get_gcp_price

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It discloses the region (us-east1), OS (Linux), and pricing type (on-demand), but does not mention that the machine type list is limited to the enum values or any caching/real-time behavior.

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, consisting of two sentences that front-load the action and context, then list the returned fields. No redundant information is present.

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 lookup tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description covers the return fields adequately. However, it does not mention the restriction to us-east1 and Linux, which could mislead users expecting other regions or OS options.

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 coverage is 100% for the single parameter, so the schema fully documents it. The description adds no further meaning beyond stating 'machine type'; the schema's enum provides the specific allowed values.

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 verb 'look up', the specific resource 'GCP Compute Engine machine type', and context 'on-demand Linux hourly + monthly price in us-east1'. It also lists the return fields, differentiating it from sibling tools like get_aws_price and get_azure_price.

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 usage for retrieving GCP VM pricing but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like assess_migration or compare_clouds. It offers no guidance on exclusions such as other regions or OS types.

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