get_youtube_channel

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

With no annotations provided, the description bears full responsibility for disclosing behavioral traits. It mentions 'retrieve' (implying read-only) but fails to specify any other characteristics like authentication requirements, rate limits, or the exact nature of the returned data (e.g., subscriber count, channel metadata).

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, front-loaded sentence that efficiently conveys the tool's purpose without extraneous words. Every element (verb, resource, scope) earns its place.

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?

For a simple tool with one parameter and no output schema, the description gives a reasonable idea of the return content ('videos and statistics'), but lacks specific details about the output fields (e.g., channel name, subscriber count) or behavioral context. It meets a minimum viable standard but is not comprehensive.

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 100% for the single parameter 'url', which is already described as 'URL of the YouTube channel.' The tool description does not add any additional meaning or constraints beyond what the schema provides, so the baseline score of 3 applies.

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 uses a specific verb 'Retrieve' and resource 'a YouTube channel', and clearly states the scope includes 'its videos and statistics', effectively distinguishing it from sibling tools like 'get_youtube_transcript' (transcript retrieval) and 'run_youtube_search' (search).

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 no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives such as 'run_youtube_search' for finding channels or 'get_youtube_transcript' for video transcripts. The agent must infer context solely from the name and sibling list.

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