search_cities

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

With no annotations, the description carries full responsibility. It mentions the search capability and return type but omits behavioral details like case sensitivity, fuzzy matching, default sort order, and pagination behavior beyond offset/limit. Some gaps exist but core behavior is conveyed.

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 concise sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose and output. It could be improved by front-loading the most critical info, but it avoids fluff and is easy to scan.

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 complexity (9 optional parameters, no output schema), the description is somewhat incomplete. It does not indicate that at least one filter should be used or explain the return values in detail. The mention of 'geographic and translation data' is vague, leaving the agent uncertain about the exact fields.

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%, so the baseline is 3. The description only summarizes parameters ('by name, country, population range, and more') without adding new semantics or clarifying relationships between them. No value added beyond the schema.

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 it searches cities by multiple filters (name, country, population) and returns geographic and translation data. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like search_cities_in_country or find_cities_near_city, lacking a unique value proposition.

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?

No guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description lists filters but does not specify appropriate contexts, prerequisites, or exclusions. An AI agent would have to infer usage from the parameter names.

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