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Get Random Articles

get_random_articles
Read-onlyIdempotent

Discover random Wikipedia articles for serendipitous learning. Returns title, introduction text, and page ID.

Input Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
countNoNumber of random articles to fetch (1-10, default 5)

Output Schema

NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
articlesYesArray of random article summaries

Schema Changelog

Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.

  1. Changed1 schema field changed
    • changedOutput schema / (root)
      Previous value: -nullNew value: +{
      +  "properties": {
      +    "articles": {
      +      "description": "Array of random article summaries",
      +      "items": {
      +        "properties": {
      +          "description": {
      +            "description": "Short description or null if unavailable",
      +            "type": [
      +              "string",
      +              "null"
      +            ]
      +          },
      +          "extract": {
      +            "description": "Article introduction text",
      +            "type": "string"
      +          },
      +          "pageid": {
      +            "description": "Wikipedia page ID or null if unavailable",
      +            "type": [
      +              "number",
      +              "null"
      +            ]
      +          },
      +          "title": {
      +            "description": "Article title",
      +            "type": "string"
      +          }
      +        },
      +        "required": [
      +          "title",
      +          "extract",
      +          "pageid",
      +          "description"
      +        ],
      +        "type": "object"
      +      },
      +      "type": "array"
      +    }
      +  },
      +  "required": [
      +    "articles"
      +  ],
      +  "type": "object"
      +}
  2. Changed1 schema field changed
    • addedInput schema / examples
      Added value: +[
      +  {
      +    "count": 3
      +  }
      +]
  3. First observed

TDQS

A4.1/5.0
Behavior4/5

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds useful context about the random behavior and return structure (title, introduction text, page ID), which goes beyond what annotations provide. It does not contradict any annotations.

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 exactly two sentences, front-loaded with the primary purpose and followed by the return value. Every word earns its place, with no redundancy or fluff.

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

Completeness5/5

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

For a tool with one optional parameter, complete annotations, and an output schema, this description is sufficient. It communicates the essential purpose, expected output, and random nature, leaving no critical gaps for the agent to make an informed invocation decision.

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?

The single parameter 'count' has a complete description in the input schema ('Number of random articles to fetch (1-10, default 5)'), so the description need not repeat it. The tool description itself does not elaborate on parameter semantics, but with 100% schema coverage, this is acceptable per the baseline.

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 the tool's function: 'Discover random Wikipedia articles for serendipitous learning.' The verb 'Discover' combined with 'random' and 'serendipitous' distinguishes it from sibling tools like search_wikipedia or get_article_extract, which target specific articles. It also states the return payload (title, introduction, page ID).

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

Usage Guidelines3/5

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

The description implies use for exploratory discovery ('serendipitous learning') but does not explicitly contrast with alternatives like search_wikipedia or get_article_summary. There is no 'when not to use' guidance or mention of sibling tools, so usage context is only implicit.

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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