singapore_compare_hdb_prices

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

With annotations covering read-only, idempotent, open-world, and non-destructive behavior, the description adds useful context about using the entire official CSV export, the 64 MiB cap, and the EXPORT_PENDING retry state. It does not cover rate limits or output shape, but the output schema and annotations reduce that burden.

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 three compact sentences, front-loads the core operation, and each sentence adds relevant scope or behavior details. There is no redundant restatement of the tool name.

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 read-only tool with annotations and an output schema, the description covers the key data-source behavior and retry condition. It is somewhat incomplete on usage alternatives and optional parameter meaning, but overall sufficient for safe invocation.

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 0%, so the description must carry parameter meaning. It mentions towns and a bounded month interval, but it does not explain the optional flat_type parameter or add much beyond the parameter names and schema patterns.

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 a specific verb and resource: comparing HDB resale prices across towns over a bounded month interval. It also distinguishes the data source from a Datastore page, helping separate it from generic query siblings.

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 some operational guidance by warning that exports may still be processing and saying to retry on EXPORT_PENDING. However, it does not explicitly say when to use this tool instead of sibling query tools such as singapore_query_hdb_resale or singapore_query_dataset.

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