get_stale_context

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

With no annotations, the description must fully disclose behavior. It states the return format but does not explain whether the operation is read-only, whether it blocks, what happens with no stale relationships, or any side effects. This is insufficient for a tool that returns dynamic confidence-based data.

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 sentence, concise and front-loaded with the core purpose. However, it is arguably too terse - a second sentence about key usage details would improve without harming conciseness.

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 3 optional parameters, no output schema, and no annotations, the description is insufficiently complete. It does not clarify the Markdown output structure, pagination, or what 'stale' means operationally. Compared to siblings like 'get_context_briefing', it lacks necessary detail for correct invocation.

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 documents all 3 parameters with descriptions (100% coverage). The tool description adds no additional meaning or context for the parameters. Baseline 3 is appropriate since the schema covers the burden, but the description could clarify how 'repo' and 'project' interact or the interpretation of 'threshold'.

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 specifies the action ('returns'), the resource ('relationships that have decayed in confidence'), and the output format ('as a Markdown string'). It clearly distinguishes from siblings like 'get_context_briefing' that provide general context. However, 'may be outdated' is ambiguous - it could be more precise about the confidence decay mechanism.

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 provided on when to use this tool versus alternatives like 'search_context' or 'invalidate_edge'. The description does not mention prerequisites, scenarios, or when not to use it. For a tool with many siblings, this omission leaves the agent without decision criteria.

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