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

Annotations already cover read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds meaningful behavioral context by stating that secret values are never exposed and that only metadata and env-var keys are returned — privacy-relevant behavior not inferable from the annotations or schema.

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?

Two sentences with no filler. The action and target are front-loaded, and the return-behavior caveat about secret values is included in a compact, high-value clause.

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 list-only tool with two required parameters and no output schema, the description gives a clear scope and a basic return contract: metadata and env-var keys. It could be more complete by listing what metadata is included, but it is sufficient for correct invocation.

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 0%, so the description must compensate. It maps buildId to 'revision (build)' and agentId to 'assignment', which gives useful semantic context. However, it does not explicitly name which parameter is which, or explain how to obtain these IDs, leaving some semantic work undone.

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 a specific verb ('List') and resource ('env-var secrets attached to a specific revision (build) of an assignment'). It clearly differentiates from siblings like attachRevisionSecret, detachRevisionSecret, and listSecrets by targeting revision-scoped secrets, and adds that only metadata and keys are returned.

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?

The description implies when to use the tool: when you need the env-var secret keys and metadata for a particular revision/build. However, it does not explicitly mention alternatives, such as listSecrets for org-level secrets or getSecret for retrieving a secret value, so the agent is left to infer the intended context.

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