List the versioned monthly-seat catalog, exact prices/coverage, catalog SHA-256, readiness flags, and pending owner-confirmation notice.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses several behavioral aspects: it returns exact prices, coverage, SHA-256, readiness flags, and a pending owner-confirmation notice. This goes beyond a generic 'list' statement and gives the agent a clear picture of the tool's output, though it does not explicitly describe side effects (likely none for a list operation).
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 a single, well-structured sentence that front-loads the verb and resource ('List the versioned monthly-seat catalog') and then lists the key data points. Every part adds value with no wasted words.
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 has zero parameters and an output schema exists, the description provides ample context. It names the specific catalog elements (prices, coverage, SHA-256, flags, notice), which fully covers what an agent needs to understand the tool's purpose and output. No critical information is missing.
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 tool has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description adds no parameter-specific semantics because none are needed. It sufficiently communicates what the tool returns without requiring parameter explanations.
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 lists the 'versioned monthly-seat catalog' with specific details (prices, coverage, SHA-256, readiness flags, owner-confirmation notice). The verb 'List' plus the specific resource distinguishes it from siblings like get_plan or mrr_summary, which serve different purposes.
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 this tool is for retrieving the full plan catalog, but there is no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives like get_plan. No when-to-use or exclusion criteria are stated, only an implied scope.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Add one secure layer between your agents and this server.
Most tools have distinct purposes: plan retrieval, checkout, portal, status, usage, MRR. The main overlap is between create_account and record_subscription, as record_subscription can create an account for a new bearer, which may confuse agents about when to call which.
The majority follow a verb_noun pattern (create_account, create_checkout_link, get_plan, list_plans, record_subscription). A few deviate: customer_portal_link (noun phrase), mrr_summary (acronym), and describe_agent (verb but not a subscription action), which slightly reduces consistency.
Ten tools is well within the ideal range for a subscription management server. Each tool covers a distinct aspect of the domain—account, plans, checkout, portals, subscriptions, usage, MRR—so none feel redundant or missing.
The tool surface covers account creation, plan browsing, checkout session creation, subscription activation, status checks, usage summaries, and MRR. A notable gap is the lack of direct update/cancel subscription tools, though this is partially mitigated by the customer portal link, which delegates those actions to Stripe's hosted UI.