x402 MCP Starter

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

Annotations already declare the tool read-only, idempotent, and non-destructive. The description adds that this is a paid, fixed-price flow and that a receipt is returned, which is useful behavioral context for an agent. It does not clarify whether real funds are transferred or what the receipt contains, but the annotations cover the safety profile and there is no direct contradiction.

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 sentence with no filler, and it front-loads the key idea of a fixed-price reference path. It is concise and easy to scan, though its brevity contributes to some under-specification.

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 one-parameter reference tool, the core success criterion—being able to pay and receive a receipt—is stated clearly, and annotations cover safety and idempotency. However, the description omits option semantics, receipt/return details, and any relationship to the sibling tool, leaving noticeable gaps given that no output schema exists.

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 has one required 'option' parameter with enum values basic/standard/extended and no descriptions, and schema description coverage is 0%. The description does not compensate by explaining what each option costs or returns, so an agent cannot infer the meaningful difference between the choices.

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 names a concrete action—confirming that an x402-aware MCP client can pay and receive a receipt—and identifies a fixed-price reference path as the resource. It is distinct from validate_x402_config in that it exercises the payment flow rather than validating configuration, though it does not explicitly call out that difference.

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?

There is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus validate_x402_config, and no mention of prerequisites or exclusions. The phrase 'reference path' implies a testing/verification context, but that guidance is left implicit rather than stated.

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

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds a 'Free' caveat and names the checked fields, but doesn't disclose what happens on validation failure or whether the check contacts the facilitator URL.

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?

A single front-loaded sentence conveys scope, timing, and cost without filler. Every phrase earns its place.

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 6-required-param validator with no output schema, the description gives the right usage context but omits what a successful vs. failed validation returns and doesn't fully explain parameter constraints. It is adequate but leaves clear gaps.

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 most parameters to everyday terms (Base USDC, price, amount, recipient, facilitator settings), but leaves network enum values, amount format, and address/URL formats unstated.

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 uses a specific verb ('checks') and names a concrete resource ('x402 payment configuration') plus the specific settings involved. It doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling get_paid_sample, but the action and resource are distinct enough to avoid confusion.

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?

States a clear usage context: run this before deploying an x402-paid MCP tool. It doesn't name alternatives or exclusions, but the 'before you deploy' timing is explicit and actionable.

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