Shopping List Remove Tool

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

No annotations are provided, so the description carries the burden. It clearly states the operation is a removal (destructive), which is transparent about the mutation. However, it doesn't disclose what happens if the item_id doesn't exist, whether removal is permanent, or any side effects. The prerequisite hint is useful but the behavioral detail is minimal.

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 sentences with zero waste. The core action is stated first, and the prerequisite guidance is a single clear sentence. Every word earns its place.

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 single-parameter removal tool, the description is nearly complete. It states the action, the resource, and the prerequisite for obtaining the parameter. It doesn't describe the return value or error behavior, but with an output schema present and a simple operation, this is a minor gap.

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 item_id parameter. The description adds the context that item_id should be obtained from shopping_list_view_tool, which is helpful but not a deep semantic addition. Baseline 3 is appropriate since the schema does the heavy lifting.

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 verb ('Remove'), a specific resource ('a single item from the shopping list'), and distinguishes it from sibling tools like shopping_list_clear_tool (which removes all items) and shopping_list_update_tool (which modifies rather than removes). The scope is unambiguous.

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 explicitly instructs to use shopping_list_view_tool first to find the item_id, which is a clear usage prerequisite. It doesn't explicitly mention when not to use this tool (e.g., for bulk removal use shopping_list_clear_tool), but the prerequisite guidance is strong and actionable.

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