PAIDEIA__init_course

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

With no annotations, the description must disclose behavioral traits. It indicates a folder skeleton creation but omits details like potential overwrite behavior, required permissions, side effects, or prerequisites (e.g., existence of project_root). This is insufficient for safe invocation.

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 sentences, but the first two are redundant (namespace alias and instruction to use exact name). The core purpose is stated in the third sentence, but overall it is not as tight as it could be.

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 complexity (7 parameters, no output schema), the description is incomplete. It does not describe what 'folder skeleton' entails, what files are created, what the return value is, or any prerequisites. The agent lacks key context to use the tool effectively.

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 low (29%), and the description adds no parameter information. It does not clarify meaning or usage of any of the 7 parameters, relying solely on the schema which is sparse. The agent gains no additional guidance from the description.

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 creates a 'PAIDEIA local course folder skeleton' for Alt or any MCP client, which is a specific verb and resource. It also identifies itself as an alias for init_course, but does not elaborate on differences from sibling tools.

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 instructs to 'Use this exact name when Alt searches for PAIDEIA__init_course', providing a specific when-to-use hint. However, no when-not-to-use or alternative suggestions are given, and the context for why the alias exists is not explained.

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