list_commodities

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

No annotations are present, so the description carries full burden. It does not disclose authentication needs, rate limits, or the nature of the data (e.g., live vs cached). The search parameter's effect is not explained, and the output format is not hinted, even though an output schema exists.

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, concise sentence with no extraneous words. However, it sacrifices completeness for brevity, missing key details about parameters and behavior.

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 has one optional parameter and an output schema, the description is insufficient. It does not mention the search filter, output structure (e.g., list of commodity names/objects), or temporal scope (today's data). Sibling tools are not referenced, so the agent lacks context for correct use.

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 description coverage is 0%, and the description does not explain the purpose of the 'search' parameter. While the schema shows it is an optional string that can be null, the description adds no semantic value, such as indicating it filters commodities by name.

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 verb 'List' and the resource 'available commodities in today's Agmarknet data', which distinguishes it from sibling tools like list_markets (which lists markets) and others focused on prices. However, it could be more precise about the temporal scope (e.g., 'current date's data') to avoid ambiguity.

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 vs alternatives like list_markets or get_commodity_price. There is no mention of prerequisites, limitations, or comparison to siblings, leaving the agent without decision support.

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