list_latest_topics

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

With no annotations, the description must carry behavioral context. It discloses that the operation is anonymous and that page numbering starts at 0, which is useful. It does not describe response shape, result limits, ordering details, or any error/rate-limit behavior, but for a simple read-only list tool this is a reasonable baseline.

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?

Two short sentences convey purpose, authentication context, and pagination behavior without filler. The most important information is front-loaded.

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 one-parameter, read-only list tool, the description is mostly complete: it states what is listed, where, authentication status, and page starting value. It could additionally state the shape of the returned topic objects or page size, but these are not essential to invoking the tool correctly.

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 covers 100% of parameters and already describes page as an integer starting at 0. The description only restates this same meaning and adds no deeper semantic detail, so the baseline of 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 the verb and resource: listing the latest topics on the forum homepage. It is distinguishable from siblings like list_top_topics and list_category_topics because of the homepage and latest orientation, though it does not explicitly name those alternatives.

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 gives useful usage context: this is the anonymous homepage-latest listing, and pagination starts at 0. It does not explicitly state when to prefer this over list_top_topics or list_category_topics, leaving some inference to the agent.

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