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

Discloses that the tool is free (no credits consumed), returns a Stripe Checkout link for card, and provides a deposit address and payment_intent_id for crypto. It also explains the two-step confirmation behavior, offering context beyond 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 well-organized with clear headings and numbered steps, making it scannable. Every sentence provides actionable information without waste.

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?

Covers the full payment lifecycle, including fallback to check_balance, exact call sequence for crypto, and the condition of instant credit addition after confirmation. Given the complexity of a payment tool, this is complete.

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 describes all three parameters, but the description adds operational meaning by explaining the two-phase crypto flow (first with payment_method='crypto', then with payment_intent_id to confirm) and the default amount_cents. This makes the parameters' roles clear in context.

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 'Buys credits for the edge library and AI research' and details the two payment methods. It also distinguishes itself from the sibling check_balance by referencing it for post-payment confirmation.

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 when-to-use guidance: card for user-mediated Stripe payment, crypto for autonomous machine-to-machine flow when wallet access is available. It also instructs the agent to call check_balance after card payment, naming a sibling alternative.

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