing, making it insufficiently informative for the agent.
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 the presence of sibling tools and no output schema or annotations, the description lacks completeness. It does not explain return format, pagination, or differentiation from similar tools, leaving agents with insufficient context to use the tool correctly.
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 100% description coverage, so the baseline is 3. The description does not add any additional meaning beyond what is already in the schema. Parameters are adequately described in the schema, but the description offers no extra context.
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 resource (records in a table). It is specific enough for basic understanding, but does not differentiate from sibling tools like advanced_list_records, which may offer additional filtering options.
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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as advanced_list_records or search_records. The description lacks any context about appropriate use cases or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_tablesB
List all tables in a base
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits such as read-only nature, required permissions, or side effects, leaving the agent uninformed.
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?
Single short sentence with no wasted words, efficient and 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 tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate but lacks details on return format, pagination, or error handling.
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 coverage is 100% for the single parameter base_id, which is already described in the schema. The description adds no additional semantic meaning.
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 'list', resource 'tables', and scope 'in a base', making it distinct from sibling tools like list_records or list_fields.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor any exclusions or prerequisites. Implied usage only.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_viewsB
List all views in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only says 'List all views', omitting details like pagination, ordering, permissions, or potential limitations. Minimal transparency for a 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.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is extremely concise ('List all views in a table') with no wasted words. However, it lacks any structural elements like bullet points or examples; it is efficient but minimal.
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 list tool with many siblings, the description should provide more context to avoid confusion. No output schema means return value behavior is unclear. Incomplete for real-world use.
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 coverage is 100% and parameter descriptions are clear ('ID of the base', 'ID of the table'). The description adds no extra meaning beyond the schema, 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?
Description clearly states the tool's function: 'List all views in a table'. It uses a specific verb ('list') and resource ('views in a table'), distinguishing it from siblings like 'get_view' or 'list_tables'.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'get_view' for a single view or other list tools. The description does not provide context or exclusions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
list_webhooksB
List all webhooks for a base
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It does not mention that the tool is read-only, any authentication requirements, rate limits, or error behavior (e.g., what happens if the base does not exist).
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, concise sentence with no extraneous words. It could benefit from slightly more detail, but it remains 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 the simplicity of the tool (one parameter, no nested objects, no output schema), the description is minimally complete but lacks details about return format, pagination, 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 only parameter 'base_id' has a description in the schema ('ID of the base'), and the tool description does not add any additional meaning beyond that. Since schema coverage is 100%, the baseline is 3.
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 'list', the resource 'webhooks', and the scope 'for a base', making the tool's purpose unambiguous and distinct from sibling tools like create_webhook or delete_webhook.
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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as listing other types of resources, or on prerequisites like requiring a valid base_id. The description lacks context on usage scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
search_recordsB
Search for records in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| field_name | Yes | Name of the field to search in | |
| value | Yes | Value to search for |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations available, the description carries the full burden for behavioral disclosure. It only states 'search' without mentioning pagination, limits, security implications, or any side effects, providing minimal transparency.
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 concise sentence that is easy to parse. While it is functional, it lacks structure or front-loaded key constraints. It is appropriately sized but could be more informative without becoming verbose.
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 the complexity of the tool (4 required parameters) and the absence of an output schema or annotations, the description is too brief to be contextually complete. It does not explain expected results, error conditions, or usage context.
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 100%, so the input schema already fully explains each parameter. The description adds no additional semantic value beyond the schema, meeting the baseline but not exceeding it.
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 'Search for records in a table', which is a specific verb-resource combination. It distinguishes from siblings like 'list_records' by implying filtering criteria, making the purpose 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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'advanced_list_records' or 'get_record'. The description lacks context for appropriate usage, exclusions, or prerequisites.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_fieldC
Update a field in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| field_id | Yes | ID of the field to update | |
| updates | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are present, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits like idempotency, error handling, permissions, or response behavior. This is insufficient for a mutation 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 concise sentence, but it is too brief to cover necessary details. It is structured but lacks substance.
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 the complexity of the tool (4 parameters, nested updates object, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It omits important context about how updates are applied, which fields are optional, and error scenarios.
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 75%, and the descriptions for base_id, table_id, field_id, and the updates object are adequate but generic. The tool description adds no extra semantic value beyond the 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 clearly states the verb 'Update' and the resource 'field in a table', which distinguishes it from sibling tools like create_field or update_record. However, it lacks specificity about which field properties can be updated.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as update_record or create_field. There are no prerequisites or contexts provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_recordB
Update an existing record in a table
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_name | Yes | Name of the table | |
| record_id | Yes | ID of the record to update | |
| fields | Yes | Record fields to update as key-value pairs |
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 only states 'Update an existing record' without disclosing what happens if the record is not found, what fields can be updated, whether partial updates are allowed, or any authentication requirements.
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 concise sentence with no extraneous words. However, it could potentially include more information without losing conciseness, so it's not the most efficient use of space.
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 the complexity (4 required parameters, nested object) and lack of annotations or output schema, the description is too minimal. It does not explain return values, error handling, or the scope of updates, leaving significant gaps for the agent.
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 100%, so the input schema already defines each parameter. The description adds no additional meaning beyond what the schema provides, resulting in a baseline score of 3.
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 'Update an existing record in a table' clearly states the verb (update) and resource (record in a table). It distinguishes from siblings like 'create_record' (create) and 'batch_update_records' (batch), making the tool's purpose 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?
No guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives such as 'batch_update_records' (for multiple records) or 'create_record' (for new records). No prerequisites or when-not-to-use hints are provided.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_tableC
Update a table's schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table to update | |
| name | No | New name for the table | |
| description | No | New description for the table |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden but only states the action. It does not disclose whether updates are idempotent, require special permissions, or affect existing data. The optional parameters suggest partial updates, but this is not explained.
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 with no wasted words, but it could be slightly expanded to include usage context without losing conciseness.
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 the tool has 4 parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is insufficient for an agent to fully understand when and how to use it. Sibling tools exist but no differentiation is provided.
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 coverage is 100%, so the parameter meanings are clear from the schema. The description adds no extra context beyond what is in the schema, such as constraints on name or description values.
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 'Update a table's schema' clearly states the action and resource, and distinguishes from sibling tools like update_field and update_view. However, 'schema' could be misinterpreted as structural schema changes, while the parameters only allow updating name and description.
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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like update_field or update_view. No context about prerequisites or typical use cases is given.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_viewC
Update an existing view
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| table_id | Yes | ID of the table | |
| view_id | Yes | ID of the view to update | |
| updates | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations provided, and the description does not disclose any behavioral aspects such as side effects, reversibility, or permissions.
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?
Single sentence is concise but under-specified; lacks necessary detail while being appropriately short.
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, and description fails to explain return values or constraints of the update operation, leaving gaps for a tool with nested objects.
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 coverage is high (75%+), and the description adds no extra meaning beyond the parameter names and types. 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?
Description clearly states the action 'update' and resource 'view', distinguishing it from sibling tools like create_view, delete_view, get_view.
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 on when to use this tool versus alternatives, no mention of prerequisites or context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
update_webhookB
Update an existing webhook
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| base_id | Yes | ID of the base | |
| webhook_id | Yes | ID of the webhook to update | |
| updates | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, and the description is minimal. It does not disclose behavioral details like idempotency, permission requirements, or whether updates trigger any side effects (e.g., notifications).
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, clear sentence with no unnecessary words. It is perfectly concise.
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 no output schema and minimal complexity, the description is too sparse. It lacks mention of return values, error conditions, or confirmation of success, which an agent would benefit from.
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 coverage is 67% (above 50%), but the description adds no additional meaning beyond what the input schema already provides. The nested 'updates' object is not explained further.
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 ('Update') and the resource ('an existing webhook'). It effectively distinguishes this tool from siblings like 'create_webhook' and 'list_webhooks'.
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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as 'create_webhook' for new webhooks or 'delete_webhook' to remove one. No prerequisites or exclusions are mentioned.
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.
32 tool updates
v0.5.4- First observed
advanced_list_records - First observed
batch_create_records - First observed
batch_delete_records - First observed
batch_update_records - First observed
create_field - First observed
create_record - First observed
create_table - First observed
create_view - First observed
create_webhook - First observed
delete_base - First observed
delete_field - First observed
delete_record - First observed
delete_view - First observed
delete_webhook - First observed
get_base_schema - First observed
get_base_summary - First observed
get_record - First observed
get_view - First observed
get_webhook_payloads - First observed
list_bases - First observed
list_cached_schemas - First observed
list_fields - First observed
list_records - First observed
list_tables - First observed
list_views - First observed
list_webhooks - First observed
search_records - First observed
update_field - First observed
update_record - First observed
update_table - First observed
update_view - First observed
update_webhook
TDQS
Scored across 32 tools
Each tool targets a distinct resource and action (e.g., record, field, table, view, webhook) with clear purposes. Even similar operations like list_records, search_records, and advanced_list_records are well-differentiated through descriptions.
All tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern in snake_case (e.g., create_record, list_tables, delete_view), with no mixing of conventions.
32 tools is on the higher side but justified by the broad coverage of Airtable's API (bases, tables, fields, records, views, webhooks) with CRUD and batch operations. The count is slightly excessive but still reasonable for the domain.
The tool surface covers most major operations including CRUD for records, tables, fields, views, and webhooks. Notable gaps include missing update_base, delete_table, and get_field, but core workflows are well covered.
Maintenance
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