Kroger MCP Server

Server Quality Checklist

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Latest release: v1.0.0
Disambiguation4/5
Most tools have distinct purposes, but there is some overlap between 'add_items_to_cart' and 'bulk_add_to_cart' (both add items, differing only in single vs. batch operations), and between 'search_products' and 'search_products_by_id' (both search, differing by term vs. ID). The descriptions clarify the differences, but an agent might initially confuse these pairs.
Naming Consistency5/5
Tool names follow a consistent verb_noun pattern throughout, such as 'add_items_to_cart', 'get_product_details', 'search_locations', and 'view_order_history'. All tools use snake_case with clear, descriptive verbs, making the naming highly predictable and readable.
Tool Count3/5
With 30 tools, the count feels heavy for a grocery shopping server, as it includes many auxiliary tools (e.g., 'get_current_datetime', multiple authentication tools) that could be consolidated. While comprehensive, it may overwhelm agents with less essential operations, making it borderline excessive for the core domain.
Completeness4/5
The tool set covers key grocery shopping workflows well, including product search, cart management, location handling, and authentication. However, there are minor gaps, such as no direct tool for modifying cart items (only add/remove) and reliance on local tracking rather than real-time cart sync, which could limit some agent operations but are workable.
Average 3.6/5 across 30 of 30 tools scored. Lowest: 2.8/5.
See the Tool Scores section below for per-tool breakdowns.
- 2 of 3 community issues answered or closed in the last 6 months
- 7 commits in the last 12 weeks
- Last stable release on July 9, 2026
- No critical vulnerability alerts
- No high-severity vulnerability alerts
- No code scanning findings
- CI status not available
This repository is licensed under MIT License.
This repository includes a README.md file.
No tool usage detected in the last 30 days. Usage tracking helps demonstrate server value.
Tip: use the "Try in Browser" feature on the server page to seed initial usage.
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```
{
  "$schema": "https://glama.ai/mcp/schemas/server.json",
  "maintainers": [
    "your-github-username"
  ]
}
```
Then . Browse examples.
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How is the quality score calculated?

The overall quality score combines two components: Tool Definition Quality (70%) and Server Coherence (30%).

Tool Definition Quality measures how well each tool describes itself to AI agents. Every tool is scored 1–5 across six dimensions: Purpose Clarity (25%), Usage Guidelines (20%), Behavioral Transparency (20%), Parameter Semantics (15%), Conciseness & Structure (10%), and Contextual Completeness (10%). The server-level definition quality score is calculated as 60% mean TDQS + 40% minimum TDQS, so a single poorly described tool pulls the score down.

Server Coherence evaluates how well the tools work together as a set, scoring four dimensions equally: Disambiguation (can agents tell tools apart?), Naming Consistency, Tool Count Appropriateness, and Completeness (are there gaps in the tool surface?).

Tiers are derived from the overall score: A (≥3.5), B (≥3.0), C (≥2.0), D (≥1.0), F (<1.0). B and above is considered passing.

Tool Scores

Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states this is a read operation ('Returns'), but doesn't disclose any behavioral traits like authentication requirements, rate limits, error conditions, or whether this returns current/live data versus cached data. The description adds minimal behavioral context beyond the basic operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness3/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description has unnecessary meta-commentary ('it is anticipated that by exposing this to the LLM...') that doesn't help the agent understand the tool. The structure with separate 'Args' and 'Returns' sections is clear, but the first sentence could be more direct. Some sentences don't earn their place in a tool description.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple read tool with no parameters and no output schema, the description is minimally adequate. However, it doesn't explain what format the zip code returns in (string? integer with leading zeros?), what happens if no user is authenticated, or whether this is a live lookup versus cached data. The lack of annotations means more behavioral context would be helpful.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema description coverage, so the baseline is 4. The description correctly states 'Args: N/A' which aligns with the empty input schema, though this is somewhat redundant since the schema already shows no parameters.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose3/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description states 'Returns user zip code' which provides a basic verb+resource, but it's vague about what 'user' refers to (current authenticated user? any user?) and doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_user_profile' or 'get_location_details' which might also contain zip code information. The additional text about 'exposing this to the LLM' is meta-commentary rather than clarifying the tool's purpose.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided about when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description mentions 'rather than generating a zip code based on system data' which hints at a problem this tool solves, but doesn't explicitly state when to use it versus other tools that might provide location or user data. No prerequisites, exclusions, or alternatives are mentioned.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states this is a read operation ('Get') but doesn't mention authentication requirements, rate limits, error handling, or what happens if the chain doesn't exist. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this represents significant gaps in behavioral context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately brief with three sentences that each serve a purpose: stating the tool's function, documenting the parameter, and describing the return value. The structure is clear and front-loaded with the main purpose. Minor points deducted for the generic 'Dictionary containing chain details' which could be more specific.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness2/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given zero annotation coverage, no output schema, and a single parameter with 0% schema description coverage, the description is insufficiently complete. It doesn't explain what 'chain details' includes, authentication requirements, error conditions, or how this differs from similar tools. For a tool in a complex Kroger API context, more contextual information is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters3/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It documents the single parameter 'chain_name' and explains it's 'Name of the chain to get details for', which adds meaningful context beyond the bare schema. However, it doesn't specify format requirements, examples, or constraints, leaving some ambiguity about valid inputs.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
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 'detailed information about a specific Kroger chain', making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes from sibling 'list_chains' by focusing on a single chain's details rather than listing multiple chains. However, it doesn't specify what 'detailed information' includes, which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 like 'check_chain_exists' or 'list_chains'. It mentions a specific chain is required but doesn't explain prerequisites, error conditions, or typical use cases. This leaves the agent with minimal context for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states that the tool returns a dictionary with authentication information, without detailing what specific fields are included (e.g., token expiry, user ID, permissions), whether it requires authentication to call, or if it has side effects like refreshing tokens. This leaves significant gaps in understanding the tool's behavior.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded, with the core purpose stated in the first sentence and a concise note on the return value. There's no unnecessary fluff, and both sentences add value. However, the structure could be slightly improved by integrating the return information more seamlessly, but it remains efficient overall.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness2/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity of authentication tools and the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain what specific authentication information is returned, how it differs from other authentication tools, or any prerequisites for use. For a tool that likely involves sensitive state, more context is needed to guide the agent effectively.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters, and the input schema has 100% description coverage (though empty). The description appropriately doesn't waste space discussing parameters, which aligns with the schema. A baseline of 4 is applied since no parameters exist, and the description doesn't need to compensate for any gaps.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get information about the current authentication state and token.' It uses a specific verb ('Get') and identifies the resource ('authentication state and token'), making it easy to understand what the tool does. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling authentication tools like 'test_authentication' or 'complete_authentication', which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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. With sibling tools like 'test_authentication', 'start_authentication', and 'complete_authentication', there's no indication of whether this tool is for checking token validity, retrieving metadata, or other specific contexts. The lack of usage context leaves the agent guessing about appropriate scenarios.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool checks existence and returns a dictionary, but lacks details on permissions, rate limits, error handling, or what the dictionary contains. This is a significant gap for a tool with zero annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and concise, with a clear purpose statement followed by Args and Returns sections. Every sentence earns its place, and it's front-loaded with the main functionality, making it easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness2/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the lack of annotations and output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain the return dictionary's structure (e.g., keys like 'exists' or 'chain_id'), error cases, or behavioral traits like idempotency. For a tool with no structured data, more context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaning beyond the input schema by explaining that 'chain_name' is the 'Name of the chain to check.' With 0% schema description coverage and only one parameter, this adequately compensates, though it could specify format or constraints for the chain name.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Check if a chain exists in the Kroger system.' It specifies the verb ('Check') and resource ('chain'), making it understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_chain_details' or 'list_chains', which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention sibling tools like 'get_chain_details' (for detailed info) or 'list_chains' (for listing all chains), nor does it specify prerequisites or exclusions, leaving usage unclear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states this is a 'Get' operation, implying read-only behavior, but doesn't specify whether it requires authentication, rate limits, error conditions, or what happens with invalid IDs. This leaves significant gaps for a tool that likely interacts with user data.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with clear sections for Args and Returns, using minimal sentences that each serve a purpose. It's front-loaded with the core purpose and avoids unnecessary elaboration, making it easy to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness2/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a tool with no annotations, no output schema, and 0% schema description coverage, the description is insufficient. It doesn't explain what 'detailed information' includes, error handling, authentication needs, or how it differs from sibling tools. Given the context of other tools like authentication and cart management, more behavioral context is needed.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context for the single parameter 'department_id' by explaining it's 'The unique identifier for the department', which is valuable since schema description coverage is 0%. However, it doesn't provide format examples (e.g., numeric vs. string) or validation rules, leaving some ambiguity.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('detailed information about a specific department'), making it immediately understandable. However, it doesn't differentiate from its sibling 'list_departments' or 'check_department_exists', which would be helpful for an agent choosing between them.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 like 'list_departments' or 'check_department_exists'. It doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., needing a valid department_id) or context for usage, leaving the agent to infer based on tool names alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states it 'gets' information, implying a read-only operation, but doesn't mention authentication requirements, rate limits, error handling, or what 'detailed information' includes. This is inadequate for a tool with no annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the main purpose in the first sentence, followed by structured Args and Returns sections. It's efficient with minimal waste, though the Returns section could be more specific to enhance clarity without adding bulk.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (one parameter, no annotations, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose and parameter semantics but lacks details on usage context, behavioral traits, and output specifics, leaving gaps for an AI agent to infer.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context for the single parameter 'location_id' by explaining it's 'the unique identifier for the store location', which compensates for the 0% schema description coverage. Since there's only one parameter and the description clarifies its purpose, it earns a high score despite the low schema coverage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and resource 'detailed information about a specific Kroger store location', making the purpose evident. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_chain_details' or 'search_locations', which reduces it from a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 such as 'search_locations' or 'get_chain_details'. It mentions a specific location but doesn't clarify prerequisites like needing a location ID or when this is preferred over other location-related tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It states the tool returns a dictionary with location information, which is helpful, but lacks critical details: it doesn't specify if this requires authentication, mention error conditions (e.g., if no location is set), or describe the dictionary's structure. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this is insufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise and well-structured: the first sentence states the purpose clearly, and the second sentence explains the return value. There's no unnecessary information, and it's front-loaded with the core functionality. Minor deduction for the slightly verbose 'Returns:' label instead of integrating it more seamlessly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is adequate but has gaps. It explains what the tool does and the return type, but without annotations, it should ideally mention authentication needs or error handling. It's minimally viable but could be more complete for safe agent use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters, and the input schema has 100% description coverage (though empty). The description doesn't need to explain parameters, so it naturally meets expectations. A baseline of 4 is appropriate as it avoids redundancy while focusing on the tool's function.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get the currently set preferred store location.' It uses a specific verb ('Get') and identifies the resource ('preferred store location'), making the function unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from siblings like 'get_location_details' or 'search_locations', which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., authentication status), compare it to sibling tools like 'get_location_details' or 'set_preferred_location', or specify use cases. This leaves the agent without contextual direction for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states this is a read operation ('Get') and implies it returns data, but lacks details on permissions, rate limits, error conditions, or data freshness. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this is insufficient to guide safe invocation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence. The second sentence about return values is useful but could be integrated more seamlessly. There's minimal waste, though slight room for improvement in flow.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, no output schema), the description is adequate but incomplete. It covers what the tool does and the return type, but lacks behavioral context (e.g., authentication requirements, data scope). For a user profile tool with no annotations, more guidance would be helpful.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters, and schema description coverage is 100% (empty schema). The description doesn't need to explain parameters, so it meets baseline expectations. No additional parameter context is required or provided.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Get') and resource ('authenticated user's Kroger profile information'), making the purpose unambiguous. It distinguishes from siblings like 'get_authentication_info' by specifying profile data rather than authentication status. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from other user-related tools, keeping it at 4 rather than 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., authentication status), compare to siblings like 'get_user_zip_code' or 'get_authentication_info', or specify use cases. This leaves the agent without context for tool selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only states that the tool returns a dictionary with chain information, but doesn't cover critical aspects like whether it's a read-only operation, potential rate limits, authentication requirements, or error handling. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this leaves significant behavioral gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise and front-loaded, with the main purpose stated clearly in the first sentence. The second sentence about the return value adds useful information without redundancy. However, the formatting includes extra whitespace and could be slightly more polished, preventing a perfect score.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (no parameters, no output schema), the description is adequate but minimal. It covers the basic purpose and return type, but lacks details on authentication, data format, or error cases. With no annotations to supplement, it meets the minimum viable standard but leaves room for improvement in completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has zero parameters, and the input schema has 100% description coverage (though empty). The description doesn't need to explain any parameters, which is appropriate. Since there are no parameters to document, a baseline score of 4 is warranted, as it avoids unnecessary parameter details.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Get a list of all Kroger-owned chains.' It uses a specific verb ('Get') and identifies the resource ('Kroger-owned chains'), making the action and target explicit. However, it doesn't differentiate from sibling tools like 'check_chain_exists' or 'get_chain_details', which limits its score to 4 instead of 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention when to prefer 'list_chains' over 'check_chain_exists' or 'get_chain_details', nor does it specify any prerequisites or exclusions. Without such context, the agent lacks clear usage instructions.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions the return type ('Dictionary containing department information') but fails to describe critical behaviors like whether this is a read-only operation, if it requires authentication, rate limits, error handling, or pagination. For a tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a significant gap in transparency.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is brief and front-loaded with the main purpose in the first sentence. The second sentence about returns is useful but could be integrated more seamlessly. Overall, it's efficient with minimal waste, though minor improvements in flow could achieve a perfect score.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is adequate but incomplete. It covers the basic purpose and return format but misses behavioral details like authentication needs or error cases. For a read operation in a retail context, more context would enhance completeness, but it meets the minimum viable threshold.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters, and the input schema has 100% description coverage (though empty). The description doesn't need to add parameter details, so it appropriately focuses on the tool's function. A baseline of 4 is applied since no parameters exist, and the description doesn't attempt to explain non-existent inputs.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb ('Get') and resource ('list of all available departments in Kroger stores'), making the purpose specific and understandable. However, it doesn't explicitly distinguish this tool from sibling tools like 'check_department_exists' or 'get_department_details', which would require a more detailed comparison to achieve a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 such as 'check_department_exists' or 'get_department_details'. It lacks context about prerequisites, timing, or exclusions, leaving the agent to infer usage based on the tool name alone.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states this is a write operation ('Set'), implying mutation, but doesn't disclose permissions needed, whether the change is persistent, error conditions, or side effects. It mentions a return value but provides no details on format or potential errors.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with a clear purpose statement followed by Args and Returns sections. Every sentence adds value: the first states the tool's function, and the subsequent lines provide essential parameter and return information without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness2/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is incomplete. It doesn't explain authentication requirements, error handling, persistence of the setting, or how this interacts with other operations. The return value mention is vague ('Dictionary confirming...') without specifics.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context for the single parameter 'location_id', explaining it's 'the unique identifier for the store location'. With 0% schema description coverage, this compensates well by clarifying the parameter's purpose beyond the schema's basic type information.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Set') and resource ('preferred store location'), and it distinguishes from the sibling 'get_preferred_location' by indicating this is a write operation. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from other location-related tools like 'search_locations' or 'check_location_exists'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention prerequisites (e.g., authentication status), when not to use it, or how it relates to sibling tools like 'get_preferred_location' or 'search_locations'.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions the return type ('Dictionary indicating whether the department exists'), but lacks details on error handling, authentication requirements, rate limits, or what the dictionary contains. For a tool with no annotations, this is insufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and concise, with three clear sections: purpose, arguments, and returns. Each sentence earns its place, and there is no redundant information, making it easy to parse.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (one parameter, no output schema, no annotations), the description is minimally adequate. It covers the basic purpose and parameter, but lacks details on behavioral aspects like error cases or return structure, which could be important for an AI agent.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful context for the single parameter: 'department_id: The department ID to check.' Since schema description coverage is 0% and there is only one parameter, this adequately compensates by explaining the parameter's purpose, though it could specify format or examples.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Check if a department exists in the Kroger system.' It specifies the verb ('check') and resource ('department'), but does not explicitly differentiate it from sibling tools like 'get_department_details' or 'list_departments', which prevents a score of 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'get_department_details' (for more details) or 'list_departments' (for enumeration). The description only states what it does, not when it is appropriate, 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.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It states it 'checks' existence (implying a read-only operation) but doesn't mention authentication requirements, rate limits, error conditions, or what specific data the return dictionary contains. The behavioral context is minimal.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and appropriately concise. It uses a clear purpose statement followed by formatted Args and Returns sections with no redundant information. Every sentence earns its place.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple existence check with one parameter and no output schema, the description covers the basic purpose and parameter meaning adequately. However, it lacks details about authentication needs, error handling, and the structure of the return dictionary, which would be helpful given the absence of annotations.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description explicitly documents the single parameter ('location_id: The unique identifier for the store location'), adding meaningful context beyond the schema's basic type information. With 0% schema description coverage and only one parameter, this provides adequate compensation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Check if a location exists in the Kroger system.' It specifies the verb ('check') and resource ('location'), but doesn't explicitly differentiate it from sibling tools like 'check_chain_exists' or 'check_department_exists' that perform similar existence checks on different resource types.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention sibling tools like 'search_locations' or 'get_location_details' that might serve related purposes, nor does it specify prerequisites or contextual constraints for usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It mentions that location_id uses a 'preferred' default if not provided, which adds some context, but fails to describe authentication requirements, rate limits, error conditions, or what 'detailed information' specifically includes. For a read operation with zero annotation coverage, this is insufficient.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured with clear sections for Args and Returns. Every sentence adds value: the purpose statement, two parameter explanations, and return format. No wasted words or redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description provides basic parameter semantics and return format but lacks details about authentication, error handling, or what specific fields the 'dictionary' contains. For a product details tool with 2 parameters, this is minimally adequate but leaves significant gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description provides meaningful explanations for both parameters: product_id as 'unique product identifier' and location_id with its default behavior. With 0% schema description coverage, this fully compensates by adding semantic context that the bare schema lacks, though it doesn't specify format constraints like string patterns.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the verb 'Get' and resource 'detailed information about a specific product', making the purpose unambiguous. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'get_product_images' or 'search_products_by_id', which prevents a perfect score.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 like 'search_products_by_id' or 'get_product_images'. It mentions a default behavior for location_id but doesn't explain when this tool is preferred over other product-related tools.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions that the tool 'Search[es] for products' but doesn't describe important behaviors: whether it requires authentication, has rate limits, returns paginated results, or handles errors. The description adds minimal context beyond the basic action, which is insufficient for a tool with no annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded: it starts with a clear purpose statement, followed by a structured 'Args' and 'Returns' section. Every sentence earns its place by providing essential information without redundancy. The formatting with bullet-like sections enhances readability without unnecessary verbosity.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the complexity (5 parameters, no annotations, no output schema), the description is partially complete. It covers parameter semantics well but lacks behavioral context (e.g., authentication needs, error handling) and doesn't explain the return value beyond 'Dictionary containing product search results'. For a search tool with multiple parameters and no output schema, more detail on behavior and returns would improve completeness.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is low (20%), but the description compensates well by explaining all parameters in the 'Args' section. It adds meaning beyond the schema: for example, it clarifies that 'search_term' accepts examples like 'milk', 'bread', 'organic apples', and that 'fulfillment' filters by methods such as 'csp=curbside pickup, delivery, pickup'. This provides practical context that the schema lacks.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Search for products at a Kroger store.' It specifies the verb ('Search') and resource ('products'), making it easy to understand what the tool does. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'search_products_by_id' or 'get_product_details', which is why it doesn't reach a score of 5.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention sibling tools like 'search_products_by_id' (which likely searches by product ID rather than term) or 'get_product_details' (which might retrieve detailed info for a specific product). There's also no information about prerequisites (e.g., authentication) or typical use cases, leaving the agent to infer usage.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It states this is a search operation but doesn't disclose behavioral traits like whether it requires authentication, what happens if no product matches the ID, whether it's read-only or has side effects, rate limits, or error conditions. The description is minimal and lacks essential operational context.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and appropriately concise. It uses a clear title sentence, followed by organized sections for Args and Returns. Every sentence adds value: the purpose statement, parameter explanations, and return value description. There's no redundant or unnecessary information.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (2 parameters, no annotations, no output schema), the description is minimally adequate but has gaps. It covers the basic purpose and parameters but lacks behavioral context (authentication needs, error handling) and doesn't explain the return value format beyond 'dictionary containing matching products.' For a search tool with no annotations or output schema, more operational details would be helpful.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful semantics beyond the schema. The input schema has 0% description coverage (no parameter descriptions), but the description explains both parameters: 'product_id: The product ID to search for' and 'location_id: Store location ID (uses preferred location if not provided)'. This clarifies the purpose of each parameter and the default behavior for location_id, compensating well for the schema's lack of documentation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Search for products by their specific product ID.' This is a specific verb ('search') + resource ('products') with a clear method ('by product ID'). However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'search_products' or 'get_product_details', which likely have different search methods or return different data granularity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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. With sibling tools like 'search_products' (likely keyword-based search) and 'get_product_details' (likely returns detailed info for a known product), there's no indication of when this ID-based search is preferred, what its limitations are, or when other tools might be more appropriate.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior2/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It mentions the tool searches for locations but doesn't describe the search behavior (e.g., how results are sorted, whether it's paginated, error conditions, or rate limits). It states returns a 'Dictionary containing location search results' but gives no details on structure or content, leaving significant gaps in understanding the tool's operation.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured with a clear purpose statement followed by Args and Returns sections. It's appropriately sized with no wasted sentences, though the formatting uses extra whitespace. Every sentence earns its place by adding value, making it easy to scan and understand.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description is moderately complete but has gaps. It covers the purpose and parameters well, but lacks details on behavioral traits (e.g., sorting, pagination, errors) and the structure of the return dictionary. For a search tool with 4 parameters, it provides a baseline but could be more comprehensive about the search behavior and results.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 50% (only radius_in_miles and limit have descriptions in the schema). The description compensates by providing clear semantics for all four parameters: zip_code (search near, with default), radius_in_miles (search radius with range), limit (results to return with range), and chain (filter by name). It adds meaningful context beyond the schema, especially for zip_code and chain which lack schema descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Search for Kroger store locations') and resource ('near a zip code'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'get_location_details' or 'check_location_exists' which focus on individual locations rather than searching. It's precise about what the tool does without being tautological.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines2/5
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 doesn't mention sibling tools like 'check_location_exists' or 'get_location_details', nor does it specify prerequisites (e.g., authentication status) or contextual constraints. Usage is implied but not explicitly stated.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden. It discloses that the tool 'track[s] it locally', which adds behavioral context beyond the basic action. However, it doesn't cover important aspects like error handling, authentication requirements (implied by sibling tools like 'complete_authentication'), or whether this is a mutation (implied by 'add').
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured and front-loaded with the core purpose. Each sentence earns its place: the first states the action, the second provides usage guidance, and the Args/Returns sections efficiently document parameters and output. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a 3-parameter mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description is adequate but has gaps. It covers parameters well and gives usage guidance, but lacks details on authentication (implied by sibling tools), error cases, or the structure of the return dictionary. The 'track it locally' hint adds some context.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Schema description coverage is 0%, so the description must compensate. It adds meaningful semantics for all three parameters: 'product_id' is explained as 'The product ID or UPC', 'quantity' as 'Quantity to add (default: 1)', and 'modality' as 'Fulfillment method - PICKUP or DELIVERY'. This significantly enhances understanding beyond the bare schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the action ('Add a single item to the user's Kroger cart') and resource ('cart'), distinguishing it from bulk operations and other cart-related tools like 'remove_from_cart' or 'view_current_cart'. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from 'bulk_add_to_cart' beyond mentioning 'single item'.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines4/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool ('If the user doesn't specifically indicate a preference for pickup or delivery, you should ask them which modality they prefer before calling this tool'), which is helpful for the agent. It doesn't mention alternatives like 'bulk_add_to_cart' or prerequisites, but the context is clear.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
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 the core behavior (testing token validity) and return type (dictionary indicating status), but lacks details on error handling, rate limits, permissions needed, or what constitutes a valid token. It adds basic context but misses richer behavioral traits for a tool with no annotation coverage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by a brief return statement. Both sentences earn their place by clarifying functionality and output without waste. It is appropriately sized for a simple tool with no parameters.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is minimally complete. It covers the purpose and return type, but for a tool with no structured data, it could benefit from more detail on authentication context or error cases. It's adequate but has clear gaps in behavioral disclosure.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema description coverage, so no parameter information is needed. The description appropriately does not discuss parameters, maintaining focus on the tool's purpose and output. This meets the baseline for zero parameters, as it avoids unnecessary details.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific verb ('Test') and resource ('current authentication token'), and distinguishes it from siblings like 'complete_authentication', 'force_reauthenticate', and 'get_authentication_info' by focusing on validation rather than completion, enforcement, or information retrieval. It directly answers what the tool does without redundancy.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines3/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies usage when checking token validity, but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'get_authentication_info' or 'force_reauthenticate'. It provides context (testing authentication) but lacks guidance on prerequisites, exclusions, or specific scenarios for selection among siblings.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states what the tool does and provides usage context, but doesn't disclose important behavioral traits like whether this returns local or UTC time, the specific format of the returned dictionary, or any rate limits. The description adds value but leaves significant behavioral questions unanswered.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is perfectly structured with three concise paragraphs: purpose statement, usage context, and return information. Every sentence earns its place, there's no redundancy, and the information is front-loaded with the core purpose stated first.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's simplicity (0 parameters, no annotations, no output schema), the description is reasonably complete for the core functionality. However, it doesn't specify the format of the returned dictionary or timezone considerations, which would be helpful for an agent to properly interpret the results. The description covers the basics but leaves some implementation details unclear.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema description coverage, so the baseline is 4. The description appropriately doesn't waste space discussing parameters that don't exist, which is efficient and correct.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose with a specific verb ('Get') and resource ('current system date and time'), distinguishing it from all sibling tools which focus on e-commerce operations like cart management, product search, and authentication. It provides a concrete function that is immediately understandable.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines4/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context for when to use this tool ('comparing with cart checkout dates, order history, or any other time-sensitive operations'), giving practical examples. However, it doesn't explicitly state when NOT to use it or name specific alternatives, which prevents a perfect score.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It effectively describes the tool's behavior: it returns a URL for OAuth flow and requires user interaction (opening in browser, copying callback URL). However, it lacks details on potential errors, timeouts, or prerequisites, leaving some behavioral aspects unclear.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose in the first sentence, followed by essential details about the return value and user instructions. Each sentence adds value without redundancy, and the structure is logical and efficient, making it easy to parse quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (authentication flow) and lack of annotations or output schema, the description does a good job explaining the process and return value. However, it could be more complete by mentioning error handling or linking to 'complete_authentication' for the next step, slightly reducing the score.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 0 parameters with 100% coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description appropriately does not discuss parameters, focusing on the tool's purpose and output. A baseline of 4 is applied since it compensates well for the lack of parameters by explaining the tool's function clearly.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Start the OAuth authentication flow') and the target resource ('with Kroger'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'complete_authentication' or 'test_authentication'. It precisely defines what the tool initiates without being vague or tautological.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines4/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides clear context on when to use this tool: to begin authentication with Kroger, returning a URL for browser-based authorization. However, it does not explicitly state when not to use it (e.g., if already authenticated) or name alternatives like 'force_reauthenticate' for different scenarios, limiting it to a 4.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses the action (clearing token) and outcome (re-authentication initiated), but lacks details on side effects (e.g., session termination), permissions required, or error conditions, leaving behavioral gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Three concise sentences: purpose, usage guidelines, and return value. Each sentence adds value with zero redundancy, and the structure is front-loaded with the core action.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness3/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given no annotations and no output schema, the description covers purpose and usage well but lacks details on behavioral implications (e.g., what 'clearing' entails, system state changes). For a security-sensitive tool, more context on effects would be beneficial.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description appropriately omits parameter details, maintaining focus on tool purpose and usage.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('force re-authentication') and mechanism ('clearing the current authentication token'), distinguishing it from siblings like 'complete_authentication' or 'start_authentication' which handle different authentication phases.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicitly provides when to use ('if you're having authentication issues or need to log in as a different user'), offering clear context for invocation without needing to reference alternatives directly.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior4/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It effectively adds context: it reveals a critical limitation (only sees server-marked orders, not Kroger API data), which is essential for understanding the tool's behavior. However, it doesn't cover other potential traits like error handling, response format details, or performance aspects, leaving some gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded. The first sentence states the purpose clearly, followed by critical notes and parameter/return details in a structured format. Every sentence adds value: the note explains limitations, and the Args/Returns sections provide necessary details without redundancy. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's moderate complexity (1 parameter, no output schema, no annotations), the description is mostly complete. It covers purpose, limitations, parameter semantics, and return type. However, without an output schema, it could benefit from more details on the return structure (e.g., what fields are in the dictionary), but the note on limitations mitigates this gap adequately.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaningful semantics beyond the input schema. The schema has 0% description coverage for the single parameter 'limit,' but the description specifies: 'Number of recent orders to show (1-50).' This clarifies the parameter's purpose, range, and ordering ('recent'), compensating well for the low schema coverage. It doesn't explain default behavior, but the schema provides a default value.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose4/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'View the history of placed orders.' It specifies the verb ('view') and resource ('history of placed orders'), making the action explicit. However, it doesn't explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'view_current_cart' or 'mark_order_placed' beyond the scope of 'placed orders,' which slightly limits its distinction.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit usage guidance: 'This tool can only see orders that were explicitly marked as placed via this MCP server. The Kroger API does not provide permission to query the actual order history from Kroger's systems.' This clearly states when to use it (for server-marked orders) and when not to use it (for actual Kroger API history), with an implied alternative being external systems. No misleading information is present.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden. It adequately describes the core behavior (completing OAuth flow with a redirect URL) and mentions the return format ('Dictionary indicating authentication status'). However, it lacks details about error conditions, what specific data the dictionary contains, or any side effects like token storage.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness4/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and well-structured with three distinct parts: purpose statement, usage instructions, and parameter/return documentation. Every sentence adds value, though the 'Args' and 'Returns' formatting could be more integrated with the natural language flow.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a single-parameter authentication completion tool with no annotations or output schema, the description provides good coverage of purpose, usage context, parameter meaning, and expected return type. It could be more complete by specifying what the authentication status dictionary contains or error scenarios.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters5/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 0% schema description coverage and only one parameter, the description fully compensates by providing clear semantics: 'The full URL from your browser after authorization' explains exactly what the redirect_url parameter should contain, including its source and format requirements.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('complete the OAuth flow') and resource ('using the redirect URL from Kroger'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'start_authentication' and 'force_reauthenticate'. It explicitly identifies the tool's role in the authentication process flow.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit when-to-use guidance: 'After opening the auth URL in your browser and authorizing the app, you'll be redirected to a callback URL. Copy that entire URL and pass it to this tool.' This clearly defines the prerequisite step (using start_authentication) and the specific trigger condition for invoking this tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden for behavioral disclosure. It adequately describes the core operation (retrieving images) and mentions the default perspective behavior, but doesn't cover important aspects like authentication requirements, rate limits, error conditions, or response format details beyond stating it returns 'The product image.'
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with a purpose statement, usage guidance, parameter explanations, and return value description in just 4 sentences. Each sentence adds clear value, and the information is front-loaded with the most important guidance appearing immediately after the purpose statement.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only tool with 3 parameters and no output schema, the description provides good coverage of purpose, usage workflow, parameter meanings, and return type. The main gap is lack of behavioral details like authentication, error handling, or image format specifics, but given the tool's relative simplicity and clear sibling relationships, it's reasonably complete.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 0% schema description coverage, the description provides essential semantic context for all 3 parameters: product_id as 'unique product identifier,' perspective with default value and typical examples, and location_id with its fallback behavior. This compensates well for the schema's lack of descriptions, though it doesn't specify format constraints or validation rules.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Get an image') and resource ('for a specific product from the requested perspective'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like get_product_details which provides metadata rather than images. The verb+resource combination is precise and unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly provides when-to-use guidance by directing users to 'Use get_product_details first to see what perspectives are available,' creating a clear workflow dependency. It also distinguishes this tool from get_product_details by specifying this retrieves images while that tool shows available perspectives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
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 describes the core behavior (marking cart as placed and moving to history) but lacks details on permissions needed, whether this is irreversible, error conditions, or rate limits. For a mutation tool with zero annotation coverage, this is a moderate gap.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized and front-loaded: the first sentence states the purpose, the second provides usage guidelines, and the Args/Returns sections are structured efficiently. Every sentence adds value without redundancy.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's complexity (a mutation with one parameter) and lack of annotations/output schema, the description is mostly complete. It covers purpose, usage, parameters, and return value, but could improve by adding more behavioral context like error handling or confirmation details.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description adds meaning beyond the input schema, which has 0% description coverage. It explains the single parameter ('order_notes: Optional notes about the order'), clarifying its purpose and optional nature. Since there's only one parameter and the description covers it adequately, this compensates well for the schema gap.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Mark the current cart as an order that has been placed'), identifies the resource ('current cart'), and specifies the outcome ('move it to order history'). It distinguishes this tool from siblings like 'view_current_cart' and 'view_order_history' by indicating it transitions the cart to order status.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly states when to use this tool ('Use this after you've completed checkout on the Kroger website/app'), providing clear contextual guidance. It differentiates from alternatives by implying this is a post-checkout action, not for viewing or modifying carts.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior3/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It describes the bulk operation nature and modality requirement, but lacks details on authentication needs, error handling, rate limits, or what happens if items are unavailable. The description doesn't contradict any annotations (none provided).
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
Well-structured with clear sections: purpose statement, usage guidance, parameter details, and return value. Every sentence adds value - no wasted words. The information is front-loaded with the core purpose first.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description does well covering purpose, usage, and parameters. However, it could better explain the return value format ('Dictionary with results for each item' is vague) and lacks details on error cases or authentication requirements.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters5/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 0% schema description coverage (schema only shows 'items' as array of objects), the description fully compensates by detailing the structure of each item object: product_id, quantity with default, modality with default and allowed values. This adds significant meaning beyond the bare schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose with specific verb ('Add multiple items') and resource ('user's Kroger cart'), and distinguishes it from the sibling 'add_items_to_cart' by emphasizing bulk operation in a single call. The title being null doesn't affect this clarity.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
Explicit guidance is provided on when to use this tool: for adding multiple items in bulk, and when not to use it (if user hasn't specified pickup/delivery preference, ask first). This clearly differentiates it from the single-item 'add_items_to_cart' sibling tool.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior4/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It effectively describes key traits: it's a read-only operation (implied by 'View'), has a specific data scope (local tracking only), and returns a dictionary with items and summary. However, it doesn't mention potential errors, performance, or data freshness, leaving some gaps.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is highly concise and well-structured: a brief purpose statement, a critical note on limitations, and a clear returns section. Every sentence adds essential information without waste, and it's front-loaded with the core functionality.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the tool's low complexity (0 parameters, no output schema, no annotations), the description is largely complete: it explains what the tool does, its limitations, and return format. However, without an output schema, more detail on the dictionary structure (e.g., keys, data types) could enhance completeness, though the summary suffices for basic use.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema has 0 parameters with 100% coverage, so no parameter documentation is needed. The description appropriately doesn't discuss parameters, maintaining focus on the tool's purpose and output. A baseline of 4 is applied since no parameters exist, and the description adds value elsewhere without redundancy.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('View') and resource ('current cart contents tracked locally'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'add_items_to_cart' or 'remove_from_cart'. It explicitly notes the limitation to items added via the MCP server, which further clarifies its scope.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs. alternatives: it states 'This tool can only see items that were added via this MCP server' and contrasts with the Kroger API's inability to query actual user cart contents. This clearly defines its use case and limitations compared to external systems.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior4/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It clearly explains this is a local-only operation with no effect on the actual Kroger cart, which is crucial context. It also describes the return value (dictionary confirmation), though it doesn't detail potential errors or side effects beyond the clearing action.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured with clear sections: purpose statement, important limitation, usage guidelines, and return value. Every sentence adds value - the warning about actual cart limitations is critical, and the numbered usage scenarios are efficiently presented. No wasted words.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness5/5
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 provides complete context. It explains what the tool does, what it doesn't do, when to use it, and what it returns. The limitation about actual cart operations is particularly important given sibling tools that interact with carts.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters4/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The tool has 0 parameters with 100% schema description coverage, so the baseline is 4. The description appropriately doesn't discuss parameters since none exist, maintaining focus on the tool's purpose and usage context without unnecessary repetition.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Clear all items') and resource ('local cart tracking only'), distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'remove_from_cart' which likely interacts with the actual cart. It explicitly differentiates from actual cart operations, making the purpose unambiguous.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit when-to-use guidance with three numbered scenarios (e.g., after user clears actual cart, to update local tracking, or when out of sync). It also clearly states when NOT to use it (cannot remove items from actual Kroger cart), offering clear alternatives (user must use app/website).
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Behavior4/5
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
With no annotations provided, the description carries full burden and does well by disclosing critical behavioral constraints: it only affects local tracking, cannot modify the actual Kroger cart, and requires user action for real removal. It also describes the return value format. It doesn't cover potential errors or side effects, keeping it from a perfect score.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Conciseness5/5
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is efficiently structured with clear sections: purpose statement, important limitation, usage guidelines, parameters, and return value. Every sentence earns its place, and critical information is front-loaded with the 'IMPORTANT' warning.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Completeness4/5
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a mutation tool with no annotations and no output schema, the description provides strong context about behavior, parameters, and returns. It could slightly improve by mentioning error cases or confirming no side effects beyond local tracking, but it's largely complete for its complexity.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Parameters5/5
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
With 0% schema description coverage, the description fully compensates by explaining both parameters: product_id identifies what to remove, and modality specifies which instance (with clarification that 'None' removes all). This adds essential meaning beyond the bare schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Purpose5/5
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the specific action ('Remove an item from the local cart tracking only') and distinguishes it from siblings by explicitly contrasting with actual cart removal in the Kroger app/website. It avoids tautology by explaining the limited scope beyond just the tool name.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Usage Guidelines5/5
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description provides explicit when-to-use criteria (two numbered conditions) and when-not-to-use warnings (cannot remove from actual cart). It distinguishes from siblings by clarifying this is for local tracking sync only, not actual cart operations.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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