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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full behavioral disclosure burden. 'Read' implies a non-mutating operation and 'single' clarifies scope, but it does not describe behavior for missing slugs, the response format, or any permissions. The verb is truthful and partially transparent, but minimal.

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 sentence that is front-loaded with the action and resource. Every word contributes: 'Read', 'single transmission', and 'by slug'. There is no filler or repetition.

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 a simple one-parameter read operation with no output schema and no annotations, the description explains what the tool does and how to identify the target, but it omits any indication of the return value, error behavior, or data shape. It is adequate for selecting the tool but leaves some ambiguity about what the agent will receive.

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 description coverage is 100%: the parameter 'slug' is already described as 'The transmission slug'. The tool description's phrase 'by slug' restates that role without adding new meaning, such as slug format or validation rules. Baseline 3 is appropriate since the schema does the heavy lifting.

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 specifies a clear verb ('Read'), a specific resource ('a single transmission'), and a lookup key ('by slug'). This directly distinguishes it from sibling 'list_transmissions', which would retrieve multiple records, so an agent can tell them apart without opening schemas.

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 gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention prerequisites (e.g., having a slug), exclusions (e.g., not for listing all transmissions), or point to sibling tools like list_transmissions. Usage context is entirely left to inference.

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