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sweetrb

apple-photos-mcp

by sweetrb

library-info

Get high-level Apple Photos library statistics: total counts of photos, movies, albums, folders, keywords, and persons, plus library path and version info.

Instructions

Use when: you want high-level stats about the whole library — total counts of photos, movies, albums, folders, keywords, and persons — or to confirm which library you're targeting before drilling in. Returns: the library path, Photos DB and Photos.app versions, and the six counts. Do not use when: you want the actual albums/keywords/persons rather than just their counts — use list-albums / list-keywords / list-persons; or you want to find specific photos — use query.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
libraryNoPath to a .photoslibrary (default: system Photos library)

Output Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
dbVersionNo
albumCountNo
movieCountNo
photoCountNo
totalCountNo
folderCountNo
libraryPathNo
personCountNo
keywordCountNo
photosVersionNo
Behavior4/5

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It clearly discloses the return value (library path, versions, six counts) and implies a read-only operation. It doesn't discuss errors or performance, but for a stats-gathering tool this is acceptable.

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

Conciseness5/5

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

The description is appropriately sized, front-loaded with the 'Use when' clause, and structured into clear segments (Use when, Returns, Do not use when). Every sentence adds value with no redundancy.

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

Completeness5/5

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

The tool is simple with one optional parameter, has an output schema, and the description covers its purpose, usage boundaries, and return value. It is complete for an agent to select and invoke correctly.

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?

The single parameter 'library' is fully documented in the schema (path, default), and schema coverage is 100%. The description adds no extra parameter semantics, so the baseline of 3 applies.

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

Purpose5/5

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

The description clearly states that the tool provides high-level stats about the whole library, including total counts and version information. It explicitly names the resources (library, counts, versions) and distinguishes itself from sibling tools like list-albums and query.

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

Usage Guidelines5/5

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

The description provides explicit 'Use when' and 'Do not use when' guidance, including concrete alternative tools (list-albums, list-keywords, list-persons, query) for different use cases. This fully helps an agent decide when to invoke this tool.

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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