retry_circuit_status

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

With no annotations provided, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It only states 'Get the current state' without explaining what state means (e.g., open/closed/half-open), any side effects, or required permissions. It fails to add significant behavioral context beyond the tool's basic read nature.

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, front-loaded sentence with no extraneous words. Every word contributes to the purpose, and it is appropriately brief for a simple tool.

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 the tool has one parameter, an output schema, and a clear but minimal description, the description is adequate but not thorough. It lacks context about return value interpretation, when status is important, or prerequisites. For a simple tool, this is minimal viable completeness.

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 schema has 0% description coverage for the 'name' parameter. The description merely says 'named circuit breaker,' which adds only trivial confirmation that the parameter identifies a circuit breaker. It does not specify valid values, format, or constraints, leaving the agent to infer from the name alone.

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 states 'Get the current state of a named circuit breaker,' which is a specific verb+resource combination. Among sibling tools like retry_circuit_create or retry_circuit_reset, this uniquely identifies the action of retrieving status.

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 implies the tool is for checking circuit breaker state, but provides no explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives, nor any exclusions or prerequisites. The context from sibling names (e.g., retry_circuit_call, retry_circuit_reset) offers implicit differentiation, but the description itself lacks usage direction.

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