x402-variance-population
Variance Population: Computes the population variance of an array, dividing by n 🆓 5 free trial calls per signed wallet
Input Schema
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| values | No |
Variance Population: Computes the population variance of an array, dividing by n 🆓 5 free trial calls per signed wallet
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| values | No |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
Input schema / properties / values / descriptionRemoved value: -"Values to process"Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations exist, so the description carries the full behavioral burden. It does disclose the x402 payment/auth context ('5 free trial calls per signed wallet'), which is genuinely useful, but says nothing about input encoding, output shape, error behavior on empty or non-numeric input, or whether the call is metered beyond the trial.
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?
Opens with the tool name and the core operation, then one clarifying clause. The trial-call emoji line is slightly promotional but carries actionable billing context, so it earns its place.
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 no annotations, no output schema, and an undocumented parameter, the description is not complete enough for reliable invocation. An agent still cannot tell how to format 'values' or what the response contains.
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?
The single parameter 'values' is a string with 0% schema coverage, and the description never explains how the array is encoded (JSON array, comma-separated list, space-separated). Saying 'of an array' hints at the type but does not resolve the string-vs-array ambiguity, which is the main failure mode for this call.
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 and resource ('Computes the population variance of an array') and adds the defining detail 'dividing by n', which distinguishes it from sample-variance siblings that divide by n-1. It never names those siblings, but the operation is unambiguous.
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?
There is no explicit when-to-use guidance, no statement of when population variance is preferred over sample variance, and no named alternative among the many variance siblings (x402-variance, x402-variance-sample, x402-population-variance). The 'dividing by n' detail implies the distinction but leaves the routing decision to the agent.
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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