industrial_metals

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries full burden. It discloses it's a GET request with a cost ($0.05 via x402) and states it returns real-time prices with momentum signals and category analysis. However, it does not disclose rate limits, authentication needs, or any side effects beyond the cost.

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 extremely concise: two sentences. The first sentence states the core function and features. The second lists specific metals and pricing details. Every sentence adds new information with no redundancy.

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 zero parameters and presence of an output schema (not shown but indicated), the description covers the essential: what metals, features (momentum signals, category analysis), and cost. It does not describe the output schema format, but that is handled by the schema itself. The tool is simple with no inputs, so the description is mostly complete.

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 zero parameters, and schema coverage is 100%. With no parameters, the description does not need to explain parameter semantics. The description adds value by explaining the output content (prices, signals, categories).

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 tool provides real-time prices for 13 specific industrial metals, along with momentum signals and category analysis. It lists all metals covered and mentions the API endpoint and cost. This verb+resource description distinguishes it from sibling tools like agricultural_commodities or energy_markets.

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 implicitly suggests using this tool when needing prices for these metals but does not provide explicit guidance on when to use it versus alternatives like energy_markets or agricultural_commodities. No exclusion criteria or alternative tools are mentioned.

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