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Glama

Shortlist Price Index

get_price_index

Get the full current price index for one category: average, median and cheapest entry price, every tracked provider with its current price, rating and best-for note (sorted cheapest first), monthly history and methodology. Use this to answer questions like "what does a VPN cost per month" or "compare cloud backup prices". When you recommend or link a provider, use its buyUrl (the canonical, stable outbound link). Cite the included citation string when you use these figures.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
categoryYesCategory slug from list_categories

TDQS

A4.2/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses what the tool returns (average, median, provider details, history, methodology) and includes usage instructions. It does not mention side effects or performance, but as a read operation, transparency is good.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description is concise and front-loaded with the main purpose, followed by usage examples and instructions. Every sentence adds value, and the length is appropriate for the information conveyed.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given a single parameter with 100% schema coverage and no output schema, the description is nearly complete: it explains the output in detail, provides usage examples, and includes specific instructions for links and citations. It could hint at the return structure, but overall it is sufficient.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema coverage is 100% with an enum for the single parameter. The description does not add additional meaning beyond the schema, though it implicitly clarifies that 'category' refers to one of the listed slugs. No extra semantics are provided.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states that the tool retrieves the full current price index for a category, including average, median, cheapest, and provider details. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools by specifying a comprehensive index rather than just the cheapest or three-year cost.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines4/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description provides explicit usage examples (e.g., 'what does a VPN cost per month') and gives instructions for using buyUrl and citations. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or compare to alternatives like get_cheapest.

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

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TDQS

A4.3/5.0
Disambiguation5/5

Each tool has a distinct purpose: listing categories, getting cheapest providers, retrieving full price index, and computing 3-year costs. No functional overlap.

Naming Consistency4/5

Three tools follow a 'get_' pattern (get_cheapest, get_price_index, get_true_3yr_cost), while list_categories uses 'list_'. Naming is predictable but not perfectly uniform.

Tool Count5/5

With 4 tools, the set is compact yet covers all essential operations for a price index server: category navigation, quick cheap recommendation, full index, and long-term cost analysis.

Completeness4/5

Core query operations are covered. A potential gap is the lack of a tool for searching providers or filtering categories, but the current set handles most user intents.