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paladini

devutils-mcp-server

base64_decode

Decode Base64 strings to plain text for data recovery or debugging purposes.

Instructions

Decode a Base64 string back to plain text.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
inputYesThe Base64 string to decode

Implementation Reference

  • The implementation and registration of the 'base64_decode' tool.
    server.tool(
      "base64_decode",
      "Decode a Base64 string back to plain text.",
      { input: z.string().describe("The Base64 string to decode") },
      async ({ input }) => {
        try {
          const decoded = Buffer.from(input, "base64").toString("utf-8");
          return { content: [{ type: "text" as const, text: decoded }] };
        } catch {
          return {
            content: [
              { type: "text" as const, text: "Error: Invalid Base64 input" },
            ],
            isError: true,
          };
        }
      }
    );
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the Description must carry the full burden. While it discloses that output is 'plain text' (useful context), it fails to mention error behavior (e.g., what happens with malformed Base64 or invalid padding), whether the operation is idempotent, or any character encoding assumptions.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness4/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The Description is a single efficient sentence with zero redundancy. However, it verges on under-specification for a utility tool that lacks an output schema, as it could front-load key constraints without sacrificing much brevity.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness3/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the low complexity (1 parameter, 100% schema coverage) and the presence of the inverse sibling tool, the Description is minimally adequate. However, it omits error handling and output structure details that would be necessary given the absence of an output schema and annotations.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

With 100% schema description coverage, the schema already fully documents the 'input' parameter as 'The Base64 string to decode'. The Description adds no additional parameter syntax details (e.g., padding requirements, URL-safe alphabet support), warranting the baseline score of 3.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose4/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The Description uses the specific verb 'Decode' with the resource 'Base64 string' and clarifies the output is 'plain text'. The phrase 'back to' implicitly positions it as the inverse of the sibling base64_encode, though it doesn't explicitly name that tool for direct differentiation.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The Description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like hex_decode or url_decode, nor does it mention when to use the sibling base64_encode instead. It states only the function, not the selection criteria.

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

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