search_dsosSearch Root Data's public DSO directory by organization name, slug, website, summary, or public website signals. Returns public directory data only.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| limit | No | ||
| query | No |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden but only discloses that it returns public directory data and lists searchable fields. It does not explain matching semantics, pagination, rate limits, or authentication, leaving some behavioral uncertainty. This is adequate but not rich.
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, front-loaded sentence that conveys the core purpose and scope without wasted words. Every phrase adds value, and it is easy to scan.
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?
Given the simple two-parameter schema and no output schema, the description provides sufficient context for a basic search tool. It identifies what can be searched and that results are public directory data, though it omits any details about the response format or default limit. This is complete enough for typical use.
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?
The schema has 0% description coverage for its 2 parameters, but the description compensates by explaining that 'query' can search by organization name, slug, website, summary, or public website signals. However, it does not clarify the 'limit' parameter's behavior or any defaults, so compensation is partial.
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 uses a specific verb 'Search' and identifies the resource 'Root Data's public DSO directory' with explicit searchable fields (name, slug, website, summary, public website signals). It clearly distinguishes from siblings like search_practices and list_top_dsos by specifying the target directory and scope.
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?
The description provides clear context that this is for searching public DSO directory data, and the phrase 'public directory data only' signals a boundary. However, it does not explicitly name alternatives or when-not-to-use, though sibling tools like search_practices are available in context.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Each tool targets a distinct action and resource type: search, get, compare, list, FAQ, and blog search are clearly separated, and entity types (DSO vs practice vs blog vs FAQ) are explicit. No two tools have overlapping purposes that could cause misselection.
Seven of eight tools follow the verb_noun pattern (compare_dsos, get_dso_profile, search_practices, etc.), while root_data_faq deviates as a noun phrase with no leading verb. This is a minor inconsistency in an otherwise predictable scheme.
With 8 tools, the set is well-scoped for a public directory server. Each tool earns its place, covering search, retrieval, comparison, ranking, and informational queries without redundancy or bloat.
For a read-only public directory, the surface is complete: both DSOs and practices have search and get operations, plus compare and list ranking for DSOs, and FAQ and blog search fill informational gaps. No critical operations are missing; optional search parameters ensure broad coverage.