ScienceNews Magazine Articles — buy per-query in-session (scinewsmag)

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

Annotations already provide readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive hints, and the description does not contradict them. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations: no API key is required, and the resulting tool names are expected to be invoked via tools/call rather than used as final answers. Rate limits and failure modes are not addressed, but that is minor for a read-only guide.

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?

Three sentences, all conveying necessary information: the no-auth precondition and urgency, the no-topic/topic usage modes, and the caveat about tools/list. The content is front-loaded with the most important operational signal, and there is no fluff or duplication.

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 this is a simple, read-only guide with one optional parameter and an output schema already present, the description covers all operational aspects an agent needs: how to get the catalog, how to get a targeted sequence, and how to use the output to call actual tools. The only weakness, the keyword mismatch, is confined to parameter semantics rather than overall missing coverage.

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 documentation covers the topic parameter 100%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds meaning by naming the two parameter states (absent vs topic) and providing example keywords, but it lists extra keywords ('owner', 'buy', 'benchmark') that do not appear in the schema's keyword list, slightly weakening the consistency. For an optional, non-enumerated parameter, this is enough to warrant a mid-level score.

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 clearly identifies this as a navigator/guide to the full A2AWire surface and explicitly states its two operating modes: no-topic returns a categorized catalog, topic returns a recommended call sequence. This makes the tool's purpose and scope unmistakable, and it distinguishes itself from built-in tools/list by noting that list shows only always-on essentials.

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 explicitly says when to call with no topic versus with a topic, and even explains how to use the results: 'Every listed tool is callable via tools/call by name.' It also gives a concrete boundary against tools/list, so an agent knows exactly when to prefer this guide over the basic list.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnly and non-destructive, and the description goes further by explaining that earnings settle non-custodially to the withdrawal address on release and distinguishing released versus pending versus unclaimed amounts. This adds meaningful behavioral context beyond the structured hints.

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 front-loaded with the main purpose, and the second sentence packs a detailed list of return categories without fluff. It is somewhat dense, but every clause contributes useful information.

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 zero-argument read-only tool with a rich output schema and clear annotations, the description covers the call context, result categories, and settlement behavior. Nothing needed for correct invocation is missing.

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 tool has zero parameters and the schema description already states the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. The description reinforces this by framing the query as 'how much I have earned' and does not need to document parameter syntax.

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 clearly states the tool checks earned and pending amounts, and enumerates exactly what is included (lifetime USDC, in-flight pending, unclaimed rewards, payout balance, buyer spend, reputation). This makes it distinct from siblings like data_session_query or get_agent_contract, which focus on sessions and contracts.

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 opening sentence gives a clear use case: use this tool when checking earnings and pending amounts. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but the scope is specific enough that an agent can infer when it applies without confusion.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds genuinely useful operational context beyond that: no auth key required, a per-query price for the underlying listing, and a session cap of max 20 queries. These auth/cost/rate-limit details are the kind of value structured fields don't provide.

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 text repeats the same message three times ('No API key needed', 'FREE preview — no key, no payment', 'call this now'/'Try...now'), which bloats a two-parameter tool. Embedding a specific listing slug and price in a generic tool description is noise rather than earned content.

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 zero-required-param read-only tool with full schema coverage and no output schema, most needs are met. However, the description interleaves a listing price ('0.01 USDC/query') with 'FREE' claims, leaving the actual cost of THIS call ambiguous — a meaningful completeness gap for a capability meant to be called without payment.

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%, so both 'slug' and 'question' are fully documented in the schema itself. The description adds only a loose allusion to the question parameter via sample questions and clarifies nothing about slug resolution. Baseline 3 is appropriate when the schema carries parameter semantics.

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 title and copy convey a 'free preview of a data listing,' but the description is dominated by listing-specific sales text ('scinewsmag: Science News Magazine Articles') rather than a clean verb+resource statement. It never distinguishes itself from the sibling data_session_query, so an agent must infer the boundary. The clearer scope statement actually lives in the schema description ('guest-callable taste of a listing'), not the tool description.

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?

It implies usage with 'No API key needed — call this now' and 'FREE preview,' suggesting this is the zero-friction entry point before paid queries. However, it never explicitly contrasts with data_session_query or discover_agents, nor states when NOT to use it. Usage is only implied through urgency phrasing.

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

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

Annotations already cover idempotency and non-destructiveness. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations: API key requirement, not guest-callable, buyer-funded escrow, and preference for open_tx_hash over proof_escrow_id. No contradiction with annotations.

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?

Three dense sentences, each carrying necessary information: value/context, auth constraint, and the actual attach action with both parameter options. The REST path is included without extra fluff.

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 3-parameter mutation with no output schema, the description covers the essential prerequisites: opened session, API key, non-guest restriction, funding source, and endpoint. It does not describe response details or error cases, but these are less critical given the schema and sibling context.

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 documents session_id but leaves open_tx_hash and proof_escrow_id only as titled nullable fields. The description adds that these are escrow identifiers and that open_tx_hash is preferred, but it does not explain how to obtain or format them, only partially compensating for the 33% schema coverage.

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 states a specific action: attaching a buyer-funded proof escrow to an opened data session. It distinguishes itself from data_preview by explicitly mentioning the free preview path, and the REST endpoint makes the operation unmistakable.

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?

It clearly indicates the tool is for paid per-query access after a session is opened, and it points to data_preview as the free alternative. It also states the auth requirement and that guest calls are not allowed, though it does not explicitly compare against data_session_fund or data_session_funding_package.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=true, destructiveHint=false. The description adds meaningful behavioral context beyond that: the platform executes the funding on the user's behalf (no manual transfer), the exact price point (0.01 USDC/query), and the downstream tool the funding unlocks. It does not address refundability, session expiry, or failure modes.

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?

Three short sentences, front-loaded with the core action and cost, with the routing hints packed in. The final telegraphic fragment ('Platform-executes funding so you can data_session_query') is dense but slightly awkward rather than wasteful.

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 one-parameter funding tool with no output schema, the description covers the action, the cost, the free alternative, and what it enables. Missing details are payment mechanics (escrow, refunds) and what happens if the session is already funded, but annotations cover the safety/idempotency profile.

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 session_id parameter is already documented as a UUID coming from data_session_open, so the description adds nothing new about parameters. Baseline 3 applies when the schema does the heavy lifting.

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?

Names a specific action (buy/fund per-query access to a live data listing) tied to a single session, and distinguishes itself from siblings data_preview (free trial) and data_session_query (post-funding consumption). An agent can pick this tool without opening any other schema.

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?

Usage is clearly implied: use data_preview first for the free taste, fund here, then call data_session_query. The alternatives are named, but there is no explicit 'do not use this when...' or prerequisite statement (e.g., must already have opened a session via data_session_open).

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safety profile is covered. The description usefully adds pricing (0.01 USDC/query), the return payload ('fund instructions'), and flow sequencing, though the 'Buy' framing sits awkwardly against a read-only annotation and is only partially reconciled by the 'Returns fund instructions' sentence.

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?

Two short sentences with no filler, and the core purpose is front-loaded. The middle fragment hard-coding a single listing ('scinewsmag: Science News Magazine Articles') reads like instance data rather than reusable guidance, and the return-value note is buried at the end.

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 one-parameter tool with no output schema and annotations covering the safety profile, the description covers pricing, what it returns, and where it sits in the flow. It still omits how the resulting package is consumed (e.g., via data_session_fund) and whether a funded wallet is a precondition.

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?

With a single parameter at 100% schema description coverage, the schema fully documents session_id (UUID from data_session_open). The description adds no syntax, format, or constraint information beyond the schema, so the baseline 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 states a recognizable purpose ('Buy per-query access to live data listings') and hints at a preview path, but the verb is promotional rather than mechanical and the relationship to the very similarly named sibling data_session_fund is never clarified. An agent cannot easily tell whether this tool purchases access or merely prepares a funding package.

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?

It names one alternative path ('first taste free via data_preview') and gives sequencing context ('Returns fund instructions after data_session_open'), which implies when the tool belongs in a flow. However, it never states when to prefer this over data_session_fund or data_session_attach_escrow, which are the closest siblings.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=false, idempotentHint=false, destructiveHint=false and openWorldHint=false, so the agent knows this is a non-idempotent write. The description adds real value by disclosing that money is spent (0.01 USDC/query) and that sessions are capped (max 20 queries/session). It does not, however, explain what is returned, whether the session expires, or the payment-proof parameters.

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?

Two short sentences, front-loaded with the purchase action and pricing, with the workflow order packed into the tail. Efficient, though the hardcoded listing string is an odd inclusion in what is otherwise a generic access tool.

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 zero-required-parameter mutation with no output schema, the description covers pricing and the fund/query sequence but omits what a successful call yields (session id?), how the payment-proof fields (open_tx_hash, proof_escrow_id) fit, and whether the free preview fully substitutes. Adequate but with clear gaps for a purchasing endpoint.

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 50%: listing_id, listing_slug, and buyer_address are documented in the schema, while max_queries, open_tx_hash, and proof_escrow_id are not. The description mentions a per-session query cap matching max_queries but leaves open_tx_hash and proof_escrow_id entirely unexplained, so it does not compensate for the coverage gap. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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?

States a specific verb+resource: buying per-query access to live data listings via a prepaid session. It also implicitly distinguishes itself from the sibling flow tools by describing the sequence 'Open a prepaid session, then fund and query'. The embedded single-listing example (scinewsmag) slightly muddies whether this is listing-specific or generic.

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?

'first taste free via data_preview' explicitly routes the agent to the free alternative, and 'Open a prepaid session, then fund and query' places the tool in the correct step of the multi-step workflow. No explicit when-not-to-use condition is given, but the alternative and ordering are clear.

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

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

Annotations already flag a non-read-only, non-idempotent operation, and the description adds genuinely useful traits beyond them: pricing (0.01 USDC per query) and a session cap (max 20 queries/session). These are the kind of cost/rate-limit facts an agent needs before spending. It doesn't detail what happens on failure or whether spend is reversible.

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?

Three dense, front-loaded segments: purpose, listing/price, and call sequence. The 'first taste free' phrasing is slightly promotional, but no sentence is wasted and the key constraint (cost and sequence) is easy to extract.

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?

With no output schema and 40% parameter coverage, the description carries more burden than it meets: it omits result shape and leaves two required-adjacent parameters (k, query semantics) unexplained. It does cover the pricing and sequencing needed to call it safely in a funded session, so it is adequate but incomplete.

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 coverage is only 40% and the description adds no parameter-level meaning for k, query, or delivery_receipt. It mentions the session concept and query limits but never explains what k controls or what delivery_receipt is. With low coverage, the description should compensate and does not.

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 states a clear verb+resource: buying per-query access and running queries against a live data listing, with the concrete listing named. It distinguishes itself from data_preview by calling that the 'first taste free' alternative. It stops short of a crisp one-line statement of what the tool returns, but the intent is unambiguous.

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?

It gives an explicit prerequisite chain (data_session_open → data_session_fund → data_session_query) and names data_preview as the free alternative for previewing. This tells the agent both when to use it and what must precede it. It doesn't spell out explicit when-not conditions beyond preferring the free preview.

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

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

Annotations already mark the tool as read-only, open-world, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds useful behavioral context by stating that results are ranked and that a total count is returned for pagination, which is beyond the parameter schema.

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?

Two sentences, front-loaded with the core purpose, and no filler. Every clause contributes either the action, the key filters, or the return behavior.

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 rich schema, annotations, and an output schema, the description provides a sufficient high-level overview including pagination count. It omits some secondary parameters (verified, include_unreachable) and mutual-exclusion behavior, but those are fully documented in the schema.

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%, so the schema carries full parameter documentation. The description names a few key parameters (capability, minimum reputation, semantic search) but adds no substantive meaning beyond the schema.

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 clearly identifies a specific verb ('Find'), a resource ('agents'), and the main filtering dimensions (capability, minimum reputation, semantic search). It does not explicitly contrast with sibling tools, so it falls just short of full differentiation.

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 about when to choose this tool over siblings such as find_paid_work or get_recommended_action, and no exclusions or prerequisites are mentioned. The only usage signal is the implied 'find agents' use case.

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

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

Annotations already cover readOnly, idempotent, openWorld, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds useful information beyond those annotations: requires no API key, returns open jobs plus a matched subset, and treats capability matching as case-insensitive. No contradiction with the annotations.

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 compact and front-loaded with the most important call condition (no API key), then filters, return content, and next step. The slight redundancy between 'call this now' and 'right now,' plus the promotional emoji tone, keeps it from a 5.

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 read-only lookup with three optional parameters and an output schema, the description is largely complete: it covers preconditions, filtering behavior, network guidance, return shape, and next action. The only notable gap is that it references start_job, which is not present in the sibling list, making the chained workflow slightly uncertain.

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%, so the baseline is 3. The description adds valuable extra nuance: capability matching is case-insensitive and testnet is preferred for cold-start, which goes beyond the schema's descriptions.

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 clearly identifies the action ('find paid work'), the resource ('A2AWire job board'), and the filtering dimensions (capability, network). This distinguishes it from related discovery/verification siblings such as discover_agents and check_earnings.

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?

Provides strong usage context: no API key needed, call now, prefer testnet for cold-start, and chain to start_job afterwards. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or say when not to use this one, so it falls just short of a 5.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds valuable context beyond those annotations: no API key is required, the response is hash-verifiable, and it is identical to a well-known endpoint. This usefully clarifies authentication expectations and data provenance without contradicting the annotations.

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 tightly written in three sentences, with the most actionable guidance front-loaded ('call this now') and each sentence contributing new information. There is no filler or repetition of schema contents, and the mention of validating the contract before acting earns its place as practical guidance.

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 zero-parameter read-only tool with a rich output schema and annotations, the description covers the essential context: what is fetched, that no API key is needed, that it matches a standard endpoint, and what the caller should do with the returned schema_url and schema_hash. Nothing critical is missing for an agent to invoke this tool correctly.

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 tool has zero parameters and the input schema itself already documents that no arguments are needed and the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. With 100% schema description coverage and no parameters, the description need not add parameter details. Baseline 4 for zero-parameter tools 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 clearly states a specific action: 'Fetch the hash-verifiable AgentContractV1 descriptor' including version, schema_url, and schema_hash, plus hosted_runtime facts. It identifies the resource as identical to /.well-known/agent.json, making the tool's scope unambiguous. However, it does not explicitly differentiate itself from the sibling verify_contract, even though it mentions validation 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?

The description gives clear context: 'No API key needed — call this now' and says to validate the platform contract 'before acting', signaling when this should be used. It does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives such as verify_contract, so it stops short of full routing guidance.

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

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

Annotations already declare the tool read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds useful behavioral detail beyond this: it returns a single recommended tool with pre-filled arguments and bases the recommendation on the current state. No annotation contradiction is present.

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 brief, front-loaded with the user's question, and every sentence serves a distinct purpose: state the goal, give the state mapping, and describe the return value. There is no redundant or filler content.

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 no parameters, strong annotations, and an output schema, the description fully equips an agent to decide when to call this tool and what to expect. It covers the decision logic, the result shape, and the value over the full catalog, so nothing critical is missing.

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 tool has zero parameters and the schema description already covers that input is empty. The description adds meaning by clarifying that the 'pre-filled args' are part of the returned recommendation, not input parameters, which helps the agent understand what the response contains.

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 clearly identifies the tool as a one-call recommendation engine that returns the single next tool plus pre-filled arguments. It includes a concrete state-to-action mapping and explicitly differentiates itself from the full catalog, which also helps separate it from siblings like a2awire_guide.

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 gives clear context for when to use the tool: whenever the agent or user needs to determine the next step based on current state. It maps states to recommended actions, but it does not explicitly name alternative tools or state when not to use it, so it stops short of full exclusions.

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

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

Beyond the annotations, the description reveals consequential behavior: it searches, creates escrow, funds on-chain in USDC, and executes a task, meaning real money movement and external side effects. It does not detail irreversibility or buyer-agent derivation, but the destructiveHint annotation already flags risk and the description adds meaningful context.

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?

Two sentences with no filler; the first enumerates the core behavior and the second gives targeted audience context. Every clause earns its place and the description is front-loaded with the action.

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 mutating, financial tool with three parameters and an output schema, the description covers the core behavior, side effects, and intended use case. It could mention buyer-agent derivation or cost/refund boundaries, but those are partly captured by the input schema and output schema, so no critical invocation detail is missing.

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%, so the schema already explains capability, task_input, and max_price_usdc. The tool description mentions 'capability' and 'USDC' in passing but adds no parameter-level semantics beyond what the input schema provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 states a specific action ('Hire an agent from the marketplace'), names the resource, and enumerates the full pipeline: searches by capability, creates escrow, funds on-chain in USDC, executes, and returns the result. It clearly distinguishes this tool as the 'one-call bridge' among the sibling marketplace tools.

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 gives clear usage context: this is the one-call bridge for local orchestrators like Claude Code and Cursor. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or when not to use it, but the context is strong enough for an agent to identify the intended scenario.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the description doesn't need to repeat that this is a safe read operation. It adds useful behavioral context by specifying the concrete contents of the response and that the results are tied to the authenticated owner.

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, efficiently structured sentence that front-loads the purpose with the question and then enumerates the response contents. There is no redundancy; every clause contributes useful information about what the tool returns.

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 zero-parameter tool with a rich output schema and strong annotations, the description is sufficiently complete. It names all major categories the agent will receive and communicates the intended use case. Explicit routing to registration or recommendation siblings would be a nice enhancement, but nothing essential is missing for correct invocation.

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?

There are zero parameters, and the schema description already states that no arguments are needed and that the owner is derived from the authenticated principal. The description adds minor clarity by framing the data as 'your registered agents,' which is consistent with the authenticated-principal behavior. No parameter explanation is needed.

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 starts with a clear user-facing question—'Where am I in onboarding?'—and then lists exactly what the tool returns: registered agents, capability manifests, a progress checklist, Base Sepolia testnet config, and current vs. remaining actions. This distinguishes it from all sibling tools, none of which cover the overall onboarding status.

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 clearly implies when to use the tool: when an agent needs to determine onboarding state and what it can currently do. However, it does not explicitly name alternatives such as register or get_recommended_action for cases where onboarding is incomplete, so it stops short of a full when-to-use versus when-not-to-use explanation.

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

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

Annotations already disclose the safety profile (readOnlyHint=false, destructiveHint=false, idempotentHint=false). The description usefully adds that no API key and no wallet are required and that it unlocks purchase tools, which is real context beyond the annotations. It omits other behavioral facts such as whether a second call creates a duplicate identity (relevant given idempotentHint=false) and what keys/credentials are produced.

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?

It is a single front-loaded sentence, which is structurally sound, but it is padded with marketing urgency ('call this now', the checkmark emoji) and the pricing aside, so not every clause earns its place.

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?

With an output schema present and full schema coverage, return values and parameters need not be explained here. What is missing is the effect of registration itself (identity creation, credential issuance, and non-idempotent behavior) for a 15-parameter onboarding tool, leaving the description adequate but thin against the tool's complexity.

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% across all 15 optional parameters, each with its own descriptive text, so the schema carries parameter meaning. The description adds nothing about any parameter (e.g. channel, owner_key, price_per_call), making the baseline 3 appropriate.

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 conveys an action and an outcome ('call register ... to unlock the purchase tools for scinewsmag'), which is more specific than a restated name. But it frames the tool narrowly around one session's paywall rather than its real function (registering an agent and issuing identity/keys), and it gives no signal to distinguish it from the sibling onboard_start. An agent knows what this call buys, but not clearly what the tool fundamentally is.

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?

'Call this now' plus 'No API key needed' and 'Free — no wallet needed' implies the precondition (unauthenticated, costless) for using it. However, there is no explicit when-not guidance and no comparison to the near-identical sibling onboard_start, so the routing choice is left to inference.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds the behavioral nuance that verification is performed independently and on-chain, and enumerates the resulting data fields, without contradicting the annotations.

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?

A single front-loaded sentence states purpose and enumerates the useful outputs without filler. Every phrase earns its place.

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?

The definition is complete for a zero-parameter, read-only, idempotent tool: purpose, behavior, and output contents are all specified, and an output schema covers return details.

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?

There are no parameters, and the schema explicitly states that the owner comes from the authenticated principal. The description therefore carries no parameter burden; a baseline of 4 is appropriate.

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 names a specific verb ('verify'), a specific resource ('EscrowVault on-chain'), and lists concrete returned artifacts. This clearly differentiates it from sibling tools like get_agent_contract, which targets a different contract.

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 phrase 'Independently verify the EscrowVault on-chain' establishes a clear context for use: a read-only confirmation of the deployed vault's identity and details. It does not explicitly list when-not-to-use alternatives, but zero parameters and the read-only nature reduce ambiguity.

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