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

Annotations declare readOnlyHint=false and destructiveHint=false, but the description adds clarity by stating 'returns instructions; it does not create files or run commands.' This directly addresses potential side-effect ambiguity and adds useful non-annotation context about its non-executing nature.

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 substantive: purpose, inference guidance, and behavior/constraint. Front-loaded with the core purpose, no wasted words, and each sentence 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?

For a guide-retrieval tool with no output schema, the description covers the key behaviors (returns instructions, no file creation or command execution), the inference policy, and the Compose/Gradle constraint. It doesn't specify the return format, but for this simple tool that's not critical; the essentials are present.

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 parameters are documented. The description adds value by instructing the agent to infer these values when possible and noting a constraint (Compose requires Gradle), which goes beyond the schema's bare descriptions and helps validate parameter combinations.

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 the specific verb 'get' and resource 'setup instructions and trial-license information' for a JxBrowser project. The purpose is clear and distinct from the sibling 'ask-jxbrowser-question', though it doesn't explicitly name the sibling or contrast 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?

Provides explicit guidance: infer the toolkit and build tool, ask only when unresolved, and notes that Compose Desktop requires Gradle. This gives context on how to use it and a constraint on parameter choices, but doesn't mention when not to use this tool or alternatives beyond inference.

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