get_context_briefing

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

With no annotations, the description carries full burden. It discloses that the briefing includes 'cluster summaries, recent high-confidence decisions, and active problems', but omits details on ranking logic, token-capping behavior (e.g., truncation), or any side effects. The description provides some behavior but not comprehensive transparency.

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 three sentences, efficiently front-loaded with the main action and purpose. No superfluous words; every sentence provides essential information (what, when, what includes). Excellent conciseness and structure.

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?

Given 4 parameters and no output schema, the description covers primary use and content but lacks details on return format, edge cases (e.g., empty context), and token-capping behavior. It is moderately complete but leaves gaps that an agent might need to infer.

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 baseline is 3. The description adds minimal extra meaning beyond the schema: it clarifies the project parameter as an alternative to repo, but does not elaborate on format or usage details for scope or max_tokens. The description adds marginal value, thus score 3.

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 clearly states the tool returns a ranked, token-capped briefing of important context, specifying the verb and resource. It distinguishes from siblings by recommending use at session start and listing included content types (cluster summaries, decisions, problems), differentiating from tools like get_recent_decisions or get_open_problems.

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?

Explicitly says 'Use this at the START of a session to efficiently prime your understanding', providing clear usage context. It does not explicitly state when not to use or mention alternatives, but the sibling tools imply specialization, so the guidance is clear but lacks exclusions.

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