# list_methods

> MCP tool listing access methods for a StackQL resource

Source: https://stackql.io/mcp/list_methods

Returns the access methods (HTTP operations) bound to a resource -- the read methods, mutations, and lifecycle operations available.  This is the tool an agent should call **before writing any query**, because the required `WHERE` parameters are inferred from the chosen read method.  Pick the method whose SQL verb matches the intent and whose required parameters can be supplied, then call [`describe_method`](/mcp/describe_method) on it for the full contract, including the output fields.

See also:
[[ MCP overview ]](/command-line-usage/mcp) [[ `list_resources` ]](/mcp/list_resources) [[ `describe_method` ]](/mcp/describe_method) [[ `validate_select_query` ]](/mcp/validate_select_query)

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## Inputs

| Argument | Required | Description |
|--|--|--|
|`provider`|Yes|Provider name.|
|`service`|Yes|Service under that provider.|
|`resource`|Yes|Resource under `provider.service`.|

:::info

Identifiers may not contain whitespace, semicolons or backslashes; such input is refused before any statement is built.

:::

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## Output

| Renderer | Shape |
|--|--|
| Table | One row per access method, including the SQL verb it maps to and the required parameters |

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## Gating

Allowed in every server mode.  Read only.

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## Example

Try this prompt with any elicitation-capable MCP client with the StackQL MCP server registered:

```
For Google Compute instances, what methods are available  
and what parameters are required?
```

Here's an example in Claude Desktop: