Retrieve headlines from a chosen ZDNet topic or content-type section to support news tracking, research, and feed generation.
Get ZDNet section headlines. Returns fresh ZDNet headlines from one public topic or content-type feed.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| section | Yes | ZDNet topic or content-type slug |
Changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
v1.17.5Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It only states it returns fresh headlines, but does not disclose limitations such as the number of headlines returned, potential staleness, pagination, or that it only returns headlines and not full article content. This is minimal for a read operation.
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 concise at two sentences with no redundant content. It front-loads the primary action and resource, making it easy to scan. It could add more useful context without becoming verbose.
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 tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description is adequate but minimal. It tells what the tool does but does not specify the format of returned headlines, any limits, or how to interpret results. Given the low complexity, this is acceptable but not thorough.
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 schema description coverage is 100% with a clear enum and description for the 'section' parameter. The tool description adds little beyond 'one public topic or content-type feed', which slightly clarifies the meaning but does not substantially enhance the schema's own documentation.
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 verb 'Get' and the resource 'ZDNet section headlines', and mentions it returns fresh headlines from a public topic or content-type feed. It is specific enough to understand the tool's core function, though it does not explicitly differentiate it from sibling tools like zdnet_news or other headlines tools.
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 no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives. It does not mention scenarios where zdnet_article or zdnet_news would be more appropriate, nor any conditions for selecting this tool over other headlines tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.