get_flow_at_time

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. It mentions 'at (or nearest to)' but does not clarify behavior if exact time not present, error cases, or side effects. Lacks details on permissions or impact.

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?

Description is concise with two sentences plus parameter descriptions. Front-loaded with main action. However, the parameter descriptions repeat schema info; could be more efficient but overall well-structured.

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 an output schema exists, return value explanation is not needed. But description lacks context about prerequisites (e.g., network must be loaded before calling) and does not clarify 'nearest to' behavior. Adequate for a simple query tool but not complete.

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 0%, so description adds full meaning: 'network_id: Session id of the network' and 'time_s: Simulation time in seconds.' This clarifies the purpose of each parameter beyond the schema's titles.

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?

Description clearly states 'Return link flows at (or nearest to) a specific simulation time.' This is a specific verb (return), resource (link flows), and scope (at a time). It distinguishes itself from siblings like get_pressure_at_time and run_simulation by focusing on flow retrieval.

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 explicit guidance on when to use or when not to use this tool over alternatives. The description implies usage for getting flow data at a time point, but lacks context like prerequisites (e.g., network must be loaded) or comparison to similar tools.

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