Google News22 MCP Server

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Mentions 'most popular' suggesting ranking, but omits pagination behavior (despite 'page' parameter), result set size, temporal scope (current vs. historical), and error handling.

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?

Single sentence is efficient but contains filler words ('This endpoint lets you'). Information is front-loaded, though singular/plural confusion ('article' vs 'headlines') creates minor ambiguity.

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 search tool with 3 parameters and no output schema or annotations, the description is insufficient. Missing: return format, pagination details, rate limiting, and differentiation from sibling search tools.

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%, establishing baseline. Description mentions country and language constraints, aligning with schema. However, it doesn't clarify the 'page' parameter's role in pagination or explain that results are filtered by the required country/language codes.

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?

States specific action (find) and resource (news article) with scope (most popular). However, uses singular 'article' when 'headlines' implies multiple results, and doesn't differentiate from siblings like search_by_topic_headlines or search_by_keyword.

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 guidance on when to use this versus the three sibling search tools (search_by_geolocation, search_by_keyword, search_by_topic_headlines). No mention of prerequisites or exclusions.

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