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vmware-skills

VMware-Monitor

list_esxi_hosts

Read-onlyIdempotent

Retrieve all ESXi hosts with CPU, memory, version, VM count, and uptime for a complete inventory overview, then use the host name to get live performance or an investigation bundle.

Instructions

[READ] List ESXi hosts with CPU cores, memory, version, VM count, and uptime.

Returns the list envelope; total is the real host count. Static config only (cores, total GB) — use this to resolve a host name, then host_performance for live load or host_investigation_bundle to drill into one host.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
limitNoMax hosts to return (None = all).
targetNovCenter/ESXi target from config (default if omitted).

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed4 schema fields changedv1.9.2
    • addedInput schema / additionalProperties
      Added value: +false
    • addedInput schema / properties / limit / description
      Added value: +"Max hosts to return (None = all)."
    • addedInput schema / properties / target / description
      Added value: +"vCenter/ESXi target from config (default if omitted)."
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -{
      -  "properties": {
      -    "result": {
      -      "items": {
      -        "additionalProperties": true,
      -        "type": "object"
      -      },
      -      "title": "Result",
      -      "type": "array"
      -    }
      -  },
      -  "required": [
      -    "result"
      -  ],
      -  "title": "list_esxi_hostsOutput",
      -  "type": "object"
      -}New value: +null
  2. Changed1 schema field changedv1.5.18
    • addedInput schema / properties / limit
      Added value: +{
      +  "anyOf": [
      +    {
      +      "type": "integer"
      +    },
      +    {
      +      "type": "null"
      +    }
      +  ],
      +  "default": null,
      +  "title": "Limit"
      +}
  3. First observedv0.1.2

TDQS

A4.5/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already cover read-only, idempotent, non-destructive behavior. The description adds meaningful behavioral context: the response is a list envelope, 'total' is the authoritative host count, and the values are static config rather than live load. This goes beyond what the annotations alone provide.

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 compact and front-loaded. Every sentence earns its place: the first states the list purpose and fields, the second clarifies the envelope/total distinction, and the third routes the agent to the correct sibling tools. No filler or 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?

Given the simple read-only tool with two optional params and full schema coverage, the description is complete. It covers return shape, field content, the static-config caveat, and related tools, with annotations covering safety. Nothing needed for correct selection or invocation is missing.

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?

Schema description coverage is 100%, so both parameters are already documented clearly. The tool description adds context around static vs. live data and host-name resolution, but it does not add significant parameter-level meaning beyond the schema.

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 uses a specific verb ('List'), identifies the resource (ESXi hosts), and enumerates the returned fields (CPU cores, memory, version, VM count, uptime). It also separates this tool from related siblings by explicitly mentioning host_performance and host_investigation_bundle for different purposes.

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 gives explicit usage guidance: use this for static config and resolving a host name, then use host_performance for live load or host_investigation_bundle for deep drill-down. It clearly distinguishes when to use this tool versus the stated alternatives.

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