sqrt

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It states the tool calculates the square root but does not mention error handling (e.g., for negative inputs), performance characteristics, or output format. This leaves significant gaps in understanding how the tool behaves beyond its basic function.

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 and front-loaded: 'Calculate the square root of a number.' The parenthetical adds minimal context without redundancy. Every word serves a purpose, making it efficient and easy to parse, with no wasted sentences.

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 tool's simplicity (one parameter, no annotations, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It lacks details on error conditions, output format, and behavioral traits. While the purpose is clear, the overall context for safe and effective use is insufficient, especially without annotations to fill in gaps.

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 one parameter 'x' with 0% description coverage, so the schema provides no semantic information. The description adds meaning by specifying that 'x' is a 'number' for which the square root is calculated, but it does not detail constraints (e.g., non-negative) or units. This partially compensates for the low schema coverage but is not comprehensive.

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's purpose: 'Calculate the square root of a number.' It specifies the verb ('calculate') and resource ('square root'), making the function unambiguous. However, it does not explicitly differentiate from sibling tools like 'sqrt2', 'sqrt3', or 'sqrt5', which are specific square root functions, so it misses full sibling distinction.

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 provides minimal usage guidance with the parenthetical '(Domain: arithmetic, Category: core)', which implies context but does not specify when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'sqrt2' or 'cbrt2'. There is no explicit mention of when or when not to use it, or any prerequisites, leaving the agent with little direction.

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