AWS MCP Server

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It mentions scope (account/region) but fails to disclose AWS-specific behaviors: pagination (returns NextToken), that results include only topic ARNs (not full attributes), IAM permissions required (sns:ListTopics), 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 verb, no redundancy. However, extreme brevity leaves critical behavioral and contextual gaps unfilled.

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?

Missing output schema means description should explain what gets returned (topic ARNs). Omits AWS-specific necessities: pagination handling, regional scope implications, and permission requirements. As a simple list tool with complete input schema, it covers the basics but leaves operational context undefined.

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 has 100% description coverage with clear examples. Description adds no parameter-specific context, but with complete schema coverage this meets baseline expectations.

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?

States specific action (List), resource (SNS topics), and scope (account/region). The word 'all' helps distinguish from sibling aws_sns_get_topic_attributes which targets a specific topic. However, it does not clarify the return value format (e.g., ARNs vs full objects).

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

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

Provides no guidance on when to use this versus aws_sns_get_topic_attributes, aws_sns_list_subscriptions, or aws_sns_publish. No mention of prerequisite permissions or AWS credential requirements.

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