catalog_get

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It implies a read-only operation but does not disclose potential errors (e.g., not found), authentication requirements, or response format. The lack of any behavioral context falls short of what a minimal description should provide.

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 fluff. It communicates the core action and resource clearly, earning its place without redundancy.

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 simple get operation with one parameter and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate. However, it does not specify what 'details' includes, nor does it address error/edge cases, leaving some ambiguity for the agent. Sibling tools like catalog_list_products and catalog_get_diagnostics indicate more specific detail tools, but this is not mentioned.

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%, and the description does not mention 'catalog_id' at all. The single parameter rests entirely on the schema's field name, which is self-explanatory, but the description adds no meaning beyond the schema and fails to compensate for the lack of schema descriptions.

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 'Get details of a single catalog' uses a specific verb (Get) and resource (catalog) with clear scope (single catalog). This distinguishes it from siblings like catalog_list (multiple catalogs) and catalog_get_product (a product within a catalog).

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 gives no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It simply states the function without mentioning exclusions, prerequisites, or referencing sibling tools like catalog_list or catalog_get_product.

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