delete_file

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the full burden of behavioral disclosure. It only says the file is deleted; it does not mention that deletion is likely permanent, what happens if the path does not exist, whether directories are supported, or whether any recovery is possible. For a destructive tool this is a significant gap.

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 seven words, front-loaded with the action, and contains no filler or redundant information. It is appropriately minimal for a one-parameter tool.

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 single-parameter tool this is minimally adequate, but because it is destructive and has no annotations or output schema, an agent would benefit from knowing whether deletion is irreversible, whether recursion or directory deletion is supported, and what error behavior to expect. The description only covers the happy path.

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 100%, so the schema already documents the 'path' parameter. The description adds minimal semantic value beyond the schema, only reinforcing that the path refers to a file on the filesystem. 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 states a specific action ('Delete'), a specific resource ('file'), and a clear scope ('filesystem'). It is immediately distinguishable from sibling tools like read_file, write_file, and list_directory.

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 purpose implicitly indicates when to use the tool: when a file needs to be removed. However, there is no explicit guidance on when not to use it, no mention of alternatives, and no conditions such as requiring confirmation or checking for directory deletion.

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