Why less is more: The Playwright proliferation problem with MCP

In the context of browser automation using Playwright, the proliferation of tools can overwhelm AI agents, leading to inefficiencies and decision paralysis. Playwright, originally designed by Microsoft for testing web applications, allows AI agents to interact with browsers via an MCP server, but the extensive toolset of 26 options often complicates simple tasks. This is exemplified by agents unnecessarily using tools like screenshots in straightforward e-commerce tests, causing cognitive overhead. The article suggests that rather than relying on users to manually curate these tools, MCP server builders should focus on creating more streamlined servers that cover 80% of user workflows with a core set of tools. By mapping tool dependencies and designing purpose-built servers for specific tasks, users can achieve more efficient automation without the burden of excessive options. The emphasis is on empowering agents with essential tools tailored to their specific needs, rather than a comprehensive but cumbersome toolset, thereby enhancing the agent's ability to perform tasks effectively.