philstar_news

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It discloses that it returns current top stories from the public homepage and notes the publication date is encoded in the story URL. However, it does not describe the output structure (e.g., array vs object), pagination, or any potential side effects. It implicitly suggests a read-only operation but lacks explicit behavioral 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 two sentences, but the second sentence largely repeats the first ('Get Philstar top stories' vs 'Returns the current Philstar top stories'). It could be condensed into one efficient sentence. However, it is still brief and front-loads the main purpose.

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?

Since there is no output schema, the description should detail the return value. It lists the fields (summary, byline, thumbnail, publication date) but does not specify the structure (e.g., array of objects, field names). It also does not mention how many stories are returned or potential error conditions. For a zero-parameter tool, it is adequate but not fully complete.

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. The description adds no parameter information, which is appropriate since there are none to document. It does not imply any required or optional inputs, aligning with the empty input schema.

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 'Get Philstar top stories', which is a specific verb and resource. It distinguishes itself from sibling tools like philstar_article (individual articles) and philstar_headlines by specifying it returns latest, trending, and featured stories from the public homepage, with details on included fields.

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 does not mention that for specific articles one should use philstar_article, or that for section-specific news philstar_sections might be appropriate. It only states what it does, leaving the agent to infer usage context.

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