test_regex

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

With no annotations provided, the description carries the full burden of disclosure. It simply says 'see matches' without describing how matches are returned (e.g., full match vs. groups, positions, or count), how flags affect behavior, or what happens with invalid patterns. It does not even explicitly state that the operation is read-only and safe.

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 immediately communicates the core action. Every word is useful and there is no redundant or boilerplate content.

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 test tool with full schema coverage, the description is minimally adequate, but it lacks details about the return value structure and any usage context. Since there is no output schema, the description could have explained what 'see matches' entails (e.g., an array of match objects). The absence of such information makes it only partially complete.

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% with each parameter (pattern, text, flags) already explained. The tool description adds little beyond restating that it tests a regex against text, so it neither enhances nor detracts from the schema-provided semantics.

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 clear verb 'Test' with a specific resource 'regular expression against text' and indicates the outcome 'see matches'. However, it does not explicitly distinguish the tool from sibling tools like 'extract_from_text' which might also work with regex expressions.

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 guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, such as 'explain_regex' for understanding a pattern or 'extract_from_text' for using regex to pull data. The only implicit usage is testing a regex, but no exclusions or contextual scenarios are mentioned.

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