articleArticleARead-onlyIdempotentInspect
Fetch a single PLOS article record by DOI (e.g. 10.1371/journal.pone.0153207), returning title, authors, publication date, journal, and abstract.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| doi | Yes | e.g. "10.1371/journal.pone.0153207" |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| response | No | |
| responseHeader | No | Response metadata from Solr |
Tool Definition Quality
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint, covering safety. The description adds value by listing the exact return fields, which helps the agent know what to expect. It doesn't discuss edge cases like invalid DOIs, but given annotations and simplicity, it provides sufficient behavioral context.
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, concise sentence that front-loads the main action (fetch by DOI) and lists return fields in a compact list. No wasted words, appropriate length for a simple 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 a single parameter, clear annotations, and an output schema present, the description fully covers the tool's behavior and return values. It is complete for a simple read-only fetch operation.
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% and the schema already describes the 'doi' parameter with an example. The description repeats a similar example in prose, adding no meaning beyond what the schema already provides. This matches the baseline for high schema coverage.
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 fetches a single PLOS article record by DOI, and lists the returned fields (title, authors, publication date, journal, abstract). This is a specific verb+resource+scope, and it distinguishes from sibling search/recall tools by targeting a single known DOI.
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 the tool should be used when the agent has a specific DOI and needs the article record. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives like search tools. The usage context is clear but not explicitly contrasted with siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.