list_containers

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

With no annotations, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure, but it only says 'List'. It does not mention that running without 'all' excludes stopped containers, and the word 'all' actually conflicts with the schema's stated default of showing only running containers.

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?

The description is a single sentence with no filler or repetition. The main action and resource are front-loaded, and nothing extraneous is included.

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 simple one-parameter list operation, the schema covers the parameter, but the description alone is incomplete: it fails to clarify the running-only default and contains an 'all' wording that could mislead an agent. The missing usage context lowers completeness below what a strong minimal definition would provide.

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 description coverage is 100% and the single 'all' parameter is already clearly documented in the schema. The tool description adds no additional parameter meaning, so the baseline score of 3 applies.

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 identifies a clear action ('List') and resource ('Docker containers'), and it is easy to distinguish from sibling tools like list_images or list_volumes. However, the word 'all' is ambiguous because the schema says the default is just running containers, so the description slightly overstates the default behavior.

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 guidance is given on when to use this tool versus other list tools, nor when to set the 'all' parameter. The schema's parameter description implies the default behavior, but the tool description itself offers no selection or exclusion criteria.

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