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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint and openWorldHint=false, and the description adds useful behavioral context by saying the tool returns a total plus compact summaries rather than full records. It does not cover pagination or auth constraints, but for a read-only search tool this is largely sufficient.

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 only two sentences and front-loads the core action and filters before the return behavior. Every sentence contributes directly to selecting and understanding the 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?

With no output schema, the description appropriately states that results include a total and compact summaries. It omits some details such as pagination behavior and what fields a compact summary contains, but it is complete enough for an agent to invoke this search 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?

Schema coverage is 100%, so all five parameters are documented in the schema. The description names three of the filter dimensions (free text, category slug, pricing model) but adds no syntax or semantic detail beyond what the schema already provides, so 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 verb and resource ("Search published AI software listings") plus the supported filter dimensions and return shape. It is clear what the tool does, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from siblings like get_tool or list_categories.

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 implied by "Search" and the listed filter inputs, but there is no explicit guidance on when to use this versus get_tool or list_categories, nor any exclusions. An agent can infer intent but must decide alternatives on its own.

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