list_services

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

Annotations already establish readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=false, so safety and locality are covered. The description adds only a hint about returned content (services plus environments), which the output schema already conveys; it says nothing about auth needs, result size, or whether the call hits a remote source despite openWorldHint=false.

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?

Two short sentences with the enumeration scope front-loaded and the sequencing cue last; nothing is wasted or buried.

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?

An output schema exists, so return values need not be explained, and annotations cover the read-only profile. However, for a discovery tool with one undocumented filter parameter, the description should still clarify the environment argument — that gap keeps it at minimum-viable 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 single 'environment' parameter has 0% schema description coverage, and the description only says environments are listed — it never explains whether passing 'environment' filters the list, what the default null means, or what string format is expected. This leaves the one parameter's semantics unresolvable from the definition.

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 a specific verb (List) and the exact resources returned: services (SOAP/REST), environments, and the default environment. It stops short of contrasting with describe_service or other siblings, but an agent can tell this is the enumeration tool.

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?

"Start here." gives a weak but real sequencing cue, implying this is the entry point before describe_service/describe_operation/check_service. There is no explicit when-not guidance or named alternative, so usage is only implied.

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