search_project_state

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

With no annotations provided, the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only mentions 'simple keyword query' without explaining output format, pagination, case sensitivity, wildcards, or any side effects. This minimal information is insufficient for an agent to understand the tool's behavior beyond the basic intent.

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 a single, concise sentence with no extraneous words. However, it lacks structure such as front-loading key details or breaking down complex information. While efficient, it could be slightly more informative without losing conciseness.

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 absence of an output schema and annotations, the description should explain what the search returns. It does not mention the return format, whether results are filtered or sorted, or any limitations. This leaves a significant gap in context for the agent to correctly invoke and interpret the tool's output.

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 input schema provides full descriptions for both parameters ('project' and 'query'), achieving 100% coverage. The description adds only the qualifier 'simple', which does not significantly enhance meaning beyond the schema. Therefore, it meets the baseline for high schema coverage without adding substantial value.

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 action ('Search'), the resource ('project state ledger'), and the method ('simple keyword query'). It effectively distinguishes this tool from its siblings (get_project_state, list_projects, record_project_entry, update_project_entry) by indicating a different purpose: searching instead of retrieving full state, listing, recording, or updating.

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 usage for keyword-based searching but does not explicitly state when to use this tool versus alternatives. No guidance on when not to use it or which sibling might be better suited for specific scenarios is provided, leaving the agent to infer from 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.