list_recipe_ingredients

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the burden of behavioral disclosure. It discloses the returned fields and the scope ('every ingredient line'), but it does not mention whether the operation is read-only, whether there is pagination/ordering, or how subrecipes are handled.

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 one tightly scoped sentence that leads with the action and resource, then enumerates useful output fields. There is no filler or redundant restating of the tool name.

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 one-parameter list tool with no output schema, the description adequately conveys what is returned and implies the input. It could be more complete with explicit usage boundaries or parameter semantics, but it is largely sufficient for an agent to invoke it 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 single recipe_id parameter has no schema-level description and overall schema coverage is 0%. The description indirectly clarifies that recipe_id identifies the recipe whose lines are listed, but it does not explicitly document the parameter or provide format/source context.

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 ('List') and resource ('every ingredient line on a recipe') and names the exact output fields (recipe_ingredient IDs, ingredient IDs, quantities, units, total_grams). This clearly distinguishes it from siblings like get_recipe_ingredient (singular) and list_ingredients (global ingredient catalog).

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 implies when to use the tool: when you need all ingredient lines for a given recipe. However, it provides no explicit guidance about when to prefer get_recipe_ingredient for a single line or list_ingredients for a catalog, and it names no alternative tools.

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