audit_mcp_server_config

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It usefully discloses that the tool works offline with no external service, implying that the config content is not sent elsewhere, and describes exactly what categories of risks it scans for. It does not explicitly say 'read-only' or describe side effects, but 'Audit' plus offline behavior strongly implies a read-only analysis.

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 compact and front-loaded: it states core behavior first, then the offline guarantee, then the detection list. Every sentence contributes meaningful selection information. The bullet-style list of risk categories is dense but not padded.

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 single-parameter tool with a 100% documented schema, this description provides enough to understand what the tool does, what input it expects, and which security concerns it covers. The presence of an output schema means the return-value explanation is not required. No critical operational fact, such as the 'no external service' guarantee, is missing.

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 documents the only parameter, config_json, fully, including that the full JSON content should be pasted and not the file path. Since schema description coverage is 100%, the description does not need to add parameter details. The tool description does not add new parameter-level nuance, which is acceptable under the 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 a specific action ('Audit an MCP client configuration') with a well-defined purpose: identifying security risks. It also lists concrete risk categories (tool poisoning, hardcoded credentials, unpinned packages, etc.), making the tool's scope easy to grasp. It slightly misses the fifth-star criterion because it does not name or distinguish itself from sibling tools like full_stack_audit or scan_secrets.

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 phrase 'works offline, no external service required' gives a clear usage constraint and hints at when this tool is appropriate. The detection list helps an agent decide if the config audit covers the relevant risk area. However, it does not explicitly state when NOT to use it or which sibling tools are better alternatives for narrower checks.

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