Retrieve all 32 IndieWire editorial sections accepted by the headlines API to build category lists or filter news queries.
Get IndieWire sections. Returns the complete public section inventory accepted by /api/v1/indiewire/headlines (IndieWire's 32 editorial categories).
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
No arguments | |||
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.17.5Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries the full behavioral burden. It discloses that the operation returns a complete, public inventory tied to a specific endpoint, implying a read-only enumeration tool. It omits details like exact return shape or error behavior, but those are minor for such a simple call.
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?
Two short sentences, front-loaded with the action, and the second sentence adds only high-value context: completeness, public nature, endpoint, and count. Every word earns its place with no filler.
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 zero-parameter tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description covers purpose, scope, and source endpoint, which is enough for an agent to invoke it correctly. It stops short of describing the exact return format, but that is a minor gap for such a simple enumerator.
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 zero parameters, so the baseline is 4 per the rubric. The description adds no parameter-specific detail, which is appropriate because nothing needs to be supplied to invoke it.
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 uses a specific verb and resource ('Get IndieWire sections') and adds a distinguishing detail by naming the exact endpoint it feeds (/api/v1/indiewire/headlines) and the category count (32). This clearly differentiates it from the many other *_sections sibling tools and from indiewire_headlines itself.
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 states that the tool returns the section inventory accepted by the IndieWire headlines endpoint, giving a clear contextual reason to call it before constructing headlines requests. It does not explicitly name alternatives or exclusions, but for a zero-parameter enumerator this context is strong enough for an agent to infer when it applies.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.