read_file

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

No annotations provided, so description carries full burden. Discloses read operation and JSON parsing but lacks details on large file handling, encoding, or permission requirements. Adequate but not thorough.

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?

Well-structured with summary, Args, and Returns. Some redundancy with schema (e.g., defaults restated), but overall concise and front-loaded.

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?

Complete for basic use: explains all parameters and return values. Missing error handling or edge cases (e.g., file not found, binary files), but given no output schema and no annotations, it covers core functionality well.

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 0% (no descriptions), but the description explains each parameter in Args section (path, start_row, end_row, as_json) with context like 0-based indexing and optionality. Adds value beyond schema titles.

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?

Clearly states 'Read content from a file with optional row selection,' which is a specific verb+resource. Distinguishes from sibling tools like write_file and update_file_content as a read-only operation.

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?

Implies usage for reading file content but provides no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives like list_directory or get_current_directory. Missing prerequisites or error scenarios.

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