Search Datasets (example)

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

The annotations (readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, idempotentHint, destructiveHint: false) already establish the safety profile. The description adds one meaningful behavioral fact—'This stub... without calling a live API'—which is honest and useful context. However, it doesn't elaborate on return behavior, result ordering, or error conditions, leaving most of the behavioral burden on the annotations. No contradiction with the annotations is present.

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 text is short and front-loads the meaningful description, which is good. However, roughly three of four lines are implementer-facing stub notes ('(STUB — replace me.)', 'Swap the body...', 'a worked pattern is included below in a comment') that add no value to an agent selecting or invoking the tool. It's not verbose, but those sentences could earn their place better with functional detail.

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 presence of an output schema, return values don't need explanation. The schema plus annotations cover the mechanical calling contract well. However, the description leaves open real-world questions an agent might face, such as what 'federal datasets' covers, and pagination behavior. For an explicitly stubbed example tool, this is adequate, but not complete for a production tool.

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%, and the schema thoroughly documents all three parameters: the required 'query', the pagination object with limits and defaults, and the response_format enum with its default. Per calibration rules, the baseline is 3 when the schema covers everything. The description itself adds no parameter-level insight, which is acceptable at this coverage level.

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 opening sentence 'Search federal datasets matching a query string' uses a specific verb and resource, so an agent immediately knows what the tool does. The remaining stub text is implementer-oriented but does not obscure the purpose. It earns a 4 because it's clear on function, though the nonsensical stub placeholder text prevents a 5.

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?

There is no guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, what input it expects conceptually (beyond schema), or any prerequisites or limitations. The stub text discusses implementation ('Swap the body for an actual request') rather than agent-facing usage. While the absence of sibling tools lowers the need for differentiation, the description still provides no real usage context.

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