clean_whitespace

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the core operation and mentions whitespace characters, but it does not exhaustively define which whitespace characters are handled (e.g., tabs, newlines) or whether normalized strings are returned. The description is adequate for a simple string function but leaves some edge cases unstated.

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 two sentences, front-loaded with the primary action, and includes a parenthetical clarification and a pointer to an alternative. Every sentence earns its place with no redundancy or fluff.

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?

The tool is a simple string manipulation with no output schema or annotations. The description explains the transformation and provides an alternative for a different context. It is complete for most use cases, though it could be slightly more exhaustive about whitespace handling. Given the low complexity, this is adequate.

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?

The input schema has zero parameters, and schema coverage is 100%, so there is nothing for the description to add. Per the rubric, 0 parameters warrants a baseline of 4. The description adds no parameter information, but none is needed.

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 tool's function: 'Trim and replace multiple spaces with a single space.' It explicitly identifies the resource (string whitespace) and distinguishes itself from slugify for URL cleaning, a sibling tool. The verb is specific and the action is unambiguous.

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 an explicit alternative for a different use case: 'For cleaning special characters out of a string for a URL, use Slugify.' This helps the agent decide when to use this tool versus a sibling. The context of whitespace normalization is also clearly implied by the action itself.

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