Retrieve an API key for authenticating and accessing Datadog's monitoring, log management, and metrics submission services through automated tools.
Get an API key.
This tool declares no required parameters. Add optional parameters from the input schema as needed.
{
"id": 1,
"jsonrpc": "2.0",
"method": "tools/call",
"params": {
"arguments": {},
"name": "get_api_key"
}
}| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.0.0Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. 'Get an API key' implies a read operation but doesn't specify whether authentication is required, if it returns sensitive data, what the output format is, or any error conditions. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this is insufficient.
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 a single, efficient sentence with no wasted words. It is appropriately sized for a simple tool and front-loaded with the core action. Every word earns its place, though the content itself is lacking in detail.
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 (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is incomplete. It fails to explain what 'Get an API key' entails—such as whether it retrieves a specific key, lists keys, or generates a new one—and lacks any context about authentication, return values, or error handling. This leaves significant gaps for agent understanding.
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 tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema description coverage, so the schema fully documents the lack of inputs. The description doesn't need to compensate for any parameter gaps, and it correctly implies no required inputs. A baseline of 4 is appropriate as the description aligns with the schema's simplicity.
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 'Get an API key' is a tautology that restates the tool name without adding meaningful context. It doesn't specify what kind of API key (e.g., current user's key, specific key by ID, or a new key), nor does it distinguish this from sibling tools like 'get_api_keys' (plural) or 'create_api_keys'. The purpose remains vague beyond the basic verb+resource.
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?
There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description provides no context about prerequisites, scope (e.g., retrieving a single key vs. listing multiple keys), or relationships to sibling tools like 'get_api_keys' or 'create_api_keys'. This leaves the agent with no usage direction.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.