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

Annotations only declare readOnlyHint=true, so the description carries the load beyond that and usefully discloses the response shape: parent, permissions and direct subfolders, plus the underlying REST endpoint. That tells an agent this is a single-folder fetch that includes hierarchy context, not a flat list.

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?

Two short sentences, front-loaded with the operation and its returned contents, with the API reference trailing. Zero filler.

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 read tool with no output schema, the description supplies the essentials: what is fetched and what the response contains. Only the distinction from the sibling list tool is left unstated.

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?

Single folder_id parameter is fully documented in the schema (100% coverage) including type and a positive-integer bound. The description adds no format or sourcing guidance beyond what the schema already gives, so the baseline of 3 applies.

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?

States a specific verb (fetch) and resource (a folder), and even enumerates what the payload includes: parent, permissions, direct subfolders. It does not explicitly name list_folders, so the sibling distinction is only implied by the singular 'a folder'.

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?

No statement of when to use this versus formstack_list_folders (browse the tree) or formstack_create_folder. The singular phrasing hints at single-item retrieval, but there is no explicit routing guidance or precondition.

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