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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It reveals the state change, the permission requirement, and the restriction on redeemed/minted certificates. It could further note irreversibility or side effects, but the essential behaviors are transparent.

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 three sentences long, each adding a distinct piece of information: action, permission, and constraint. There is no fluff or repetition; it is efficiently structured and front-loaded with the main 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?

Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no output schema, no annotations), the description covers all key aspects: what it does, who can invoke it, and when it cannot be applied. It does not describe error handling or return values, but these are not essential for this straightforward operation.

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 already documents certificate_id with provenance ('from create_gift_certificate / list_gift_certificates'), giving 100% coverage. The description adds meaningful parameter-related context by specifying that the certificate must be active, which helps the agent select a valid ID and avoid errors.

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 action ('Revoke'), the resource ('gift certificate'), and the specific status transition ('active → revoked'). It is distinguishable from sibling tools like create_gift_certificate and list_gift_certificates, and the inclusion of eligibility criteria reinforces its unique purpose.

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 explicitly states who can use it ('Only the issuing merchant') and when it cannot be used ('Already-redeemed/minted certificates cannot be revoked'). This provides clear guidance on appropriate invocation, even without naming a specific alternative tool.

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