dnsListRecords

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

With no annotations, the description must carry the behavioral burden. 'List' clearly signals a read-only, non-destructive operation, and 'for a domain' scopes the resource. However, it does not mention authentication prerequisites, whether the domain must already exist in the account, pagination, or the exact record types returned.

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 focused sentence with the primary action front-loaded and an API-reference link appended. It contains no fluff, though the parenthetical link could be considered extra rather than essential.

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 list operation the description is close to sufficient: it names the action, resource, provider, and points to full API docs. The absence of any usage guidance, return-shape hints, or behavioral details beyond 'List' leaves minor gaps, but the low complexity keeps this at a mid score.

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 input schema already describes the only parameter ('domain') with 100% coverage, so the description need not add much. It adds only 'for a domain,' which restates the schema, and offers no format or normalization guidance. Baseline 3 applies because the schema carries the burden.

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'), a clear resource ('DNS resource records'), and names the provider ('NameSilo DNS') with an API-reference link. It is unambiguous about what the tool does, though it does not explicitly distinguish itself from sibling dnsSecListRecords or the DNS mutation tools.

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?

No guidance is given about when to use this tool instead of siblings such as dnsAddRecord, dnsUpdateRecord, dnsDeleteRecord, or dnsSecListRecords. The read-only nature is inferable from the verb, but the description does not state exclusions or alternatives.

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