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 provide readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint. Description adds no further behavioral traits (e.g., rate limits, data freshness), thus minimally adds beyond annotations.
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?
Single sentence that is front-loaded with purpose and includes key details (DOI example, returned fields). No extraneous 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?
With output schema present (not shown but indicated), description does not need to detail return values. Tool is simple with one parameter, and description covers purpose, parameter format, and expected output sufficiently.
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% (one required 'doi' parameter). Description provides an example DOI format (e.g., '10.1371/journal.pone.0153207') and clarifies it's a DOI, adding concrete usage guidance beyond the schema.
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?
Description explicitly states it 'Fetch a single PLOS article record by DOI' and lists returned fields (title, authors, publication date, journal, abstract), distinguishing it from sibling tools like search.
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?
Implicitly suggests use when DOI is known and article details are needed, but no explicit when-not or alternative tools are mentioned, despite sibling tools like search and search_authored_by existing.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.