get_notifications

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 indicates the operation is scoped to the 'authenticated member' and uses 'Get' to imply a read-only action. However, it does not disclose whether any side effects occur, permissions required, rate limits, or the scope of notifications (e.g., all boards vs. specific board). For a read operation, this is adequate but minimal.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description consists of two concise sentences, front-loaded with the verb and resource. It contains zero wasted words and immediately conveys the core purpose and use case.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

The tool has 7 parameters and no output schema, yet the description does not explain the return format, default behavior, or what fields are available. It only mentions 'recent activity and updates' without details on pagination, filtering options, or example usage. This under-specification makes it difficult for an agent to fully anticipate the tool's behavior.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema description coverage is 100%, with all 7 parameters having detailed descriptions in the input schema. The tool description adds no additional parameter information. Baseline 3 is appropriate since the schema already provides full semantic coverage.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states the tool retrieves notifications for the authenticated member, using the specific verb 'Get' and resource 'notifications'. It distinguishes itself from all sibling tools, none of which handle notifications, and adds the purpose 'to see recent activity and updates.'

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The phrase 'Use this to see recent activity and updates' provides explicit context for when to use the tool. However, it does not mention alternatives or when not to use it. Since no sibling tool appears to handle notifications, the lack of exclusions is acceptable, but the guidance could be more explicit about the intended scenario.

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