verify

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 reveals that tests run 'in a sandbox', implying isolation, which is useful. However, it does not mention whether the tool modifies files, requires network access, or has any side effects on the workspace. Since it does not contradict annotations (none exist) and provides one meaningful behavioral detail, a middle score is appropriate.

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

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

A single, front-loaded sentence that immediately communicates the action, target, and method. Every word contributes value, with no redundancy or filler.

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 is relatively simple: two optional params, no required fields, and an output schema exists (so return format need not be explained). The description covers the core behavior adequately. While it could elaborate on how 'base' and 'scope' interplay, the schema already documents those, so the description does not need to repeat them. Minor gap: it does not state whether the tool is read-only, but the sandbox hint mitigates that.

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 coverage is 100% – both 'base' and 'scope' have descriptions in the schema. The tool description adds no additional parameter semantics beyond what the schema already provides. Per the baseline rule for high schema coverage, a score of 3 is given.

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 specific action ('Verify'), the target ('current working-tree changes'), and the method ('running affected pytest tests in a sandbox'). It distinguishes itself from siblings: explain_failure is for diagnosing failures, history is for past actions, and run_checks is a broader term that might overlap, but this tool is explicitly about pytest verification, making its niche unambiguous.

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 implies the tool is for verifying changes before committing, but it does not explicitly state when to prefer this over run_checks or provide exclusion criteria. There is no mention of alternatives or conditions that would make this tool inappropriate, leaving the routing decision to the agent's inference.

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