get_material_quantities

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

No annotations are provided, and the description does not disclose behavioral traits beyond the basic operation. It does not specify that the tool is read-only, mention side effects, or address performance or permissions. Additionally, the description includes a 'ctx' parameter not present in the schema, causing minor inconsistency.

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

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

The description is relatively short and front-loads the core purpose. The inclusion of an 'Args' section provides structure, though the 'ctx' line could be considered unnecessary if it is not part of the actual input schema.

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?

Given the tool's simplicity (one optional parameter, no output schema), the description explains inputs and output type (aggregated material data with areas and volumes). However, it lacks detail on the exact return format (e.g., list of objects) and units, which would be needed for full completeness.

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

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

The single parameter 'categories' has no schema description, but the tool description adds meaning by providing an example and stating it defaults to all categories. This compensates for the missing schema documentation, though the description references an extra 'ctx' parameter not in the schema.

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 material quantities (areas and volumes) from a Revit model, with optional category filtering. It is specific about the verb and resource but does not differentiate from sibling tools like 'analyze_model_statistics'.

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

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

The description mentions it is 'useful for quantity takeoffs and cost estimation', implying a use case but providing no explicit guidance on when to use this tool vs alternatives or when not to use it.

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