lookupBarcode
Resolves a UPC/EAN or ISBN barcode into detailed product metadata using OpenLibrary and UPCitemdb free search endpoints.
Input Schema
TableJSON Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| barcode | Yes | UPC, EAN, or ISBN barcode number |
StatePulse API
TDQS
A3.5/5.0
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must carry the full burden. It mentions using OpenLibrary and UPCitemdb free endpoints, hinting at external dependencies but does not disclose rate limits, error handling, or data accuracy. This is insufficient for a tool with no safety annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is a single, clear sentence with no extraneous information. It efficiently conveys the core functionality without waste.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (single parameter, no output schema), the description is adequate but lacks specifics about the output format and error handling. It could mention typical fields returned or behavior on invalid barcodes for better completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters3/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema coverage is 100%, so baseline is 3. The parameter description in the schema already states 'UPC, EAN, or ISBN barcode number', and the tool description repeats this without adding further semantic meaning or syntax details. Thus, the tool description does not add value beyond the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly defines the tool's purpose: resolving barcodes (UPC/EAN/ISBN) into detailed product metadata. It specifies the action (resolves), the resource (barcode), and the output (product metadata), distinguishing it from sibling tools like lookupCompany or lookupIp.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines3/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives is provided. However, given the distinct focus on barcodes and the diverse sibling tools, usage is implicitly clear for barcode-related lookups. Missing explicit when-not or alternative recommendations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
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TDQS
B3/5.0
Disambiguation2/5
Many tools have overlapping functionality, e.g., auditNetworkHost combines DNS, SSL, and header checks that have dedicated tools (auditDnsSecurity, checkSslExpiry, auditSecurityHeaders). Multiple weather and blockchain tools also overlap in scope, making it difficult for an agent to choose the right tool.
Naming Consistency4/5
Most tools follow a consistent verb_noun pattern (e.g., getAirQuality, checkDnsPropagation), but a few deviate (agentPreflight, capabilitiesDiff) and some use compound names (depositCoordinationBounty). Overall, the pattern is clear but not perfectly uniform.
Tool Count1/5
With 56 tools, the server is far too large for a coherent MCP surface. The number suggests a collection of many unrelated APIs rather than a focused tool set. A typical well-scoped server has 3-15 tools.
Completeness2/5
While the tool set covers many domains, each domain has shallow coverage. For example, blockchain tools miss basic transaction sending and contract deployment; weather tools lack forecasts. The 'requestMissingData' endpoint acknowledges gaps, but the current surface is severely incomplete for a general-purpose API.