check_version

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It discloses that it checks both components, compares local vs remote, returns JSON with comparison, and optionally uses a proxy for GitHub access. It does not explicitly state that it is read-only, mention error handling, rate limits, or network dependencies beyond the proxy. For a simple version-check tool, this is adequate but not comprehensive. The proxy mention acknowledges network access, but it could be more explicit about side effects or failure modes.

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 concise and well-structured with sections for purpose, args, returns, and examples. It is front-loaded with the primary purpose in the first line. Every sentence contributes value: the argument description, return type, and two examples. There is no fluff or redundancy. The formatting is clear and easy to parse, making it efficient for an agent to read and act on.

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?

For a tool with one optional parameter and an existing output schema, the description is complete. It covers the purpose, the argument semantics, the return format (JSON with version comparison and update-needed flag), and provides examples. The output schema (which exists) would document the return structure in detail, so the description need not. No critical information is missing for an agent to call this tool correctly.

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 well for the only parameter, proxy_url: '可选的代理URL，用于访问 GitHub（如 http://127.0.0.1:7890）' (optional proxy URL for accessing GitHub), with an example. This adds meaning beyond the bare schema, which only defines the type and default. The description clearly explains the parameter's purpose and provides a concrete example, making it easy for an agent to use it correctly.

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 the tool's purpose: '检查版本更新（同时检查 TrendRadar 和 MCP Server）' (check version updates for both TrendRadar and MCP Server) and explains it compares local versions against GitHub remote. This specific verb-resource pairing (check version) distinguishes it from all sibling tools, which are news/RSS/crawling utilities. An agent can immediately understand what this tool does and why it exists.

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 provides clear context for when to use this tool: when you need to check for updates of the two components. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but given the unique purpose among siblings, the usage context is unambiguous. The examples ('check_version()' and with proxy) demonstrate typical invocations. It falls short of explicitly stating when NOT to use it, but no competing tool exists, so 4 is appropriate.

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