Skip to main content
Glama
zillow
by zillow

listApps

Retrieve a complete inventory of installed applications on Android or iOS devices for mobile testing and automation purposes.

Instructions

List all apps installed on the device

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
platformYesTarget platform

Implementation Reference

  • The handler function for the listApps tool. It creates a ListInstalledApps instance for the given device, executes it to get the list of installed apps, and returns a JSON response with the apps and a message.
    const listAppsHandler = async (device: BootedDevice) => {
      try {
        const listInstalledApps = new ListInstalledApps(device);
        const apps = await listInstalledApps.execute();
    
        return createJSONToolResponse({
          message: `Listed ${apps.length} apps`,
          apps
        });
      } catch (error) {
        throw new ActionableError(`Failed to list apps: ${error}`);
      }
    };
  • Zod schema defining the input for listApps tool, which requires a 'platform' field as either 'android' or 'ios'.
    export const listAppsSchema = z.object({
      platform: z.enum(["android", "ios"]).describe("Target platform")
    });
  • Registration of the listApps tool using ToolRegistry.registerDeviceAware, providing the tool name, description, schema, and handler function.
    ToolRegistry.registerDeviceAware(
      "listApps",
      "List all apps installed on the device",
      listAppsSchema,
      listAppsHandler
    );
Behavior2/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states a read operation ('List'), implying non-destructive behavior, but doesn't disclose any behavioral traits such as permissions needed, rate limits, output format, or whether it lists all apps or just user-installed ones. This is inadequate for a tool with no annotation coverage.

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 a single, clear sentence with zero wasted words. It's front-loaded and efficiently conveys the core purpose without unnecessary elaboration, making it highly concise and well-structured.

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

Completeness2/5

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

Given no annotations and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what the output looks like (e.g., list format, app details included) or address behavioral aspects like error handling. For a tool with zero structured coverage beyond input schema, this leaves significant gaps in understanding.

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%, with the parameter 'platform' fully documented in the schema as a required enum. The description adds no additional meaning about parameters beyond what the schema provides, such as explaining why platform selection matters. Baseline 3 is appropriate given high schema coverage.

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

Purpose4/5

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

The description clearly states the action ('List') and resource ('all apps installed on the device'), making the purpose immediately understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'listDevices' or 'listDeviceImages', which also list resources but different ones, so it misses full sibling distinction.

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

Usage Guidelines2/5

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

The description provides no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. For example, it doesn't mention when to choose 'listApps' over 'recentApps' or other listing tools, nor does it specify prerequisites or exclusions, leaving usage context vague.

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

Install Server

Other Tools

Latest Blog Posts

MCP directory API

We provide all the information about MCP servers via our MCP API.

curl -X GET 'https://glama.ai/api/mcp/v1/servers/zillow/auto-mobile'

If you have feedback or need assistance with the MCP directory API, please join our Discord server