Platform limits and settings

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, destructiveHint false, and openWorldHint false. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations by stating that it works with any key, including no scope, which addresses authentication requirements for the read operation.

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?

Three compact sentences with no wasted words. The most important content, what the tool returns, is front-loaded, followed by when to use it and an auth caveat.

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?

For a zero-parameter read-only list tool with an output schema, the description is complete enough. It explains the returned platform properties, provides the key usage prerequisite, and notes auth behavior, leaving no critical gap.

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 tool has zero parameters, so the baseline is 4. The description correctly does not waste space describing input parameters, and the empty schema fully covers the required input semantics.

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 states exactly what the tool returns: every platform the rail posts to, with text limits, media rules, documentTitle requirements, first-comment support, and settings JSON Schema. It is specific and distinguishes itself from the sibling posts_create by telling the agent to read it beforehand.

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?

It gives clear usage context: 'Read it before posts_create' and notes that it works with any key (read scope or none). This is strong guidance, though it does not explicitly name when not to use it or contrast with unrelated siblings.

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