search_socrata_catalog

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

No annotations are provided, so the description must fully disclose behavioral traits. It only states the discovery purpose, omitting details like read-only nature, authentication needs, rate limits, or pagination behavior. This is insufficient for safe invocation.

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 sentence with no wasted words. However, it is too sparse to be effective; brevity here sacrifices essential details. It could expand slightly while remaining concise.

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?

Despite having an output schema (so return values need not be explained), the description omits critical context about parameter usage, result behavior, and tool limitations. For a tool with 2 parameters and multiple siblings, the description is incomplete.

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 has two parameters (limit, query) with 0% description coverage. The tool description does not explain their semantics or usage conventions (e.g., query format, limit bounds). The agent must infer meaning from names alone, which is risky.

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 'Discover state and local datasets hosted on Socrata' uses a specific verb ('Discover') and clearly identifies the resource (state and local datasets on Socrata). This distinguishes it from siblings like 'search_ckan_catalog' (CKAN) and 'search_data_gov' (federal data), providing clear purpose.

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?

No guidance is provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives. The description does not mention when to prefer it over siblings like 'query_socrata_dataset' or 'search_ckan_catalog', leaving the agent without context-dependent usage advice.

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