optimize_basket

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It helpfully explains offers as per-unit prices for matched products and says to omit a store with no suitable product, and explains the extra_store_cost tradeoff, but it does not state whether the operation has side effects or what the result looks like.

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 compact and front-loads the purpose before giving the basket example and parameter meanings. It earns most of its words, though the example formatting is somewhat dense.

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?

It covers the input shape and optimization semantics well for a tool with no annotations and limited schema descriptions. However, with no output schema, the description should say what kind of result the optimizer returns, and it does not.

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 0%, so the description must compensate. It does so substantially: the basket example clarifies item, quantity, and offers, and it explicitly defines max_stores and extra_store_cost in user-facing terms.

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: compute the cheapest purchase plan for a basket. It is clearly different from list_stores and search_products, though it does not explicitly name or contrast those siblings.

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 optimization purpose implies when to use it, but there is no explicit guidance on when to choose it versus search_products or list_stores, nor any prerequisite or exclusion conditions.

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