list-connections

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, so the safe-read nature is covered. The description adds that the tool lists profiles and connection status, which clarifies what data is returned but does not elaborate on side effects, permissions, or what 'connection status' means. This is modest additional context beyond the annotation.

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 sentences with no filler: the first states the action and scope, the second explains when to use it. The key information is front-loaded and every sentence earns its place.

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 zero-parameter, read-only list tool with no output schema, the description is complete: it names what is listed, the status attribute, and the intended use case. An agent can correctly decide to invoke this tool and know what to expect without additional guidance.

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 tool accepts zero parameters and schema description coverage is 100% (vacuously). Per the baseline for zero-parameter tools, no further parameter documentation is required. The description' s functional overview is sufficient for an agent to understand there a re no inputs.

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 uses a specific verb ('List') with a clear resource ('all configured SSH profiles') and an additional attribute ('their connection status'). It distinguishes from sibling 'list-sessions' by focusing on profiles rather than active sessions, and adds the intent of discovering available hosts before running commands.

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 description provides explicit usage context: 'Use this to discover available hosts before running commands.' It clearly implies this is a preliminary, read-only discovery step. However, it does not name alternatives like 'list-sessions' or state when not to use this tool, which would have made the guidance stronger.

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