read

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

With no annotations provided, the description fully discloses behavioral traits: truncation to 2000 lines or 50KB, offset/limit pagination, and image handling as attachments. This goes well beyond the input schema's parameter descriptions, providing critical operational details.

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 three sentences long, front-loaded with the purpose, and every sentence provides essential information. No unnecessary words or repetition, making it highly efficient for an AI agent to parse.

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 tool's simplicity (3 parameters, no output schema), the description covers purpose, supported file types, truncation limits, and pagination strategy. It does not explicitly describe the return format for text files, but the information provided is sufficient for most use cases. A minor gap for completeness.

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 adds value by explaining the intended use of offset/limit for pagination ('Use offset/limit for large files') and clarifying that offset is 1-indexed, which is implicit in the schema but reinforced here.

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 specific verb 'read' and resource 'file', and lists supported file types (text and images). It distinguishes from sibling tools like 'exec' (command execution) and 'skill_read' (reading skills) by focusing on general file reading.

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 guidance on when to use the tool (for reading text and image files) and how to handle large files via offset/limit pagination ('use offset/limit for large files'). It lacks explicit exclusions (e.g., binary files other than images) but the context is sufficient for correct usage.

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