Retrieve reusable subflows from ServiceNow to simplify flow design by searching by name, filtering active status, and limiting results.
List available subflows that can be reused across flows
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | Max records to return (default 50) | |
| query | No | Search subflows by name | |
| active | No | Filter to active subflows only (default true) |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.2Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, making the description's minimal behavioral info acceptable but not adding beyond the known safety profile.
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?
A single, concise sentence that efficiently conveys the purpose, though it could be slightly expanded without losing conciseness.
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?
The description is adequate for a simple list tool with comprehensive annotations, but lacks details about pagination or the exact scope of 'available subflows.'
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 coverage is 100% and each parameter has a clear description; the description adds no extra meaning, meeting the baseline for full schema coverage.
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 the tool lists subflows that are reusable across flows, differentiating it from similar tools like list_flows which list full flows.
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?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_flows or get_subflow, only an implicit hint about reusability.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.