twitch_channel

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

With no annotations, the description carries the full burden. It explains that it returns public data, names the underlying source (Twitch GraphQL API), and describes the live-status conditionality ('when live'). This gives the agent a good mental model of what the operation does without asserting any unsafe side effects.

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 focused sentences, no filler. The core action is front-loaded, followed by concrete return values and a source note. Every sentence contributes usable content.

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 simple single-parameter tool with no output schema or annotations, the description is complete enough: it names the input, enumerates the return fields, and states provenance and live-state behavior. It does not describe error cases or exact formatting, but neither is necessary at this level of simplicity.

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 single login parameter is already fully described in the input schema, and the description reinforces it by mentioning 'login'. Since schema description coverage is 100%, the description adds little beyond the schema, which is acceptable at the baseline.

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 states a precise verb ('Get') and resource ('a Twitch channel's profile and live status') and details the exact return fields. It is clearly distinguished from sibling tools like twitch_streams and twitch_top_games because it is about a single channel's profile and live state, not stream lists or game rankings.

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 clearly implies it is for fetching a single channel's static profile and current live status, and is distinct from search/discovery tools. However, it does not explicitly state when to prefer this over alternatives like twitch_streams or twitch_schedule, or include exclusions.

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