Material catalog

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, so the safe read-only behavior is covered. The description adds useful behavioral context beyond annotations: the catalog is 'full' and includes pricing, and the returned material IDs are explicitly compatible with get_estimate. It does not add every operational detail, but the annotations lower the burden and the description complements them well.

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 two sentences with no filler. The core purpose is front-loaded, followed by one filtering tip and one output-compatibility note, all of which earn their place. This is a model of concise, structured documentation.

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 low complexity (four optional, well-described parameters), rich annotations, and an output schema, the description is complete enough for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly. It states the purpose, the filtering option, and the downstream use of the returned IDs. No critical invocation detail is missing.

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 schema provides descriptions for all four parameters (limit, offset, search, category), so schema coverage is 100% and the baseline is 3. The description only repeats the category-filter concept and adds no new parameter syntax, defaults, or formatting details beyond what the schema already provides. It meets the baseline but does not elevate it.

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: 'Browse the full material catalog with pricing' and lists concrete material types. It also adds a distinctive output detail ('Returns material IDs compatible with get_estimate'), which helps differentiate it from many siblings. However, it doesn't explicitly distinguish itself from the similarly named get_material_options, so it stops short of a 5.

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 clear context: an agent can use this tool to browse materials and obtain IDs for get_estimate. The instruction 'Use category to filter' gives practical invocation guidance. It never explicitly names when not to use it or compares it to alternatives like get_material_options, so it lacks the explicit exclusion language needed for a 5.

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