get_downloads

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden. It only states the return type and lists error codes, without disclosing any behavioral traits such as read-only nature, pagination, or ordering. This is insufficient for an agent to fully understand the tool's behavior.

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 main sentence is concise and front-loaded. However, the long list of error codes adds unnecessary verbosity and is not essential for typical usage. Trimming or summarizing the error codes would improve conciseness.

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 that there is an output schema, the description need not explain return values. The description covers the purpose and error codes. For a simple list-all tool, it is mostly complete, though it could mention if any implicit ordering or filtering exists.

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 tool has zero parameters (input schema is empty), so baseline is 4. The description does not need to add parameter semantics, and it correctly omits parameter information.

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 'Returns the collection of all Download tasks', using a specific verb and resource. This purpose distinguishes it from siblings like get_downloads_id (specific task) and get_downloads_config (configuration).

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 explicit when-to-use or when-not-to-use guidance is provided. The purpose implies it is for listing all downloads, but there is no mention of alternatives or conditions. Given the large sibling list, some guidance would help, but the purpose is clear enough.

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