Get Futures Price

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

Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and openWorldHint=true. The description adds context that it returns the 'latest front-month' price and lists supported commodities, which is helpful but does not significantly expand on behavioral traits like data freshness or response format.

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 concise: two sentences (purpose + usage guidance) followed by a list of supported commodities. Every sentence adds value, no fluff. Front-loaded with the core purpose.

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 optional parameter, no required, no output schema), the description is fairly complete. It explains what it returns (latest front-month price), lists supported contracts, and references the sibling for curve. It could be slightly improved by mentioning the response format, but not essential.

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 coverage is 100%, with a detailed description for the contract parameter. The description repeats the enumerated values in a summary manner but does not add new semantic meaning beyond what the schema already provides. Baseline 3 is appropriate.

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 'Get the latest front-month futures contract price for energy commodities,' which is a specific verb+resource. It distinguishes from sibling opa_get_futures_curve by noting the scope (front-month only) and lists supported commodities.

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?

Explicitly says 'Use when the user asks about futures, forward prices, or contract prices' and provides a clear alternative: 'For the full forward curve across all contract months, use opa_get_futures_curve instead.' This gives both when-to-use and when-not-to.

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