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

With no annotations, the description adequately discloses the behavior: it returns a digest of sourced summaries, newest first, and is read-only. No destructive or side effects are implied, and the input parameters for filtering are transparent.

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 three sentences, each serving a purpose: naming the tool, describing the content, and explaining filters. No unnecessary words; front-loaded with identity.

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?

Given no output schema, the description sufficiently explains what the tool returns (summaries with companies, dates). It covers filtering and ordering. Minor gap: no mention of pagination or how to handle multiple pages, but 'limit' parameter implies truncation.

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% with descriptions for all parameters. The description adds context about the digest's content and ordering ('newest first'), which goes beyond the schema. This additional context helps the agent understand the tool's behavior.

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 identifies the tool as a news digest ('Venture Atlas daily news digest'), specifies ordering ('newest first'), and describes the content of each item. It is distinct from sibling tools like 'get_company' and 'list_upcoming_milestones', which serve different purposes.

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 explains how to filter by company or date, implying when to use the tool (to get news). It does not explicitly state when not to use it or mention alternatives, but the context is clear enough for typical use.

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