List hiring threads

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint and openWorldHint, so the safety profile is covered. The description adds the useful 'newest first' ordering and monthly cadence context, but says nothing about how many threads are returned or what the default limit behavior is. Modest added value over the annotations.

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?

A single tight sentence with the key ordering constraint front-loaded after the resource. No wasted words, though it is arguably a touch thin given the unaddressed limit parameter.

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?

An output schema exists, so return values need no explanation, and the tool is simple with one optional param. Still, the description omits the limit semantics and any routing guidance among the three siblings, leaving gaps an agent would benefit from having closed.

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 'limit' parameter has 0% schema description coverage and is never mentioned in the description, so its purpose, default (6), and maximum (24) are invisible to the agent. With coverage this low the description needed to compensate and does not, though the omission is small given only one param.

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?

States a specific verb and resource ('Lists the most recent monthly "Ask HN: Who is hiring?" threads') plus ordering ('newest first'), so the agent knows exactly what comes back. It is distinguishable from siblings like search_jobs and get_job by the fact that it returns threads rather than individual postings, though it never names those siblings explicitly.

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 when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance and no mention of the alternative tools (search_jobs, get_job, hiring_trends). The agent must infer that this is a discovery/browsing entry point versus a search endpoint. Only implied usage is conveyed.

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